EU Parliament Holds Final Voting Session Before 2024 Elections

The European Parliament is holding its final voting session in Strasbourg, France from April 22 to 25, 2024, ahead of the upcoming European elections scheduled for June 6 and 9. The session is taking place at the European Parliament building in Strasbourg, as indicated by an election poster visible at the venue.

The agenda for the final session includes debates and votes on various topics, such as the Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards, pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews, the Net Zero Industry Act, and several resolutions on issues related to Azerbaijan, The Gambia, Hong Kong, and Russia's presidential elections. MEPs will also vote on simplifying certain Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) rules, the 2025 budget estimates, amending budgets for 2024, and regulations on advance passenger information for border controls and crime prevention.

Key events during the session include lead MEP Javi López (S&D, ES) briefing journalists on revised rules following the final plenary vote, and the Committee on Constitutional Affairs endorsing an agreement for a body to strengthen integrity, transparency, and accountability in European decision-making. Lead MEPs will also brief media on various topics after final plenary votes, including the Platform Work Directive, new rules for corporate sustainability, the right to repair for consumers, and banning products made with forced labor.

On April 24, the European Parliament adopted by a vote of 381 to 225 with 17 abstentions a provisional agreement with the EU Council on new measures to improve ambient air quality. The agreement aims to update air quality standards, some of which were established nearly two decades ago, in order to halve pollution across the EU and pave the way for healthier living conditions. The vote saw a division within the EPP (European People's Party) group on this text.

Why this matters: The final voting session of the European Parliament before the 2024 elections will shape key policies and legislation that impact citizens across the EU. The outcomes of these votes will set the stage for the upcoming electoral campaigns and debates.

The European Parliament's last Eurobarometer survey before the June elections reveals awareness and concern among citizens about the current geopolitical context. Spokespersons for Parliament and political groups will hold a briefing on the plenary session, highlighting the significance of the decisions made during this final voting session before voters head to the polls in June to elect a new European Parliament.

Key Takeaways

• European Parliament holds final voting session before 2024 elections (Apr 22-25).
• Agenda includes debates and votes on ethical standards, CAP, air pollution, and more.
• Parliament adopts agreement to update air quality standards across the EU.
• Outcomes of votes will shape policies and set stage for electoral campaigns.
• Voters to elect new European Parliament in June 2024 elections.