Strasbourg shooting

On 12 December, MEPs paid tribute to the victims of Tuesday’s terror attack in the city of Strasbourg with a minute’s silence. “We must continue to work to demonstrate that the strength that we draw from freedom and democracy will always win over violence, crime and terror,” President Antonio Tajani said.

Combatting terrorism

On 12 December MEPs adopted recommendations for a new EU strategy to tackle radicalisation, improve data interoperability and support victims of terrorism. Parliament recommends reinforcing the role of e EU agencies such as Europol and the European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT Systems (eu-LISA).

Budget

The EU’s budget for 2019 was approved on Wednesday with Parliament boosting funds to tackle migration and youth unemployment, climate protection, Erasmus+ and research programmes. Commitment appropriations for the year total €165.8 billion; payment appropriations total €148.2 billion. More in our interview with lead MEP Daniele Viotti.

Members proposed to substantially increase funding for research, environment and climate-related measures in the next long-term EU budget.

Other issues

MEPs updated rules to protect workers from exposure to carcinogenic and mutagenic substances, including diesel fumes, in a vote on Tuesday.