Election of the 2019-2024 Commission

Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen presents her team and programme in the plenary on Wednesday morning. Following a debate, MEPs will decide by simple majority whether to elect the Commission or not. If approved, the new Commission will start its work on 1 December. The plenary vote brings to an end Parliament’s process of examination of the proposed team of commissioners, ensuring the democratic legitimacy of the EU’s executive branch.

Climate emergency

On Monday, MEPs debate the climate and environmental emergency. Ahead of the COP25 climate talks in Madrid, Parliament is expected to call on the EU to take the lead in the fight against climate change. Members will vote on Thursday on two draft resolutions calling for the EU to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

EU budget for 2020

On Wednesday, Parliament is set to approve next year’s EU budget. The budget, agreed with member states on 18 November, will boost investment in climate action, research, infrastructure and young people.

Oleg Sentsov

Ukrainian film director and human rights activist Oleg Sentsov is in Parliament on Tuesday to pick up the 2018 Sakharov Prize. When Parliament’s human rights prize was awarded last year, Sentsov was in prison for protesting Russia’s annexation of his native Crimea.

LUX Prize

The awarding of Parliament’s 2019 LUX Film Prize takes place on Wednesday in the presence of the three finalists. The LUX Prize aims to promote European cinema, make films accessible to larger audiences and help promising European productions.

Violence against women

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Parliament will be lit up in orange on Monday evening. MEPs also discuss and vote on measures to prevent violence against women and are expected to urge EU countries to ratify the Istanbul Convention.