(AGENPARL) – Fri 16 January 2026 [1] scribo-webmail-logo [10]
Press service **
European Parliament **
Available in *
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Agenda [3]
The Week Ahead 19 – 25 January 2026 [4]
Plenary session, Strasbourg
Key debate/December European Council/EU sovereignty*. On Wednesday morning/, MEPs will debate the results of the 18 December EU summit and the need for a stronger and more sovereign Europe amid rising geopolitical tensions, with Presidents Costa and von der Leyen.
Greenland. *On Tuesday/ MEPs will discuss the EU’s response to President Trump’s claims on Greenland.
Iran. *On Tuesday/, MEPs and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas will debate recent events in Iran, where authorities have been responding to nationwide protests with lethal force. A resolution will be put to a vote on Thursday.
Venezuela.* The situation in Venezuela following the abduction of Nicolás Maduro and the need to ensure a peaceful democratic transition will be up for a debate with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday/.
Ukraine loan. *On Tuesday/, plenary will vote on whether to fast-track the approval of the enhanced cooperation by 24 member states on the establishment of a €90 billion Ukraine loan, on the setting up of the Ukraine Support Loan for 2026 and 2027, and amendment of the Ukraine Facility.
EU-US relations. *On Wednesday/, MEPs will vote on a report assessing EU-US relations. The draft text says the EU must enhance its strategic autonomy and stresses the need for Europe to take on greater responsibility for its security. A press conference is scheduled after the vote.
Mercosur/EU Court opinion/motion of censure.* On Wednesday/ MEPs will decide whether to seek the European Court of Justice’s opinion on the compatibility of the EU-Mercosur deals with the EU Treaties. On Monday/, MEPs will hold a debate on a motion of censure against the European Commission, followed by a vote on Thursday/.
Air passenger rights. *MEPs will debate on Tuesday/ and vote on Wednesday/ on an update to the rights of air travellers facing flight disruptions, to ensure compensation after a three-hour delay. A press conference is scheduled to follow the vote.
AI deepfakes and sexual exploitation on social media. *In a debate on Tuesday/, Parliament is expected to call for stronger and faster enforcement of EU laws to prevent the use of AI tools to create illegal sexual content.
Cyprus Council Presidency*. On Tuesday/, MEPs will discuss the programme of Cyprus’s six-month Council Presidency, which began on 1 January, with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides. EP President Metsola and President Christodoulides will hold a press conference after the debate.
40th anniversary of Spain and Portugal joining the EU*. His Majesty Felipe VI, King of Spain, and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will address MEPs on Wednesday/ at 12.00 during a formal sitting.
President’s diary. *On Tuesday, President Metsola will meet President Christodoulides of Cyprus before he addresses the plenary. On Wednesday, she will meet with His Majesty Felipe VI, King of Spain, and His Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal, before they address MEPs during the solemn session to mark the anniversary of their countries’ accession.
Last-minute briefing. *On Monday at 16:30, Parliament will hold a press briefing on the plenary session, which starts at 17:00. Political group briefings will take place on Tuesday.
EP Press Service contacts [5]
Further information
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The full agenda