In the coming week, there are several key diary dates to keep in mind for those following European Union politics. From October 7 to 10, the European Week of Regions and Cities will take place, with various events and discussions planned. On October 7, the European Parliament committee will adopt a position on the EU 2025 budget, followed by the publication of the European Court of Auditors’ annual report on the EU budget on October 10.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are heading to Strasbourg for the first of two plenary sessions in October, with an important vote in the budget committee scheduled for Monday evening. MEPs will be considering amendments to the Council’s position on the Commission’s draft budget for 2025 and will decide on the Parliament’s position. There is concern over proposed cuts to flagship EU projects such as the Horizon Europe research program and the Erasmus+ mobility program, with MEPs like Andrzej Halicki and Victor Negrescu opposing such reductions.
The vote and discussion on the 2025 budget are significant, but discussions on the next multi-annual financial framework will also be looming in the background. These ongoing debates over budget allocations and priorities are expected to continue in the future. In addition to budget discussions, the European Court of Auditors will be presenting its annual report on the EU’s budget on Thursday, highlighting the risks and challenges facing the EU’s finances.
In terms of policy newsmakers, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has taken over as the secretary-general of NATO, replacing former Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. Rutte, an EU veteran with a relationship with Donald Trump, is seen as well-placed to tackle the challenges facing the organization. This leadership change could have implications for NATO’s direction and priorities moving forward. Additionally, data briefs and polls may provide insights into public opinion and policy preferences in the EU.
Overall, the upcoming week in European politics is filled with important dates and decisions. From budget discussions and elections to leadership changes and reports on financial scrutiny, there is much to keep an eye on for those interested in EU affairs. The ongoing debates over budget allocations and priorities, as well as the implications of leadership changes at NATO, will shape the future direction of the European Union and its policies.
