site.btaEuropean Parliament Opens First Plenary Session of 2025

The year's first plenary session of the European Parliament (EP) will be held between January 20 and 23 in Strasbourg. The MEPs will discuss the agenda of the six-month Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and a range of foreign policy issues, among them the impact which Donald Trump's second presidential term in the United States is likely to have on the transatlantic relationship.

On Monday, January 20, the EP is making an assessment of the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, the ceasefire in the Middle East, the release of Hamas-held hostages and urgent measures to end the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The implications of Donald Trump's second term as US president for the transatlantic partnership will be discussed in the EU legislature on Tuesday, a day after Trump's inauguration. The debate will be joined by representatives of the Polish EU Presidency and the European Commission.

Support for Ukraine, relations with Russia, China and the Middle East, climate change and trade matters are also on the agenda of Tuesday's consultations in the EP. A resolution on Belarus will be put to the vote.

A meeting with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is scheduled for Wednesday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will take part in the talks.

The Polish government has said it is taking over the rotating EU Presidency at a time of insecurity and anxiety caused by Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, growing geopolitical tensions, migratory pressure and Europe's weakening competitiveness. The motto of the EU Presidency, "Security, Europe!", shows Warsaw's desire to reinforce European security at all levels: foreign and domestic policy, information, economy, energy, food supply and healthcare.

On Thursday, the MEPs and European Commission representatives will discuss the global rules for crypto assets (including ways to protect investors), the fight against financial crimes, and EU competitiveness.