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March 14, 2025

(EU News) Plenary opening: “Parliament steadfast in support of the people of Belarus”

Press Releases Plenary session  10-03-2025

President Metsola opened the 10-13 March I session – Source: EP  

International Women’s Day

Previewing the European Parliament’s marking of International Women’s Day, President Metsola said that Parliament will “welcome the national leader of Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, along with other brave women from Ukraine and Belarus who are standing up for liberty.” “This week will also serve to re-affirm this House’s steadfast support for the people of Belarus in their struggle for freedom, including political prisoners,” President Metsola said, adding that Parliament would again be marking the international day of solidarity with the people of Belarus by giving MEPs the opportunity to sign postcards addressed to the 1,250 political prisoners that are unfairly imprisoned by the Lukashenka regime. “We know their names, we see their struggle and we stand with them.”

35th anniversary of the assertion of state continuity by Baltic countries

“These anniversaries remind us again of the sacrifice of so many for the liberty that we enjoy today, and underscore our determination never to allow another generation of Europeans to be lost behind an iron curtain,” President Metsola said, marking the 35th anniversary of the assertion of state continuity by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – enshrining their independence de jure under international law throughout the illegal occupations and annexations of the 20th century.

Tempi railway accident anniversary

On the occasion of the second anniversary of the Tempi railway accident in Greece, President Metsola expressed Parliament’s condolences to the victims and their loved ones. “The House remembers them and honours them,” she said.

Changes to the agenda

TUESDAY

The following report is added to the votes on Tuesday:

  • Mr Dainius ŽALIMAS on the request for waiver of the immunity of Adam Bielan.

The order of debates in the afternoon will be reverted as follows:

  • The debate on the presentation of the proposal on Critical Medicines Act as the second point.
  • The debate on the presentation of the proposal on a new common approach on returns as the third point.

WEDNESDAY

A Commission statement on secessionist threats in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the recent escalation is added to the agenda as the last point in the afternoon. As a consequence, the session will be extended until 23.00.

Corrigenda

Under Rule 251(4) of the EP Rules of Procedure, several corrigenda will be deemed approved unless a request is made by a political group or Members reaching at least the low threshold for them to put to the vote. You can find the relevant list on the plenary website.
Link to the original press release: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20250310IPR27220/plenary-opening-parliament-steadfast-in-support-of-the-people-of-belarus

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Wilson Center

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