MEPs face decision on six-pack rules

Divergences remain on economic governance rules; Barroso and Ashton to address plenary.

The final touch should be given to the so-called six-pack of economic governance rules during the European Parliament’s 26-29 September plenary in Strasbourg. 

Following an agreement among eurozone ministers last Friday (16 September), and endorsement by the Parliament’s economic and monetary affairs committee scheduled for Monday, the Parliament as a whole is expected to give its approval on Wednesday (28 September).

Strong support has been expressed by the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE). But the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the Greens and the European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) group have criticised the attention given to fiscal controls rather than spurring jobs and growth, and might abstain or vote against parts of the package. Nevertheless, Parliament and group officials expect that the three reports will be adopted – even if only with slim majorities.

Barroso’s speech

The continuing eurozone crisis is expected to figure prominently at the plenary session when José Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission, presents his ‘state of the union’ speech on Wednesday. The S&D, EPP, Greens and Liberal groups have all urged him to assert greater Commission leadership so that the EU can at last get to grips with the debt crisis.

Barroso’s speech is expected to present the Commission’s priorities for the year ahead. A debate on the crisis with Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the Eurogroup and Luxembourg’s prime minister, is also planned.

Catherine Ashton, the EU’s foreign policy chief, is scheduled to debate with MEPs on Tuesday, and is expected to come under fire over the EU’s divided position on the Palestinian Authority’s bid for statehood at the United Nations. She is likely to be urged to renew efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

Reconstruction plans for Libya and the evolving situation in Syria and Egypt in the wake of the Arab spring will also feature in the debate. The MEPs are also expected to approve a new trade accord with the Palestinian Authority on fish and agricultural products.

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