Ukraine and the issue of citizenship by investment programmes, as well as the possible ban on such programmes, are on the agenda of the European Parliament (EP) Plenary, whose work starts on Monday in Strasbourg.
According to the programme, in plenary between 7-10 March, MEPs will take stock of the impact of the Russian invasion and discuss how to manage the growing number of Ukrainians fleeing the war.
The Parliament is also expected to say that the EU's lack of a regulatory framework, sanctions and awareness-raising allows malicious foreign actors to interfere in democracy. The Special Committee on external interference has drawn up a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening the EU's capacities, including a sanctions regime to combat third country interference and misinformation emanating from them, awareness-raising campaigns on these risks, and stricter rules on social media instrumentalised in this context.
The issue of "golden passports", and the EP's intention to call for a ban on "citizenship" programmes It is stated that they also pose serious risks to EU security, while undermining the essence of European citizenship, and should be banned. According to the draft text, third countries whose passport holders have access to the EU without a visa requirement ("visa") should also end their "golden passport" programmes.
MEPs are expected to ask the Commission to come up with a proposal for a strict EU regulation, which would include rules for a percentage-based levy on investment (channelled into the EU budget), strict background checks on applicants, requirements for physical presence in the country concerned, and a comprehensive regulatory framework for the activities of intermediaries.
The EP will also mark International Women's Day with several debates on the EU action plan for equality and gender mainstreaming.
Other topics expected to be discussed are the lack of regulatory framework, sanctions and EU awareness raising allowing malicious foreign actors to interfere in democracy, and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where increasing separatist rhetoric and similar actions threaten the stability of the country.
On Tuesday evening, MEPs will discuss with the Commission strategies to tackle rising energy prices and gas market manipulation.
The EP is also expected to call for social justice and modernisation to be at the heart of the EU's green transition and economic recovery and to vote on new EU measures on the design, production and disposal of batteries.
Source: CNA
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