AGERPRES special correspondent Florin Stefan reports: The European Parliament is meeting on Wednesday and Thursday in Brussels in a mini-plenary session to discuss, among other things, the security and humanitarian situation in Gaza, the gradual elimination of gas, nuclear energy and oil imports from Russia, and the Slovenian president, Natasa Pirc Musar, will also hold a speech.
The European Parliament will debate on Wednesday the EU's response to Israel's plan to take control of the Gaza Strip and how to address the current humanitarian crisis and secure the release of hostages, an EP press release informs.
In a joint statement on May 10, the leaders of the EPP, S&D, Renew Europe, Greens/EFA and Left political groups in the EP expressed their deep concern about the threat of a new military escalation by the Israeli government in the Gaza Strip. They also denounced all violations of international law in the conflict, including statements indicating forced territorial or demographic changes in the area.
Thousands of people have died since Israel resumed its attacks against the Gaza Strip on March 18, following the end of a two-month truce. The UN has warned that Israel's 10-month blockade of food and medicine supplies to Gaza has put some 2.1 million Palestinians at "critical risk" of starvation.
The debate will be attended by European Commissioner Glenn Micallef, who holds the portfolio for intergenerational equity, youth, culture and sport.
Also on Wednesday, a debate on phasing out gas, nuclear energy and oil imports from Russia will take place, focusing on Nord Stream and EU energy sovereignty.
On 6 May, the European Commission adopted its roadmap to end energy imports from Russia, in order to strengthen the EU's energy security and reduce the revenues Russia uses to finance its war of aggression against Ukraine.
The plan also focuses on accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources, which should help the EU meet its climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EP has repeatedly called for an end to energy imports from Russia. MEPs reaffirmed this position on May 8, 2025 in a vote on gas storage rules.
The debate will be attended by European commissioner for energy and housing, Dan Jorgensen, and Polish minister for the European Union, Adam Szlapka.
Slovenian president Natasa Pirc Musar will address the EP plenary on Wednesday, followed by a debate.
Other topics on the agenda will be a debate on the "Choose Europe for Science" initiative, a vote on new tariffs on goods from Russia and Belarus, and a debate on improving mental health in the workplace.