By Thea Pieridou
Press Officer of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus
The EU continues to deal with the impact of the war in Ukraine, while implementing key priorities such as digital transformation, the circular economy and migration. The priorities of the European Parliament in 2023 are summarized as follows:
Digital transformation
Cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence and data sharing will be at the center of Parliament's debates in 2023. MEPs are expected to approve their position on the institutionalization of a legal framework for artificial intelligence that will strengthen the European economy and protect fundamental rights. At the heart of the legislation are specific applications and potential risks. In the February agenda will be rules regarding cryptocurrency aiming at protecting consumers and establishing safeguards against market manipulation and financial crime.
MEPs will also draft the Data Act to regulate the exchange of data when using connected products or related services. The new rules allow users to efficiently switch cloud data processing service providers and establish safeguards against illegal data transmission.
Immigration
MEPs will continue to work on the European Commission's proposals under the New Agreement on Migration and Asylum, following the agreement on a joint roadmap on migration and asylum between the Parliament and the Council in September 2022. The agreement includes legislative and non-legislative initiatives on EU asylum procedures, screening procedures, the resettlement mechanism and the management of migration flows.
Circular Economy
As part of Europe's transition to a circular economy, Parliament will consider new eco-design requirements for specific product groups, such as household appliances, computers and tyres, making them reusable, durable and less harmful to the environment. MEPs will also work on a new strategy aimed at making textiles reusable and recyclable, fight back problems related to the fast fashion industry, textile waste and food waste.
Carbon addiction
The European Parliament will continue to work towards achieving climate neutrality by decarbonising all sectors of the economy from carbon dioxide emissions. In order to achieve the goals of the "Fit for 55" package, MEPs will vote on establishing new CO2 standards for cars and vans, developing alternative fuel infrastructure, establishing a new framework for the internal hydrogen market, reducing methane emissions and fluorinated greenhouse gases, combating carbon leakage and introducing more ambitious targets for the EUs emissions trading system.
Energy
Renewable energy sources are of pivotal importance to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and strengthening the EU's energy independence. The EU aims to increase the share of RES in gross final energy consumption to 40% by 2030, with the aim of achieving goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Parliament is also working to establish more ambitious energy saving targets at EU level.
Employee rights
In early 2023, MEPs will discuss new rules to improve the working conditions of so-called "gig workers", who provide services through online platforms in the EU. Current labor laws do not protect their rights. The proposal increases transparency and seeks to ensure that people working through digital work platforms receive the legal employment status that corresponds to their actual work arrangements.
Money laundering
The Parliament will also work on new rules to combat legalization of illegal revenues and terrorist financing.
Events
The Parliament will invite young people from all over Europe to participate in the European Youth Event 2023 in June 2023 in Strasbourg, in order to shape the future of the EU.
