In Parliament this week: refugees, robots and Oettinger

Three parliamentary committees question commissioner Günther Oettinger this week to assess his suitability for his new portfolio of budget and human resources. In addition the civil liberties looks at the current state of play regarding refugees in Europe, while the legal affairs committee votes on the first-ever EU rules for robotics and artificial intelligence.

Parliament building in Brussels. Photo of glass wall with large EU flag
MEPs have another busy week ahead of them

Oettinger was given the new responsibilities after commissioner Kristalina Georgieva resigned. Parliamentary committees have a meeting with him on Monday to find out how much he knows about his portfolio and what his plans are.


The civil liberties committee discusses on Thursday the implementation of the deal with Turkey on refugees and migrants as well as what is happening with resettlement programmes. In addition Vincent Cochetel, the UNHCR director for Europe, presents proposals for better protecting refugees in the EU.


The increased use of robotics and artificial intelligence has led to proposals for the first-ever EU rules to address the legal and ethical issues involved. The legal affairs committee votes Thursday on the plans, which look at the need to increase safety, introduce code of conduct and define who is liable for robots’ actions.


The incoming Maltese Council presidency presents its priorities for the next six months to the civil liberties and legal affairs committees on Thursday.


Meanwhile political groups also prepare for next week’s plenary during which MEPs will elect a new president and 14 vice-presidents.

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