MEPs Set to Adopt New Laws to Improve Lives of Europeans

According to the Parliament, the EU will adopt new laws on energy security, gender equality, and artificial intelligence, among others, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

In her third State of the Union address, the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to outline the main priorities and challenges for the next 12 months. Moreover, in the debate that will take place in Strasbourg on September 14, MEPs will scrutinize the Commission’s work over the past year and make sure that the main concerns of Europeans are addressed.

The Parliament explains that energy security has emerged as a major concern since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has led to a sharp jump in oil and gas prices across Europe. Taking into account such a situation, the Parliament is expected to vote on measures that aim to reduce the reliance of the EU on Russian fossil fuels and increase the production of green energy.

Additionally, the first EU legislation on adequate minimum wages is also set to be adopted by the Parliament in September. The law requires EU countries to make sure that their national statutory minimum wage allows for a decent standard of living.

>> MEPs Set to Approve New Rules on Minimum Wages for EU Workers

The EU parliament will also vote on new rules regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and unlock its potential in different fields.

“The so-called Artificial Intelligence Act should unlock AI’s potential in fields such as health, the environment, and climate change. MEPs want the EU to take the lead in this field, setting clear standards that reflect EU values and ensure fundamental rights are protected,” the statement of the Parliament reads.

In addition to the above-mentioned, the Parliament is expected to give the green light to a bill that aims to increase parity on boards in big companies. Transparent recruitment procedures will be introduced by the Women on Boards Directive. Moreover, MEPs will start negotiation with the Council on the Pat Transparency Directive. Such a directive would oblige certain companies to disclose the salaries of women and men in the same position and function.

MEPs will also move forward on a directive to improve the right of those working on digital platforms. The rules that have been proposed aim to ensure that this group of workers is granted employment status corresponding to their working arrangements.

Laws on common charger and cryptocurrencies are also expected to be voted this autumn.