The European Parliament will not meet to ratify a Brexit trade deal this year unless one is signed before Sunday, the leaders of its main political groups have said.
The new red line means Britain is expected to face a no-deal exit from the single market if nothing has been agreed by the close of the weekend – causing significant economic disruption.
In a joint statement, the parliament’s conference of presidents said they stood “ready to organise an extraordinary plenary session towards the end of December” but only if “an agreement is reached by midnight on Sunday 21st”.
They made the comments after a meeting with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels on Thursday morning, in which he is said to have told them a deal was possible by Friday.
Dacian Cioloș, leader of the parliament’s liberal Renew group and an ally of Emmanuel Macron, said the deadline was necessary because “uncertainty hanging over citizens and businesses as a result of UK choices” was becoming “intolerable”.
Manfred Weber, chair of the parliament’s largest group, the centre-right European People’s Party, said: “After [Sunday] we cannot reasonably scrutinise the deal before the end of the year. The agreement is too important to rush through Parliament.
“We owe it to the people and businesses in our constituencies who will be heavily affected by Brexit, to scrutinise the deal appropriately. After Sunday we don’t believe this would still be possible.”
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Iratxe Garcia Perez, leader of the centre-left socialist group, said: “We will not be rushed into a consent vote of the Brexit deal before the end of the year if we don’t have access to the text by Sunday.”
The warning by the Parliament raises the possibility that the UK could be hit by a limited period of trading on no-deal terms from the beginning of January, even if an agreement is signed before the end of the year.
While the European Union and UK both have some powers for “provisional” application of deals without the consent of their parliaments, it is not clear whether these would help prevent a no-deal in this case.
Mr Barnier is understood to have told ambassadors and MEPs in separate private meetings that even the reduced length of the provisional application process means there could well be a short no-deal in January even if it is used.
The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has also promised the Parliament that she would not use the procedure to bypass MEPs. The joint statement by the parliamentary group leaders recalls this, noting that Ms Von der Leyen said provisional application could take place “only once the European Parliament has given its consent”.
Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU
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The Independent additionally understands that the European Council’s legal service believes that provisional application would not be fast enough to prevent a no-deal on 1 January if the process was set in motion after this week.
Mr Barnier struck an upbeat tone on the possibility of a free trade agreement on Thursday, saying there had been “good progress” but that “stumbling blocks remain”.
He said talks were in their “final stretch”, adding: “We will only sign a deal protecting EU interests and principles.”
The chief negotiator reporters told presidents that a deal was possible by Friday.
But UK sources were significantly less upbeat, stressing that the two sides were still very far apart in key areas. EU member state diplomats believe a deal is possible but warn that the path to one is narrow.
Back in Westminster, Downing Street would not be drawn on the European Parliament’s timetable. The prime minister’s spokesperson said the House of Commons would not be recalled on Christmas Day or the Boxing Day Bank Holiday for its own ratification procedures, but did no rule out weekend sittings to approve the agreement.
Digital and green transition must include a social dimension
New European Social Agenda to be adopted under the Portuguese presidency
European Pillar of Social Rights should be properly implemented
In order to complement the changes that the European economy is currently undergoing, clear objectives should be put in place to ensure social justice in the labour market. In a resolution that was adopted today by 380 votes in favour, 219 against and 97 abstentions, Parliament sets out its priorities for a strong social Europe for Just Transitions.
The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the precarity of some workers – particularly young people and women with low-skilled jobs – and has exposed the urgent need for adequate social protection and an inclusive employment policy.
Setting an ambitious “Porto 2030 Agenda”
In the resolution, MEPs call on member states and the European Commission to adopt an ambitious political agenda with mandatory indicators for social sustainability during the May 2021 EU Social Summit in Portugal. The so-called “Porto 2030 Agenda” should include targets and measures to guarantee decent work and wages, social justice and equal opportunities, robust social welfare systems, and fair labour mobility.
Furthermore, MEPs urge that the Porto Agenda should set concrete goals towards the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (ESPR), to ensure that social rights receive the same protection as economic freedoms in the single market.
Monitoring the progress of social recovery
To mitigate the social repercussions of COVID-19, member states should make full use of the available flexibility for public finances and fiscal policies. Investments made under NextGenerationEU and the Recovery Fund should support social equality as much as economic and environmental objectives. To this end, member states should submit Social Progress Plans (SPP) alongside the existing National Recovery plans and national Climate and Energy plans, says the resolution.
Quotes
Agnes Jongerius (S&D, NL): “In what what kind of Europe do we want to live in 10 years’ time? I want to live in a Europe where all workers earn a living wage, all families can afford housing, and no child has to grow up in poverty.
Recommendations are simply not enough to get there. EU governments and the Commission must commit to concrete mandatory targets to be reached by 2030, such as halving youth unemployment, equal pay, and more affordable social housing.”
Dennis Radtke (EPP, DE) added: “Climate change change and digitisation will challenge an entire generation. They will inevitably lead structural change, which must be shaped in a socially acceptable and just way. This can only work if we protect and support both our industry and our workers.
Our report proposes clearly defined targets for a socially just transition to a greener and more digital economy. We expect the EU Commission to take our proposals into account in its action plan for the next EU Social Summit in Porto 2021.”
Background
In January 2020, the European Commission published a communication on A strong social Europe for just transitions ahead of the implementation plan for the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR). The EPSR is a list of 20 key principles and rights for fair and effective labour markets and welfare systems in the 21st century, which all EU institutions signed up to in 2017. The communication led to a broad discussion with institutions, social stakeholders, and citizens.
In January 2021, the European Commission will publish an action plan for the implementation of the EPSR.
The Conference of Presidents of Parliament’s political groups issued the following statement after meeting EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier on Thursday.
The Conference of Presidents
1. Takes note that negotiations are ongoing with the UK on the future relationship and welcomes efforts being made to avoid a no deal scenario, and the huge negative impact it would have on citizens and businesses; Highlights its wish to avoid the disruptive impacts of a possible no-deal outcome and notes in this context the UK Government’s refusal to even consider extending the transition period; Welcomes the four targeted and time-limited contingency measures to be voted tomorrow in plenary;
2. In this respect, stands ready to organise an extraordinary plenary session towards the end of December, in case an agreement is reached by midnight on Sunday 20th December, for the European Parliament to debate the outcome of negotiations and consider granting its consent;
3. Insists that this is contingent on having access to the text of any agreement in advance of the formal referral being made, and in this respect urge the Commission to provide the Parliament with a provisional text as soon as possible; Recalls that ratification of any agreement is dependent on the full implementation by the UK government of all provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland; Therefore invites the Commission to provide Parliament with a full report on the implementation of the Protocol, in order to allow it to assess whether or not this condition has been met;
4. Recalls the Political Guidelines for the Next European Commission 2019/2024 which state that “my Commission will always propose that provisional application of trade agreements take place only once the European Parliament has given its consent”;
5. Highlights the exceptional nature of these negotiations and stresses that in no way can this be seen to constitute a precedent for future trade agreements, where the usual format of cooperation and access to information must be fully guaranteed, in line with Article 218 (10) TFEU, including far-reaching sharing of all negotiating texts, regular dialogue, and sufficient time for formal EP scrutiny and debate of agreements;
6. Is grateful for the dedicated and professional work of the EU’s Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, and the UK Taskforce, who are working tirelessly for a positive outcome and welcomes their extremely close and regular cooperation with the European Parliament, in particular the UK Coordination Group, which has been fully informed and consulted at every step of the negotiations.
Slovenia has come a long way to become one of the most successful countries in the WHO European Region in the fight against cervical cancer. From having had one of the worst statistics in Europe on cervical cancer incidence, Slovenia has managed to turn the tide thanks to political will, cooperation and a robust screening programme.
Slovenia established its national cancer registry in the 1960s, which enabled Slovenian health authorities to track cancer incidence. A notable increase in cervical cancer rates in the 1990s sounded the alarm among experts, and led to the establishment of ZORA, Slovenia’s national cervical cancer screening programme.
“We used to have statistics among the worst of Europe – our cervical cancer incidence was really high,” explains Dr Urska Ivanuš, Head of ZORA. “With ZORA, managed by the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, we built a population-based, centralized and comprehensive programme which soon delivered very concrete, tangible results: cervical cancer incidence has almost halved since we established ZORA.”
Dr Ivanuš describes one of the keys to such a remarkable accomplishment: “One of the important factors for success is a shared vision of the stakeholders, which should be led by the example of the core team. Believing in evidence, believing in the cause, working hard and with enthusiasm, listening and understanding all the stakeholders, monitoring and adjusting – all of this is crucial for the successful implementation of change.”
Regular rather than opportunistic screenings
Through ZORA, the practice of opportunistic screening – offering ad hoc screening tests to women visiting health centres for other reasons – was abandoned. Opportunistic screening has proven to have very limited impact on cervical cancer incidence. Instead, ZORA started screening women once every 3 years.
“There were some concerns we might miss out on cancers, but it turned out to be quite the contrary,” explains Dr Ivanuš. As the changes to the screening frequency were implemented, the rate of women with positive results requiring a call-back dropped from 15% to 5%.
“In short: we managed to screen more women, monitor results more efficiently, report back better to screening providers and also back to women themselves, and achieve better overall results,” says Dr Ivanuš. “Our ZORA team had a dream. Now that dream is a concrete plan: a plan to eliminate cervical cancer!”
Never wait for the first signs
The ZORA programme has been well accepted among Slovenian women, and more than 70% now attend screenings regularly.
“Women should think about screenings as part of a healthy lifestyle. Just as they do their daily exercise or try to eat healthy, they should make sure they are screened regularly. This is an important message we should convey to all women. Don’t wait for the first signs, as they will come late,” stresses Dr Ivanuš.
“Cervical cancer is one of the rare cancers where we can actually detect what is called ‘pre-cancer’. It can be a very small change in the cervix, limited to the surface, and if we catch it and treat it, we can prevent cancer from developing,” says Dr Ivanuš. “Cervical cancer is also the only cancer where we have 2 important, safe and effective public health interventions available: screening and vaccination.”
The 90–70–90 targets
“We can see global momentum, and we have the necessary tools for success. But to eliminate cervical cancer, we must achieve 3 crucial targets,” explains WHO Representative in Slovenia Dr Aiga Rurane:
90% of girls fully vaccinated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine by 15 years of age;
70% of women screened using a high-performance test by age 35 and again by age 45; and
90% of women identified with cervical cancer treated.
“For maximum impact, these 90–70–90 targets must be implemented simultaneously,” adds Dr Rurane.
With remarkable results for 2 of the targets – 70% of women screened and 90% of women identified with cervical cancer treated – Slovenia could very well become one of the first European countries to reach all 3 targets.
“We have not yet reached the benchmark of vaccinating 90% of girls. Slovenia has been vaccinating girls in the 6th grade of primary school against HPV free of charge since 2009. But the routine vaccination programme is attended by 60% of these girls, which is not enough to achieve the desired population-wide effects of the vaccination,” explains Dr Ivanuš.
“We need to increase coverage, implement primary HPV screening with more accurate tests that enable longer screening intervals, and strengthen the monitoring system,” she adds.
“Our success so far has been possible thanks to the continued efforts and dedicated work for many years of many health professionals in Slovenia, multiple partnerships, and the continued commitment of the Government,” says Dr Rurane. “Slovenia can be proud of what has been achieved, and it sets an example for countries across the Region and globally.”
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The European Parliament ‘stands ready’ to convene an emergency session before the end of the year if the United Kingdom and the European Union can strike a deal by midnight Sunday.
In a statement, bosses said if a deal was struck by “midnight on Sunday 21December” and though this is not in fact the date – it is Sunday 20 – it is believed the document is referring to the end of the weekend.
The body, which will need to grant consent to any future trade deal, released a statement this lunchtime welcoming efforts “to avoid a no deal scenario” which it says would have a “huge negative impact… on citizens and businesses.”
Talks are ongoing over the future relationship but many watchers seem to think the odds are moving towards a deal being struck in the coming days.
A Parliamentary session would take place “towards the end of December” if a deal is struck this weekend.
The Parliament has also demanded that the European Commission provide it with a full report into the UK’s implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, which has become a bone of contention in recent days.
The UK Parliament will also have to be convened in some form, either digitally or physically, to ratify any deal before the transition period expires at 11pm GMT on New Year’s Eve.
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and other leaders of the country’s democratic opposition were awarded the European Parliament’s 2020 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in a ceremony on December 16 in Brussels, the Voice of America reported.
Tsikhanouskaya received the prize from European Parliament President David Sassoli on behalf of the Coordination Council, a body set up by Belarus’s political opposition to facilitate a transfer of power in the country.
“An invisible wall of fear had been built around us,” Tsikhanouskaya told European lawmakers in her acceptance speech. “But this year, united, we believe that this wall of fear could be taken down, brick by brick. The dream of a better Belarus keeps us going.
“Without a free Belarus, Europe is not truly free,” the opposition leader said. “Long live Europe, long live Belarus!”
The source reminded, Tsikhanouskaya has been in Brussels this week for talks with European Union leaders ahead of the ceremony to present the prestigious prize.
A new monitoring tool, developed by WHO and the Public Health Center of Ukraine (UPHC), is revealing how the different regions in Ukraine responded to COVID-19. Launched in October 2020, the Public Health Response Monitor (PHRM) was developed based on a regional tool, WHO/Europe’s Health System Response Monitor (HSRM).
The PHRM allows Ukraine to systematically monitor the policies and epidemiological situation across the different regions of the country. Using the findings, national and regional authorities can adjust the country’s COVID-19 response.
“We welcome tools that facilitate coordination and help us to respond effectively to the virus,” said Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko, who added, “We are discovering the opportunities of regional monitoring, which we will consider integrating into the daily work of emergency coordination centres to support our public health response”.
Several rounds of data collection began in the regions in May 2020. The WHO Representative in Ukraine, Dr Jarno Habicht, highlights the importance of this information in helping national and regional authorities to coordinate health-related interventions, policies and messages to support Ukraine’s COVID-19 response.
“The tool could also be a useful resource to help investigate a new outbreak in a given region,” he adds, “illustrating, for instance, how relaxing public health measures and allowing people to congregate, results in high infection rates in subsequent weeks”.
Emergency coordination centres at the Ministry of Health and the UPHC can also use the tool to compare governance and financing arrangements by region, and see whether these differ from national standards and policies.
Reflecting capacity and leadership
The PHRM consists of a questionnaire with six blocks of questions covering areas including regional management and coordination, funding, planning of services, case management and supporting essential health services during the pandemic. Public health data is supplemented with data on the epidemiological situation in each specific region.
The findings so far show a considerable variation in the implementation of COVID-19 measures in the regions of Ukraine, reflecting regional capacity and leadership. The next step will be a detailed study of the measures taken by the regional authorities in critical areas, such as school reopening and ensuring access to basic medical services.
The tool facilitates in-depth analysis of public health information alongside epidemiological data. It builds on a joint initiative between WHO/Europe, the European Commission, the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and the HSRM.
