European Commission
Commission sets out Communication on united front to beat COVID-19
Ahead of a meeting of EU leaders that took place this Thursday, the European Commission published a Communication setting out a number of actions needed to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commission has called on Member States to vaccinate at least 80% of people over the age of 80 and
80% of health and social care professionals by March 2021. The Commission also said Member States should have vaccinated a minimum of 70% of the adult population by summer 2021. The Commission is also working with Member States on coordination when it comes to vaccine certificates. (link)
Commission publishes public consultations on Schengen reform
The European Commission has this week published two public consultations relevant to the EU’s Schengen framework. These consultations will be open until mid-March and act as a follow-up to the already open European Commission roadmaps. The first consultation focuses on the Amendment of the Schengen Border Code (link), whereas the second consultation aims at collecting feedback as to the new Schengen Strategy (link).
European Parliament
MEPs debate common approach to fighting COVID pandemic
In this week’s Plenary session MEPs have debated the common EU approach to fighting the COVID pandemic, expressing broad support for this while also calling for complete transparency when it comes to vaccine contracts and the deployment of vaccines. Other issues raised during the debate included the need for comparable national data and mutual recognition of vaccinations. (link) Plenary also held an exchange with the Portuguese Presidency, with MEPs supporting proposals from the Presidency set out in its Programme. MEPs raised issues such as the recovery from the COVID crisis, emphasising the need for a focus on creating jobs and reducing inequalities, as well as helping the green and digital transitions. (link)
MEPs debate European Arrest Warrant and humanitarian situation at EU external borders
MEPs this week debated an own initiative report on ways of improving the European Arrest Warrant. Commissioner Reynders said that although the functioning of the Warrant can be further improved, the instrument is the most efficient for practitioners in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. He also emphasised that there is no doubt that European arrest warrants need to respect fundamental values. MEPs voted in favour of the report with 444 votes in favour and 139 against. Plenary also debated the humanitarian situation of refugees & migrants at the EU’s external borders. Commissioner Johansson highlighted that that the EU must defend and live by the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, equality, rule of law and human rights. (link)
Council
Member States agree common framework on rapid antigen tests and mutual recognition of COVID tests
Member States have agreed on a common framework for the use of rapid antigen tests and the mutual recognition of COVID-19 test results across the EU, in order to facilitate cross-border movement. (link) In a virtual summit on Thursday 21 January, EU leaders also discussed the idea of vaccine certificates, a proposal raised by a number of Member States led by Greece, as a further measure that would facilitate the restart of travel. However, leaders decided it was too early for such measures and noted that too many questions remain around certificates, therefore at this stage they should only be used as health records. (link)
- Iceland: Iceland begins vaccinating police officers who work in frontline positions (link)
- Gibraltar: Royal Gibraltar Police appeals for people to adhere to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions (link)
- Netherlands: Police unions write urgent letter to the cabinet urging police officers to be vaccinated immediately after health workers (link)
- Scotland: Police Scotland plans roll out of body worn cameras by 2023 (link)
- Spain: Government to consider limiting use of tasers by police (link)
- Switzerland: Association of Swiss Police Officers sets out position on electronic ID (link)
- UK: Vaccine deployment minister says police could move to top of priority list once those over 50 have been vaccinated (link)
Other news
Europol and EPPO set out basis for future cooperation
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and Europol have set out the basis of their future cooperation in the form of a working arrangement. The arrangement takes the form of a legal instrument establishing the cooperative relationship. This will mainly consist of exchange of information and mutual participation in training activities as well as support on individual criminal investigations. (link) Meanwhile, Europol and Frontex have pledged to improve public access to documents following demands originally made in 2012 by civil liberties charity Statewatch. (link)
Look Ahead
– 26 January – European Economic and Social Committee Workers’ Group holds webinar on Action Plan to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights and the Social Summit in Porto (link) with speakers including Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit, S&D Group President Iratxe García and Portuguese Minister for Employment, Solidarity and Social Security Ana Mendes Godinho.