Article – In Parliament this week: EU citizens in UK, tax regimes, plenary preparations

The rights of EU citizens living in the UK and how they will be affected by Brexit is the focus of a hearing organised by three parliamentary committees this week. In addition the inquiry committee investigating the Panama papers holds a meeting with representatives from the Channel Islands, Gibraltar and Madeira to discuss their tax regimes.Political groups also prepare for next week’s plenary session.

The situation and rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens residing in other parts of the EU are discussed on Thursday at a public hearing organised by the civil liberties, petitions and employment committees. Speakers include Parliament’s Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt and Anne-Laure Donskoy, from the Three Million group representing EU citizens in the UK. In its position on the upcoming Brexit negotiations, Parliament made clear that people’s interests should come first.

Parliament’s inquiry committee investigating the Panama papers hears from representatives of the Channel Islands, Gibraltar and Madeira about their tax regimes on Tuesday. The debate will focus on the extent of cooperation with the EU and on steps local authorities are taking to prevent tax scheming.

This week political groups also hold meetings to prepare their positions for next week’s plenary session in Strasbourg when MEPs will  vote on new rules allowing EU citizens who are temporarily abroad to access their online film and music accounts subscribed back home. They will also evaluate progress reports on reforms in Kosovo and Serbia.

On Sunday Parliament opens its doors to visitors in Strasbourg so people can find out how the institution works and looks.