Press release – Pre-session briefing on Tuesday 7 July at 17.00

Main topics on Parliament’s agenda include:

  • Debate with Chancellor Angela Merkel on priorities of the German Presidency
  • Summits/MFF/EU recovery plan: debate with European Council President Charles Michel and Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič
  • Reform of road transport sector
  • Public health strategy
  • Money laundering
  • Energy network guidelines
  • Energy Storage

Find all information on EP plenary in our newsletter.

Journalists may attend the press conference in person, respecting the precautionary measures in force (see below), or participate remotely.

Parliament will be using an interactive virtual press environment (with interpretation) based on Skype TX, in conjunction with the traditional EbS and web-streaming services.

If you are unable to attend and wish to ask a question:

You will need a SKYPE account.

Connect to VOXBOXEP and write your name and media organisation in the chat box

Please use headphones and a microphone for better sound quality.

The system will be managed by Parliament’s media services and you will be placed in a queue (virtual waiting room) before being invited to ask your question(s).

If you have any trouble connecting, you can contact: +32 22834220 or use Skype chat box.

After asking a question / listening to the reply (and any follow-up), you should then disconnect from Skype so that the next journalist in line can be connected to the press briefing room.

You only need to connect through Skype if you wish to ask a question.

You can follow the briefing LIVE on EP MMC or EbS.

REMINDER: working conditions in Parliament for journalists in light of Coronavirus

It is mandatory as of 13 May to wear a community mask that covers the mouth and nose at all times while in Parliament’s buildings. This is to continue to ensure Parliament’s operational capacity, while at the same time avoiding health risks for Members, staff and other persons working in and visiting the European Parliament. In addition, as of Monday 15 June, temperature controls will be carried out on all persons entering Parliament’s premises.

The wearing of a mask for journalists is compulsory and necessary at all times. However, journalists could exceptionally and for the limited duration of a recording (stand-ups, interviews, studio recordings) remove their mask, if the social distancing measures are respected. This exception also applies to taking the floor in press conferences. Please note that masks should be put on again immediately after the recording.

To allow for this exception, journalists are required to keep a distance of 2 meters preventively. This also applies to the use of the work stations in Parliament’s press room.

Please refrain from coming to EP premises if you present any symptoms of a respiratory infection, if you have knowingly been in contact with an infected person in the last 14 days or if you have been to regions with very high transmission rates.