To prepare the European Council of December 11th and 12th, the EU institutions will hold two debates today and tomorrow in the headquarters of the European Parliament about the EU’s response to the economic crisis and the climate/energy package. The MEPs of the 27 member states will discuss, with the current presidency and the EU Commission’s delegates, the measures that should be approved next week by the heads of state and government, following a preparatory process in which the French presidency has been engaged during its six months’ mandate. The EU Parliament, gathered in its plenary meeting (3-4 December), also submitted a question to the EU Council, which will open a Parliamentary discussion on the improvement of the environment for small- and medium-sized companies in Europe. "In acknowledging the importance of SMEs for the European economy, the MEPs ask when the regulations on small-sized companies will be approved and what effective measures it intends to take to ensure they have sustainable access to funding so as to respond to the crisis of the financial markets". Other items on the agenda include the implementation of the Reach Directive on Chemicals and the development of a European strategy for the Romanies. A solemn session will be held at Parliament tomorrow, with a speech by the Dalai Lama.
