At the opening of the plenary session held in Brussels on March 25-26, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola observed a minute of silence to honor the memory of terrorism victims and to reaffirm the commitment to fighting radicalism, hatred, and extremism. Members of the European Parliament participated in the session. This event was held against the backdrop of recent terrorist attacks in the European Union and around the world.
Redaksiya reports that Roberta Metsola briefly mentioned the shocking murder of 23-year-old Quentin Deranque in France on February 14 when opening the session. She stated that the Parliament had been in contact with representatives of Deranque's family and noted their public appeal for his death not to be used for political purposes. The President also noted that March 25 is the International Day of Solidarity and holds special significance for Belarus. Metsola also expressed concern about the situation in Iran, the Persian Gulf region, and the Strait of Hormuz, condemning the Iranian regime's oppression of its people and the ongoing brutal attacks against civilians in the Persian Gulf states. She thanked the member states and their allies for assisting in the evacuation of European citizens from the region. The President added that efforts would continue to de-escalate tensions, promote dialogue, respect international law, achieve a swift end to the conflict, and ensure the right of the Iranian people to choose their own destiny in freedom.
The plenary session also expressed deep sorrow over the death of Lionel Jospin, former French Prime Minister and Member of the European Parliament. Roberta Metsola paid tribute to his strong European ideals and his work in social reform, expressing confidence that his legacy would endure. The President also condemned recent antisemitic attacks in the EU and elsewhere, emphasizing that Jewish communities are an integral part of European societies and can count on the support of this Parliament. At the end of the session, the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in Brussels in 2016, which claimed the lives of 32 people and injured hundreds, was commemorated. Metsola stated that every act of terrorism is an "attack on our way of life," demonstrating once again that Europe triumphs over terror with humanity, dignity, tolerance, and protest. Changes to the session's agenda were announced, including discussions on energy security, independence, and supply, as well as the conclusions of the European Council meeting held on March 19. Threats of summary executions related to Iran and recent executions, including events that occurred on March 18 and 19, were also included in the discussion. For this reason, the session's work will be extended until 11:00 PM. On Thursday, a joint debate will be held on the trade agreement with the United States. Additionally, two legislative reports will be presented for discussion, including issues related to the adjustment of customs duties and the opening of tariff quotas for certain goods imported from the United States. Requests for the lifting of immunity for Grzegorz Braun and Nikos Pappas will also be put to a vote. The request for the lifting of Grzegorz Braun's immunity by the Polish authorities has been sent to the Committee on Legal Affairs.