The European Parliament has published its plenary agenda for 20 May, centred on a debate on barriers to the European single market with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and a discussion on improving certainty and predictability for EU businesses. The session also includes debate on alternative funding sources for the EU’s next long term budget, a noon vote on a draft resolution on the rule of law in Slovakia, and discussion of new EU legislation to strengthen victims’ rights ahead of a final vote the following day. On the budget, MEPs and Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin are due to examine options including a levy on online gambling, a digital services levy, an extension of the carbon border adjustment mechanism, and a levy on crypto asset capital gains. The victims’ rights file would update EU standards on information, support and protection for crime victims, create an EU-wide helpline at 116 006, improve access to legal aid and compensation, ease online crime reporting, and reinforce specialised support for victims of sexual violence and children. The day’s programme also includes a press conference on the tariff aspects of the August 2025 Turnberry EU-US deal following agreement between Parliament and Council negotiators, as well as debates on the gender care gap, work related fatalities, criminal gangs recruiting children, human rights breaches, and the link between the emissions trading system and European competitiveness.
European Parliament2026-05-20
European Parliament previews plenary agenda on single market barriers victims rights reform and EU budget financing options
The European Parliament’s 20 May plenary agenda includes a debate on barriers to the single market with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and on improving certainty for EU businesses. MEPs will also discuss alternative funding for the next long-term EU budget, including levies on online gambling, digital services and crypto asset capital gains, and an extension of the carbon border adjustment mechanism. The session features new legislation to strengthen victims’ rights, a vote on a draft resolution on the rule of law in Slovakia, a press conference on tariff aspects of the August 2025 Turnberry EU-US deal, and debates on labour, human rights and competitiveness.