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No shortage of important projects on the European Parliament's to-do list for this year. Not only is there the €315 billion investment package to create jobs and boost growth in Europe, but there are also the ongoing negotiations for a free-trade agreement between the EU and the US, as well as efforts to complete the European digital single market.

A woman irons fabric at a garments factory at the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

MEPs have another busy week ahead of them

The first of January not only marked the start of a new year, it was also when Latvia took over the presidency of the EU Council for the first time. The Baltic state will lead and coordinate member states’ work for the next six months and expectations are high. Visiting Latvia in December 2014, EP President Martin Schulz said: "My experience shows that presidencies from small countries are very much involved in the success of reforms." We asked MEPs from Latvia what we can expect.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Monday completed the third review of Mozambique’s economic performance under the program supported by the Policy Support Instrument (PSI). The Board’s decision was taken on a lapse of time basis.

Greece's prime minister is warning that his financially battered country may be forced out of the eurozone monetary union if leftists promising to scrap wide-ranging austerity measures are victorious in snap elections next month.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed the country's prime minister, as the former Soviet state struggles with the effects of Russia's economic crisis.

As much as £300 million worth of gift vouchers bought this year could go unspent according to research by the UK Gift Card and Voucher Association (UKGCVA). UK Consumer Affairs Minister Jo Swinson is urging consumers to spend and enjoy any vouchers they get for Christmas before they expire on December 27.

The EP's LinkedIn group is a popular platform for discussing EU issues.