EP this week: UK, Zika virus, Iran, economic governance | WPN World People News

Members of national parliaments from across Europe join MEPs in Brussels to discuss EU-wide budgetary coordination, while British Prime Minister David Cameron is to discuss his proposals for a reform of the UK's EU membership terms with Parliament's leadership. Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif meets MEPs on Tuesday in the wake of sanctions against his country being lifted. Meanwhile international specialists debate the Zika virus epidemic with MEPs on Wednesday.

Parliamentary committees and political groups meet in Brussels this week

Economic governance

On Tuesday and Wednesday MEPs and their national counterparts discuss cooperation on the European semester, which is how EU countries coordinate their economic policies. Participants include European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Council president Donald Tusk, Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem as well as commissioners Valdis Dombrovskis and PierreMoscovici .

UK in the EU

UK Prime Minister David Cameron discusses his demands for a reform of his country's EU membership terms with Parliament’s political leaders on Tuesday.

Iran

Iranian Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif talks to MEPs on Tuesday about EU-Iran relations following the end of international sanctions against his country.

Public health concerns

The environment committee examines on Wednesday the outbreak of the Zika virus, which is spreading across South America and is suspected to cause serious birth defects. Speakers include Dr Roberto Bertollini, who is the World Health Organization’s chief scientist and EU representative.

The committee also votes on stricter rules concerning the use of antibiotics in animal vaccines. The aim is to stop antimicrobial resistance in animals before it becomes a serious problem to human health.

Employing migrants and female domestic workers

MEPs will look into the situation of vulnerable workers: The employment committee holds a hearing Thursday on how to integrate refugees in the labour market. Meanwhile the women’s rights committee votes Thursday on a proposal to tackle the abuse of female domestic workers in the EU.

Source: European Parliament