The plenary session of the EU Parliament will be starting in Strasbourg this afternoon (7-10 October). On opening the session, President Roberta Metsola will pay tribute to the victims of the attacks of October 7th 2023. It will be followed by a debate with the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, during which the MEPs are expected to confirm – according to a release from the EU Parliament – their solidarity with Israel and ask for the release of all hostages. “The discussion is likely to address the latest developments of the war in Gaza and the violence and instability that are devastating the Middle East too”. Then, the plenary session will discuss with Commissioner Johansson the implications of the reintroduction of border control at the internal borders of the EU on the future of the Schengen area. “The debate stems from the German government’s decision to reintroduce border control at its land borders to curb illegal immigration and protect national security”. On the background “of the trials taking place in Italy and France over cases of women murdered and repeatedly attacked by their partners, the MEPs will discuss with Commissioner Dalli how to deal with the systemic problem of gender-based violence”. A further item on the agenda concerns fake news, populism and disinformation: “The importance of media pluralism and independent journalism in the face of increasing disinformation will be at the centre of a debate with the Vice President of the European Commission, Jourová”.