EU Parliament meets in Strasbourg

How Europe's economy is governed and the recent Israeli boarding of the Gaza flotilla are just two things on the agenda when MEPs meet hold their sitting from 14-18 June. Members will also be taking a closer look at the role of credit rating agencies and the financial derivates market in the economic crisis. Progress on the Millennium Development Goals to slash poverty and financial for jobless construction workers in Ireland and Spain will also be looked at.

Members of European Parliament are meeting this week in Strasbourg to deal on home affairs and justice issues, external relations, international cooperation, economy and social policy, among other subjects.

MEPs will discuss Israel's "Tzahal" commando operation on the humanitarian aid convoy that was heading for Gaza, as well as the general humanitarian situation in Gaza, with EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on Wednesday. The debate will be followed up with a vote on a resolution on Thursday.

MEPs will also discuss the right to interpretation during police questioning, court proceedings and communications with the lawyer. All this facts are part of the law to guarantee EU citizens access to translation and interpreting services when facing a criminal trial in another Member State. Moreover, also on justice affairs, Parliament is being asked to authorise 14 Member States to go ahead with plans to allow international couples to choose which national law applies to their divorce.

Furthermore, the EP will host a debate on the European Council to be held on 17 June in Brussels. The central themes of this event will be the adoption of the 2020 strategy on employment and growth, G-20 summit in Toronto, the Millennium Development Goals and climate change.

MEP's will raise their concerns about the way credit rating agencies (CRAs) underestimated risks and even compounded the Greek crisis, in a debate with the Commission in Strasbourg. Separately, the plenary will debate the problem of poor deficit data submitted by Member States and the Commission will be questioned about its plans and views on this matter and the idea of giving Eurostat more investigative powers.