EN | FR | DE | 04.09.2010

GMO-free Europe

6th European Conference of GMO-Free Regions in Belgium (16-18 September 2010)

The GMO-Free movement has continuously expanded and diversified across Europe and beyond. From 16-18 September, we will meet once again to present our demands and successes to the public and the European institutions at the European Parliament. We will then go to a retreat in Gent to exchange experiences, ideas and strategies.

Roma expulsions

France is Europe's outlaw

An analysis by the European Commission, which was reported today, has underlined concerns that the current expulsions of Roma by France are in conflict with European law. For the Greens, the French government must immediately stop these appalling expulsions and bring itself back in line with European law.

more » | en | fr | de |

EVENTSBrussels 02.09.2010

Who should have the right to fish?

Public hearing on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy

Greens believe that the right to catch fish carries responsibilities, that men and women who are allowed to fish need to fulfil certain criteria. Those who have fished in the past should not automatically have the right to continue in the future.

more » | en |

EVENTSBrussels 01.09.2010

(Trans)Gender Equality?

A joint conference on transgender rights hosted by the Greens/EFA

This joint conference will explore how transgender people's rights fit within wider EU gender equality legislation. It will raise awareness about the legal and social situation of transgender people, as well as the role of European institutions in defending transgender people's fundamental rights.

more » | en |

Press releasesBrussels 13.07.2010

GMO cultivation

Commission proposes a dangerous deal

The European Commission today has presented two documents ostensibly aimed at giving the Member States more autonomy to restrict the cultivation of GMOs. In exchange, the Commission expects the Member States to support authorisations of new GM-varieties. Greens/EFA strongly reject this doubious deal.

more » | en | fr | de |

European UnionBrussels 16.07.2010

European Citizens' Initiative © Brandon Laufenberg

Implementation of the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI)

Green/EFA Group position paper

The European Citizens' Initiative is one of the innovations introduced by the Lisbon Treaty. The ECI is the very first step towards a more participatory model of democracy in Europe and will for the first time give people the possibility to raise issues and to bring them on the agenda of their political institutions.

more » | en | fr | de |

Press releasesStrasbourg 08.07.2010

SWIFT Agreement

A Setback for International Fundamental Rights Protection

The adoption of the new swift agreement by the majority of the parliament is a blow for the negotiations on a binding protection of fundamental rights in international security cooperation. The grand coalition of conservatives, social democrats and liberals has therefore accepted lower standards than the existing principles of the rule of law and is risking a regulation that is in breach of EU law.

more » | en | fr | de |

Press releasesStrasbourg 07.07.2010

Man dominating the world - Copyright: Fontmonster - Images of earth from NASA

Financial Supervision

European Council must move

Today's vote represents the last possibility for Council to jettison national sensitivities in favour of the justified interests of all European citizens. We do not accept the blackmail that Council's inaction represents. The European Parliament will only agree if the European supervisory authorities are given real powers.

more » | en | fr | de |

Watch our latest press conferences

Recorded livestream from the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Greens/EFA Co-Presidents Rebecca Harms and Dany Cohn-Bendit comment on the EU Parliament plenary week and wider EU agenda. Satu Hassi speaks about her report on illegally logged timber. Sandrine Bélier and José Bové present a report on environmental risk assessment of GMOs in the European Union.

New Stop Climate Change Newsletter

Issue 35 - July 2010

Green eye on the EU's climate effort | Round up - Climate news from around the world | What's on - Calendar of some key events this month and next month...

The New Political Role of Internet and Mobile Phone

Example Iran

Modern information networks turn more and more into essential tools for political mobilisation. The discredited presidential elections in Iran have initiated a popular protest-movement, the so-called "Green movement" which gained much of its momentum through the new technologies offered via internet and mobile phone: sms, You Tube, twitter, Skype and others.

more » | en |

Video documentation of the conference "The new role of internet and mobile phone: example Iran"

Press releasesBrussels 23.06.2010

Smoke coming out of a tailpipe - Copyright: Mike Schmidt

Carbon and energy tax

Revision of EU energy tax rules could play key role in realising climate and energy goals

The European Commission has begun considering a proposal to revise the energy taxation directive, including a carbon tax component. Green MEPs support the revision but call for the proposal to set the rate at the right level and limit exemptions.

more » | en | fr | de |

EVENTSBrussels 23.06.2010

Towards a cultural ecology?

A Greens/EFA conference

This conference organized by Greens/EFA MEPs Malika Benarab-Attou, Helga Trüpel, François Alfonsi, aims at bringing a prospective on positioning Culture at the heart of the European project.

more » | en |

Press releasesBrussels 22.06.2010

Oil platform - Copyright: Tamar Gugulashvili

Offshore oil drilling

Greens call for moratorium on offshore oil drilling in response to inadequate EU rules

The Greens/EFA group has highlighted the lack of EU regulation on offshore oil drilling, notably on safety and liability. In addition to calling for stronger and more coherent EU rules, the Greens have called for a moratorium on offshore drilling - at least until stronger rules are in place.

more » | en | fr | de |

EVENTSBrussels 22.06.2010

Barbed wire - Copyright: Ariusz Nawrocki

Crime and Punishment in the Europe of Tomorrow

Harmonisation of Criminal Procedure and Criminal Law in the European Union

With Dr. Martin Selmayr, Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Viviane Reding, Dr. Yves Bot, Advocate General, European Court of Justice, Professor Helmut Satzger, University of Munich and Lecturer Nadja Long, EIPA

more » | en |

'Crime and punishment in the Europe of tomorrow' '

Press releasesBrussels 17.06.2010

European Union - Copyright: Alexander Briel

European Council

EU leaders fail the stress test

While the EU heads of state had lengthy debates about possible stress-tests for banks, they failed the stress-test themselves: in spite of Merkel and Sarkozy's Berlin statements, a strategy for a Common European Economic Policy is yet to be found. EU heads of state still don't dare to commit to real economic governance and refuse to give more power to Brussels

more » | en | de |

Press releasesBrussels 16.06.2010

Working time for lorry drivers

EU parliament puts road safety over lobby interests

The vote of the European Parliament is a successful crash test for social Europe. It contributes substantially to improve road safety in Europe. With the decision to maintain the self employed in the directive, the MEPs closed a loophole to circumvent working time legislation.

more » | en | fr | de |

The situation of Human Rights in the world

Facebook chat with Heidi Hautala - Tuesday 15 June 17:00

Human rights are one of the core values of the European Union. But what is the reality in the EU and in the world? How to avoid double standard politics? On the occasion of the report on the presentation of the EU Annual Report on Human Rights, Green Member and Chair of Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights Heidi Hautala will chat with visitors

Plenary Strasbourg - Picture credit : Photo European Parliament - Architectes : Architecture Studio

Strasbourg Flash

Greens/EFA plenary session priorities 14 -17 June 2010

The highlight of the European Parliament plenary week is the debate and the vote on the EP resolution on Israeli military operation against the humanitarian flotilla and the Gaza blockade. Other priorities for the Greens/EFA will be the reports by Green Members on EU policies in favour of human rights defenders, catch documentation programme for bluefin tuna and on gender aspects of the economic downturn and financial crisis.

more » | en | fr |

Israeli military operation against the humanitarian flotilla and the Gaza blockade

Press releases10.06.2010

Bio-fooled

proposal on EU criteria would allow damaging unsustainable biofuels

The Commission's proposals on applying the so-called 'sustainability criteria' for biofuels are riddled with loopholes and would allow climate-damaging fuels to get the all clear in Europe. Far from ensuring the sustainability of these fuels, the communication could undermine overall EU climate policy.

more » | en | fr | de |

EVENTSBrussels 10.06.2010

Green Jobs - Decent Work!

A Greens/EFA conference organised by Elisabeth Schroedter (MEP) and Reinhard Bütikofer (MEP)

This conference aims to define how to ensure good working conditions in the new sustainable economy and a socially just transformation. It will be divided in two panels dedicated to green quality jobs and to the Green New Deal and decent work.

more » | en |

EVENTSBrussels 09.06.2010

'Carbon leakage' - Risks and reality

Public hearing

Will strong EU climate policies really lead polluting industries to relocate, bringing their emissions (and jobs) with them? This hearing will aim to assess the true risks of carbon leakage, as well as discussing viable policy options for tackling the affected sectors.

more » | en | fr |

EVENTSBrussels 08.06.2010

Financing culture in the digital era

A Greens/EFA conference

The digital era has made knowledge and culture accessible for the greater public and contributes to bring about a worldwide knowledge society. But how can we guarantee a fair remuneration of authors and creators together with the universal access and circulation of knowledge and culture? The conference will explore ways out of this paradox.

more » | en |

"Financing culture in the digital era" - video documentation of the conference 8 June 2010

Weekly overviewBrussels 04.06.2010

cc: Photo EP- Architecte: Ass. architectes du CIC : VandVanden Bossche sprl, C.R.V. s.a., CDG sprl,

Brussels Agenda

Greens/EFA priorities and events 7-12 June 2010

Greens/EFA events this week include several conferences and hearings on financing culture in the digital era, carbon leakage, CAP, green jobs and nuclear waste. See the Agenda for a full listing

more » | en |

Press releasesBrussels 03.06.2010

Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre

When the rule of law in China?

4th of June is the 21st anniversary of the brutal repression of the students and workers who occupied Tiananmen Square. What happened that night was a massacre about which very little has been revealed since. All of this information is still a state secret, something intolerable on the eve of important trade agreements between China and the EU.

more » | en | fr |

Press releasesBrussels 31.05.2010

Map of Mid East especially Lebanon and Israël - Copyright : Elvaro

Gaza Humanitarian Aid Flotilla

Greens/EFA strongly condemn Israel's attack on humanitarian aid ship

Greens/EFA strongly condemn the deadly attack of Israeli commandos on the humanitarian aid convoy in the Mediterranean.This attack is a serious infringement of the principles of international humanitarian law. Greens/EFA call upon the European Union and the international community to apply pressure for the lifting of the current blockade of Gaza.

more » | en |

Letter to Lady Ashton by Greens/EFA Co-Presidents

Press releasesBrussels 26.05.2010

Bali conference - Copyright: Christine Balderas

Climate change

EU Commission makes case for stronger emissions reduction target, ball now in Member States court

The European Commission today presented a communication making the case for increasing the EU greenhouse gas target to a 30% reduction by 2020. For the Greens/EFA, this communication makes a welcome and timely contribution to the debate on strengthening the EU's emissions reduction target.

more » | en | fr | de |

Press releasesStrasbourg 20.05.2010

Smoking industry chimney - Copyright: Michael Graber

EU climate policy

New study blows through smokescreen of 'carbon leakage' arguments in EU climate policy

The Greens/EFA group in the EP launched a new study on the risks of carbon leakage in the EU, undertaken by independent research organisation Climate Strategies. The study assesses the true extent of carbon leakage, as well as policy options for addressing the problem on increasing the EU emissions reduction target and the impact of carbon leakage.

more » | en | fr |

EVENTSStrasbourg 20.05.2010

Painting biodiversity

Greens/EFA organised a symbolic action in the European Parliament

Three days ahead of the International Day of Biodiversity, Greens/EFA organised a symbolic action in the European Parliament within the framework of their 2010 Biodiversity Campaign. Greens/EFA MEPs contributed to a collective painting representing biodiversity and made by local artists.

more » | en | fr |

Biodiversity painting in the European Parliament - 19 May 2010

Press releases18.05.2010

Hedge funds

Economic Affairs Committee votes for tough regulation of speculative funds

It is never too late to act. The Euro crisis reminds us of the urgent need to regulate speculative funds. European speculative funds are now accountable to regulators. More concretely, they have to justify the level of risk taken and make their activities transparent.

more » | en | fr | de |

EVENTSBrussels 12.05.2010

The European Citizens' Initiative

Toothless Tiger - Or an Open Door for the People?

After the Commission presented its proposal for a regulation, it is now Parliament's turn. We are currently working on the legal specification of this instrument. The hearing aims at gathering inputs from experts and initiatives from the civil society and debating with a view to find the best solution for this right of initiative on the EU level.

more » | en | fr | de |

Press releases04.05.2010

Illegal logging

Environment Committee toughens measures against illegally harvested timber

Today the European Parliament Environment Committee overwhelmingly adopted a draft recommendation for second reading by Caroline Lucas on illegal logging.

more » | en |

EVENTSBrussels 06.05.2010

Taste biodiversity!

How biodiversity is feeding the world

Greens/EFA MEPs Sandrine Bélier, Martin Häusling and Eva Joly have the pleasure to invite you to a workshop on biodiversity and development with international experts.

more » | en |

EVENTSBonn 29.04.2010

From Bonn to Cancun

EU climate policy and the international climate negotiations

This Greens/EFA conference will look the role of the EU in international climate change policy, with a focus on the wider implications of the EU's domestic emissions reduction policies. The conference will assess the costs and benefits of more ambitious climate policies and the economic opportunities they present.

more » | en | fr | de |

Press releasesStrasbourg 21.04.2010

Nuclear power plant - Copyright : Robert Brown

Nuclear energy

Finland's decision for nuclear leads country into a dead end

Today the Finnish government decided to propose approvals for two new nuclear power reactors. The decision follows continuous technical and financial problems in the Olkiluoto 3 reactor which is still under construction. The Greens/EFA group in the European parliament support the Finnish Greens in their ongoing campaign against any new nuclear reactors.

more » | en |

EVENTSStrasbourg 21.04.2010

Chernobyl, a permanent catastrophe

The state of play 24 years later

A few days before the anniversary date of the Chernobyl catastrophe, the Greens/EFA organise a debate and documentary showing about the health and environmental impact of the Chernobyl accident.

more » | en | fr |

Press releases20.04.2010

A Boeing 747 being refueled - Copyright: Christoph Ermel

Air Traffic Chaos

Safety more important than profit

For the Greens, the European airspace must only be opened again when there is definitely no further risk for cockpit personnel or passengers. Greens vehemently condemn the resolve of the airline industry, which puts profit before the safety of passengers and pilots. The events of the past few days also clearly show us the mistakes that have been made in European transport politics in the past few decades. It has been - and often still is - a common belief that the railways can be neglected.

more » | en | fr | de |

Video on demand: Co-Presidents’ press briefing

Tuesday, 20 April

Greens/EFA Co-Presidents Rebecca Harms and Dany Cohn-Bendit comment on the EU Parliament plenary week and wider EU agenda.

Strasbourg Flash

Greens/EFA plenary session priorities 19-23 April 2010

The Greens/EFA Group's priorities for the April plenary session include the EU's budget discharge, as well the proposed inquiry into the swine flu outbreak and a Greens/EFA report on Europe's digital library (Europeana).

more » | en | de |

EVENTSBrussels 14.04.2010

Green perspective on the European External Action Service

Debate with civil society

Green MEPs Dany Cohn-Bendit, Franziska Brantner, Eva Joly and Heidi Hautala lead the debate on the EEAS structures, competences and financial instruments together with civil society figures and Commission representatives.

more » | en |

Who wants to control the internet ? - Copyright: Benoit Beauregard

Protection of Personal Data in Transatlantic Security Cooperation: which way forward?

A Greens/EFA public hearing

On 8 April Green MEP Jan-Philip Albrecht hosted a hearing in the wake of the EU Parliament's rejection of the EU-US SWIFT agreement. A video recording of the discussion, including legal and technical experts' insight, is now available.

Protection of Personal Data in Transatlantic Security Cooperation: which way forward?

EVENTSBrussels 07.04.2010

Pictures © Klaas Lingbeek-van Kranen -© Nick Schlax

How much for biodiversity?

A Greens/EFA workshop

On the occasion of the International Year of the Biodiversity, the Greens/EFA organise a series of events and actions around biodiversity. This workshop will deal about the European action for biodiversity protection and the marine, forest and agricultural aspects of biodiversity.

more » | en | fr |

Press releasesBrussels 31.03.2010

Young face of Europe - Copyright: Duncan Walker

Citizens' Initiative

Toothless tiger or a real opportunity for citizens?

The European Commission has just presented the "Citizens' Initiative", an important tool for participative democracy that gives the right to a million Europeans to invite the Commission to propose legislation in a particular field.For the Greens, the Commission's proposal is useful, but it is still too cautious and not close enough to citizens.

more » | en | fr | de |

Press releasesBrussels 26.03.2010

EU Summit

Financing plan for Greece exposes Europe's weakness

Today, divisions between the Member States led to call for the IMF, a humiliating act of weakness on the part of European leaders. After the failure to play any role at the climate talks in Copenhagen, this is the second time that the European Union has shown its helplessness.

more » | en | fr | de |

Video statement on the EU Summit by MEP Philippe Lamberts

Press releases25.03.2010

External Action Service proposal

Worst case scenario becomes worst case reality

The Greens have criticised EU Foreign Affairs High-Representative Ashton's proposal for the new service for failing to merge crisis management efforts and duplicating development structures. The lack of democratic oversight and excessive powers granted to the Secretary-General (to be appointed) are also cause for concern.

more » | en |

EnvironmentBrussels 25.03.2010

Bluefin tuna: letter to Commissioner Damanaki

Green MEPs Romeva and Lovin call for Commission action

In the wake of Commission commitments to saving the bluefin tuna, but failure to secure a ban at CITES, Green MEPs Isabella Lovin and Raül Romeva have written to Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Fisheries, urging her to support a unilateral ban on the industrial fishing and export of bluefin tuna.

more » | en |

Press releases23.03.2010

Staes report

EPP and Social democrats vote against more control of Parliament's expenses

The Budgetary Control Committee of the European Parliament today voted on the Report of Green MEP Bart Staes on the budgetary discharge for the year 2008 for the European parliament.

more » | en |

Video statement Bart Staes

EVENTSBarcelona 20.03.2010

A Green New Deal out of the crisis

Joint event Greens/EFA and Iniciativa per Catalunya Verds

A public debate on how the Green New Deal can be the way out of the crisis in Spain and across Europe

more » | en |

EVENTSBarcelona 19.03.2010

A generation on the edge? © Michael Fuller

A generation on the edge? New start for youth

Greens/EFA Group meeting in Barcelona

This one day conference will focus on youth and poverty, unemployment and education. Conference panels will tackle the situation of young people in Europe in terms of access to employment, poverty, risk of exclusion, vulnerability and dependence with a view to finding solutions for youth unemployment and youth inclusion.

more » | en |

Emilie Turunen report on promoting youth access to the labour market, strengthening trainee, internship and apprenticeship status

Press releases18.03.2010

Bluefin tuna

CITES vote “catastrophic” for both bluefin tuna and fishing industry

Under the conomic pressures of the fishing industry and the Japanese sushi market, a majority at the CITES conference today rejected a ban in the international trade of the species.

more » | en | fr |

Press releases16.03.2010

Food labelling

EU Parliament committee approves better information to consumers

The EU Parliament 'ENVI' committee has adopted a report that includes several improvements on information to consumers. MEPs stopped short of approving a 'traffic light' system that would proviide consumer-friendly indications on salt, sugar, fat and calorie content.

more » | en | fr | de |

Press releases15.03.2010

Environment and climate

New study highlights urgent need to increase EU emissions reduction target

The EU can and should increase its emissions reductions target, according to a new study by CE Delft, commiissioned by the Greens/EFA Group. Green MEPs are calling for the EU to immediately adopt a 30% domestic reductions target by 2020. <br><br>

more » | en | fr | de |

For a GMO-free Europe - action hemicycle 09.03.2010 © Photo European Parliament

Action against the authorisation of gm potato

Question from Greens/EFA Co-President Rebecca Harms to EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso

The Greens/EFA Group protested against the Commission decision to authorise the cultivation of the genetically-modified 'Amflora' potato. Greens/EFA Co-President Rebecca Harms explains the health concerns and criticism of the Commission's decision-making process.

Climate

Clear mandate for Commission would help EU to 'speak with one voice' in UN climate talks

The Greens have called for a more unified and coherent European presence in UN climate talks, in response to Commission proposals due to be presented by Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard.

more » | en | fr | de |

EVENTSBrussels 04.03.2010

Freedom of speech and censorship - Copyright : Janne Ahvo

Blogging for Democracy - Cuba, the European Union and the influence of Web 2.0

Online conference Cuba-EU featuring Yoani Sánchez and most influential alternative Cuban bloggers

We need open debate about the situation in Cuba and the Blogger Movement as a possibility to raise one's voice regardless of the media censorship in Cuba. The conference - featuring the most influential figures in the Cuban alternative blogsphere - also challenges how EU policy on Cuba is seen on the island and what future role the EU should play.

more » | en |

Press releases03.03.2010

EU 2020 Strategy

Commission presents myopic attempt at 2020 vision

The Greens/EFA Group has criticised the Commission's Communication on the EU 2020 Strategy, which repeats mistakes from the Lisbon Strategy and fails to adequately address social and environmental concerns as essential to Europe's economic future.

more » | en | fr | de |

EVENTSBrussels 03.03.2010

Europe 2020 agenda: a path or barrier to the Green New Deal?

A Greens/EFA conference

On 3 March the Greens/EFA Group are organising a public event to analyse the sustainability of the EU 2020 Strategy. This is held against a backdrop of calls for a Green New Deal, on the day the European Commission publishes its Communication on the strategy. Key speakers from the green technologies sector, and public and private investment sector will participate.

more » | en |

Amflora potato: Greens/EFA letter to Commissioner John Dalli

Press releases02.03.2010

Data retention

German court ruling is first step towards EU approach based on individual assessment, not blanket suspicion

The German constitutional court in Karlsruhe today dismissed a German law on retaining data linked to communications, such as telephone calls and email. This is highly significant for the future debate in the EU on this matter and on SWIFT bank transfers and Passenger Name Records, according to Green MEP Jan-Philipp Albrecht.

more » | en | de |

Weekly overview01.03.2010

Hemicycle - Photo European Parliament - Architecte : Association des architectes du CIC

Brussels Agenda

Greens/EFA priorities and events 1-5 March 2010

Greens/EFA Group hold a major conference to assess the sustainability of the EU 2020 Strategy against calls for a Green New Deal. This is one of several Greens/EFA events and priorities during the week.

more » | en |

Press releases01.03.2010

Illegal timber

EU governments cut tough measures out of illegal timber legislation

European Parliament rapporteur Caroline Lucas has issued a critical response to Council's decision to water down proposed legislation against the trade in illegal timber and timber products.

more » | en |

Press releases25.02.2010

CFP reform

EU Parliament demands sustainable Common Fisheries Policy

With the EU's Common Fisheries Policy due for its first fundamental reform in almost a decade, the European Parliament plenary today adopted a report that effectively sets out the institution's position on the failings of the current CFP and how it must be improved if it to lead to sustainable fisheries.

more » | en | fr |

Plenary round-upStrasbourg 11.02.2010

Greens/EFA Round-up 8-11 February 2010

Debriefing of the plenary session in Strasbourg

Priorities for the Greens included the vote on the new European Commission, a vote to support protection of bluefin tuna, the EU Parliament's verdict on the EU agreement to share SWIFT bank data with the US as well as the progress reports on Croatia, FYROM and Turkey. The European Parliament also voted the resolutions on Iran, Haiti and on the outcome of the Copenhagen Summit which were debated during the January session.

more » | en |

Press releases11.02.2010

SWIFT data transfers

EU Parliament scores victory for democracy in rejecting EU-US SWIFT agreement

The Greens have welcomed Parliament's decision to reject an interim agreement for the EU to supply bank transfer data to the US.

more » | en | fr | de | es |

EVENTSBrussels 03.02.2010

Implementing the Green New Deal for Europe

A Green family Workshop

The Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament is holding a series of workshops with Greens from around the EU to discuss and fine-tune its policies on the Green New Deal. This workshop will consider key aspects of the Green New Deal, such as its macro-economic framework, its employment dimension and its industrial policies.

more » | en | fr |

EVENTSMadrid 28.01.2010

The EU Spanish Presidency and the Green priorities

The Spanish Presidency of the EU and the Green priorities

A Greens/EFA conference in Madrid

The Greens/EFA Group will debate about the programme of the Spanish Presidency of the EU with representatives of the Spanish government, NGOs and think tanks. Two panels about the Green New Deal as a way out of the crisis and about which energetic model for Europe will also be an opportunity to focus on Green priorities.

more » | en | fr | es |

Press releases27.01.2010

UN climate talks

Greens submit alternative emissions reduction target to UN climate body on behalf of EU

The EU has decided to submit an inadequate 20%/30% emissions reduction target to the UN Convention on Climate Change as specified under the Copenhagen Accord. The European Greens, meanwhile, have already submitted an alternative target of 40% to the UNFCCC on behalf of the European Union.

more » | en | de |

See the Greens' submission to Appendix of Copenhagen Accord for UNFCCC

Renewable energy policy success shows need for more ambitious targets

New blog on www.stopclimatechange.net

EU member states are well on track towards meeting their renewable energy targets. Combined with greater than expected emissions declines in other sectors, this underlines the need for stronger renewables and emissions targets...

Chemistry - autosampling © Catalin Stefan

Managing risks

A closer look at the legislative proposals on pharmacovigilance

Public health disasters remind us how essential it is to have an effective and proactive pharmacovigilance system to guarantee the safety of EU citizens. In December 2008, the European Commission put forward proposals for new legislation governing Pharmacovigilance in Europe. This expert meeting will debate about the consequences of the existing proposals for patient safety, the most effective approach for dealing with pharmacovigilance data and how decision-making and patient safety can be strenghtened in Europe.

more » | en | fr |

Statement by Michèle Rivasi

Weekly overview25.01.2010

Brussels AGENDA

Greens/EFA priorities and events 25-29 January 2010

In the upcoming European Parliament committee week, Greens/EFA agenda priorities and events include the civil liberties committee on the EU-US SWIFT agreement, the environment committee on swine flu vaccinations and the Greens/EFA conference with the Spanish Presidency in Madrid.

more » | en |

Plenary round-upStrasbourg 21.01.2010

Greens/EFA Round-up 18-21 January 2010

Debriefing of the plenary session in Strasbourg

Priorities for the Greens included the last hearings of the Commissioner-designates, the debate on Iran, the presentation of the programme of the Spanish Presidency of the EU, the EU-US agreement on bank data transfers and Green MEP Eva Joly's report on the EU-ACP Cotonou Agreement revision.

more » | en |

Reactions from Green MEPs on the hearings of Commissioner-designates

Press releases20.01.2010

Cotonou Agreement

Time to rethink EU-ACP development cooperation

The European Parliament has adopted a report by Green MEP Eva Joly, calling for substantial revisions to be made in the EU-ACP development cooperation agreement. Finance, food, energy and climate change are among the policy areas where change is demanded in this year's mid-term review of the 20 year accord.

more » | en | fr |

Press releases20.01.2010

EU Ombudsman

Diamandouros was the right choice for transparency

Finnish Green MEP Heidi Hautala has welcomed the European Parliament vote to approve a new term for EU Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros. The role involves investigating complaints on the EU institutions, especially regarding transparency.

more » | en |

Strengthening EU emissions targets must remain top priority

New blog on www.stopclimatechange.net

The decision to step up to a 30% emissions reduction target has again been postponed by EU environment ministers. Stepping up to the 30% is only a starting point for the EU to reengage with the world though...

Reactions from Green MEPs on the hearings of Commissioner-designates

Press releases12.01.2010

Conference on climate migrants - Copyright : Collectif Argos

Rumiana Jeleva hearing

Jeleva wobbles on financial disclosure and humanitarian aid questions

Green MEPs were unsatisfied with Commissioner-delegate Rumiana Jeleva's responses to questions regarding declaration of her business interests and on the dossier she has been assigned in the European Commission.

more » | en | de |

Sandglass - Copyright: Guillermo Perales Gonzalez

Putting global climate policy back on track and the role of the EU

New blog on www.stopclimatechange.net

4 weeks since the debacle at Copenhagen, the future of global climate policy remains unclear. The new EU presidency and climate commissioner must start picking up the pieces and re-establish the EU's place in the process...

Russia - human rights

Greens condemn arrest of Sakharov Prize winner Alexeyeva

82 year-old Ludmila Alexeyeva - 2009 Sakharov Prize winner and Chair of the Russia Helsinki Committee - was among 50 protestors and bystanders arrested and detained for several hours for participating in a peaceful protest in Moscow on New Year's Eve. Although they have been released, the protestors face possible further action.

more » | en |

Press releasesBrussels 22.12.2009

EU Environment Council

EU lacks vision for strategy after Copenhagen

The EU Environment Ministers came up with no solution today, nor even a vision on how to resolve the climate impasse after Copenhagen. The EU needs to return to its original plan to seize a leadership role in the negotiations. To do that, it must once and for all decide to unconditionally reduce our own emissions by 30% compared to 1990.

more » | en | fr | de |

Press releasesCopenhagen 19.12.2009

UN Climate Conference

NOpenhagen as global leaders COP out of meaningful climate deal

Two years of arduous UN negotiations to produce a binding global climate deal ended in failure today, after a vague and meaningless political declaration that had been agreed between a small group of global heads of states was consigned to a footnote in the final vote by plenary in Copenhagen.

more » | en | fr | de |

Press releases16.12.2009

Climate change

Crunch time in Copenhagen as EU leaders contemplate sell-out

As EU heads of state and government start arriving at the UN climate summit in Copenhagen, the fate of the talks is in the balance. All the main political issues remain open, with the EU failing to advance its position and worrying reports emerging that it is scaling back its ambitions.

more » | en | fr | de |

Press releases16.12.2009

Illegal timber/climate change

EU agriculture ministers cut out tough measures backed by EU Parliament

After many months of delay, the EU agriculture council has finally reached a position on new legislation against the trade of illgeal timber and timber products. Shamefully, it does not support the strong measures advocated by the EU Parliament and its Green rapporteur Caroline Lucas.

more » | en |

Press releases09.12.2009

Climate change

New study dispels myth of EU's claimed climate policy leadership

A new study by the Ecofys Institute, commissioned by the Greens/EFA group and launched today in European Parliament, has revealed EU's claims to be the leader in international climate policy to be a myth.

more » | en | fr | de |

EVENTSBrussels 09.12.2009

Tax and development - To fight against poverty

A joint conference by the European Parliament and the European Commission

The Commission is currently working towards a paper addressing the issue of improving good governance in the tax area in developing countries. In this context, the European Commission and Parliament organize a joint conference with a view to analyse the link between taxation and development and the impact of harmful tax practices on developing countries.

more » | en | fr |

Livestreaming of the conference Wednesday 9 December 10:00-13:30 & 15:00-18:00

Weekly overviewBrussels 04.12.2009

Brussels Agenda

Greens/EFA priorities and events 7-11 December 2009

Greens/European Free Alliance major priorities for next week are the COP15 UN climate change conference in Copenhagen and the EU summit of heads of state and government in Brussels. Greens/EFA events also include a presentation of a study on CO2 reduction targets and joint conferences on tax and development, Afghanisant and Opensource and free software.

more » | en |

Plenary round-upBrussels 26.11.2009

Greens/EFA Round-up 23-26 November 2009

Debriefing of the plenary session in Strasbourg

Greens/EFA priorities for the session included the Stockholm Programme, the preparation for the Copenhagen climate summit, the EU enlargement strategy, the reports on Europol, the vote on the conciliation agreement on telecoms legislation, the resolution on elimination of violence against women, the report on the European Year of Volunteering (2011) and the resolution on China and the rights of minorities.

more » | en |

Press releases26.11.2009

EU-USA

Delay call for bank data transfer agreement - Political latecomers make SWIFT U-turn

Amid concerns over data protection and citizens' rights, the European Parliament's political group leaders are joining the Greens' call for the EU Council to delay its decision on a bank data transfer agreement with the USA.

more » | en |

Press releases25.11.2009

Climate change

EU Parliament calls for EU to raise its game before Copenhagen

The European Parliament today adopted a resolution that sets out its stance on the EU strategy going into international climate talks in Copenhagen. Key points include a call for €30 billion climate financing per year from the EU to developing countries and reference to scientists' recommendations for the EU to achieve 40% emissions reductions by 2020.

more » | en | fr | de |

New blog on www.stopclimatechange.net

Press releasesStrasbourg 25.11.2009

10th UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

EU needs zero tolerance strategy for violence against women

On the occasion of the 10th UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the EU Parliament will debate and vote on a resolution on the issue. The Greens/EFA welcome that the EU Parliament is set to call for a clear, EU-wide legal basis to combat all forms of violence against women.

more » | en | fr | de |

Ulrike Lunaceks speech in plenary

Christian Engström blog: "Telecom package is ammunition to stop Hadopi"

Plenary FlashStrasbourg 20.11.2009

Strasbourg Flash

Greens/EFA priorities for the 23-26 November EU Parliament plenary

Greens/EFA priorities include the Stockholm Programme that covers many justice and home affairs issues including immigration and asylum. Preparation for the Copenhagen climate summit will also be a major point in the agenda. The EU enlargement strategy and a vote on the conciliation agreement on telecoms legislation (including internet users' rights) will also be key points of interest.

more » | en | de |

Press releases19.11.2009

EU summit

EU leaders choose low profile names for EU top jobs

The Greens/EFA Group Co-Presidents react to EU leaders' decision to nominate Belgian PM Herman van Rompuy as the first EU Council President and Commissioner Catherine Ashton as EU high representative for foreign and security policy.

more » | en | fr | de |

EVENTSBrussels 19.11.2009

¡Ni una muerta más!

A conference about feminicide - State of play and perspectives

Feminicide is the most brutal form of violence against women. The killing of women is an immense problem, especially (but not only) in Mexico and Central America. In view of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, this is the right moment to take stock of the situation.

more » | en | fr | de | es |

Press releases18.11.2009

Solar panelled building - Copyright: Kelvin Wakefield

Energy efficient buildings

EU lays foundation for buildings of the future but misses towering opportunity to convert buildings of the past

A political agreement has been reached on rules for "nearly zero energy" buildings after 2018 for new public buildings and after 2020 for other new buildings. But Council rejected calls to fund a new programme that would have boosted renovation of existing buildings, reduced CO2 emissions and created new jobs.

more » | en | fr | de |

Press releasesBrussels 17.11.2009

Gender balance

Cross-party MEPs call for more women in EU top jobs

MEPs from five of the European Parliament's political groups held a press conference to call upon EU leaders to nominate more women candidates for the new European Commission and EU top jobs. So far only three of the 27 Member States have confirmed they will nominate a woman for a European Commission post.

more » | en | fr | de |

Demonstration of women MEPs on EU top jobs (Euronews)

Press releases16.11.2009

Bluefin tuna

EU complicit as ICCAT signs bluefin tuna death warrant behind closed doors

After nine days of backroom negotiations, the EU put forward a fishing quota proposal for bluefin tuna that is set to continue its slide towards extinction. Greens/EFA Vice-President Raül Romeva commented from the meeting in Recife.

more » | en | es |

EVENTS16.11.2009

Climate change: Incoherent cohesion policy?

EU structural and cohesion funds

Ahead of a 17 November conference, Green MEP Elisabeth Schroedter comments on the contradictions between EU climate goals and its investment of cohesion and structural funds into projects that often run contrary to them.

more » | en |

Climate Proofing EU Structural and Cohesion Funds

Weekly overviewBrussels 16.11.2009

Brussels Agenda

Greens/EFA Group agenda priorities and events 16-20 November 2009

Greens/European Free Alliance priorities and events for next week include the Special summit of EU leaders due to decide on EU top posts, the trialogue on energy efficiciency and the EU-Russia Summit. In this context, Greens/EFA organise the screening of the documentary 'Letter to Anna' which pays tribute to Anna Politkovskaya and the struggle for democracy and human rights in Russia.

more » | en |

| PRINT |

The Greens' Book - Policy papers of the Greens in the European Parliament

6th European Conference of GMO-Free Regions in Belgium (16-18 September 2010)

Press releasesBrussels 02.09.2010

France is Europe's outlaw

EVENTSBrussels 02.09.2010

Public hearing on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy

EVENTSBrussels 01.09.2010

A joint conference on transgender rights hosted by the Greens/EFA

Press releasesBrussels 13.07.2010

Commission proposes a dangerous deal

European UnionBrussels 16.07.2010

Green/EFA Group position paper

Press releasesStrasbourg 08.07.2010

A Setback for International Fundamental Rights Protection

Press releasesStrasbourg 07.07.2010

European Council must move

Recorded livestream from the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Issue 35 - July 2010

EVENTSBrussels 01.07.2010

Example Iran

Press releasesBrussels 23.06.2010

Revision of EU energy tax rules could play key role in realising climate and energy goals

EVENTSBrussels 23.06.2010

A Greens/EFA conference

Press releasesBrussels 22.06.2010

Greens call for moratorium on offshore oil drilling in response to inadequate EU rules

EVENTSBrussels 22.06.2010

Harmonisation of Criminal Procedure and Criminal Law in the European Union

Press releasesBrussels 17.06.2010

EU leaders fail the stress test

Press releasesBrussels 16.06.2010

EU parliament puts road safety over lobby interests

Facebook chat with Heidi Hautala - Tuesday 15 June 17:00

Plenary FlashStrasbourg 11.06.2010

Greens/EFA plenary session priorities 14 -17 June 2010

Press releases10.06.2010

proposal on EU criteria would allow damaging unsustainable biofuels

EVENTSBrussels 10.06.2010

A Greens/EFA conference organised by Elisabeth Schroedter (MEP) and Reinhard Bütikofer (MEP)

EVENTSBrussels 09.06.2010

Public hearing

EVENTSBrussels 08.06.2010

A Greens/EFA conference

Weekly overviewBrussels 04.06.2010

Greens/EFA priorities and events 7-12 June 2010

Press releasesBrussels 03.06.2010

When the rule of law in China?

Press releasesBrussels 31.05.2010

Greens/EFA strongly condemn Israel's attack on humanitarian aid ship

Press releasesBrussels 26.05.2010

EU Commission makes case for stronger emissions reduction target, ball now in Member States court

Press releasesStrasbourg 20.05.2010

New study blows through smokescreen of 'carbon leakage' arguments in EU climate policy

EVENTSStrasbourg 20.05.2010

Greens/EFA organised a symbolic action in the European Parliament

Press releases18.05.2010

Economic Affairs Committee votes for tough regulation of speculative funds

EVENTSBrussels 12.05.2010

Toothless Tiger - Or an Open Door for the People?

Press releases04.05.2010

Environment Committee toughens measures against illegally harvested timber

EVENTSBrussels 06.05.2010

How biodiversity is feeding the world

EVENTSBonn 29.04.2010

EU climate policy and the international climate negotiations

Press releasesStrasbourg 21.04.2010

Finland's decision for nuclear leads country into a dead end

EVENTSStrasbourg 21.04.2010

The state of play 24 years later

Press releases20.04.2010

Safety more important than profit

Tuesday, 20 April

Plenary FlashStrasbourg 20.04.2010

Greens/EFA plenary session priorities 19-23 April 2010

EVENTSBrussels 14.04.2010

Debate with civil society

A Greens/EFA public hearing

EVENTSBrussels 07.04.2010

A Greens/EFA workshop

Press releasesBrussels 31.03.2010

Toothless tiger or a real opportunity for citizens?