EU’s withdrawal from Energy Charter Treaty is a victory against fossil companies
The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on International Trade voted in favour of the EU's withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT). The exit from the Energy Charter Treaty is drawing closer. It is good news for climate protection, as well as for the switch to renewable energies and the growth of jobs in th…
MEPs set to approve agreement on reducing methane emissions in energy sector
Tomorrow, Members of the European Parliament will vote on the agreement on the EU Methane Regulation. With this regulation, the EU will for the first time adopt binding measures to reduce methane emissions. Methane is the main component of natural gas and is also released during oil and coal production. There are already cost-effective te…
EU leaders must stand firm on support for Ukraine & candidate countries
During the European Council summit, EU leaders will focus on Ukraine, enlargement and agriculture policy. "We need to better coordinate our efforts to supply Ukraine with the tools and resources it needs to win this war." said Philippe Lamberts. On agriculture policy, "the European Commission's hastily proposed revision of the CAP defies …
Greens/EFA priorities for the plenary week included the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, the Artificial Intelligence Act, the European Media Freedom Act, Vehicle Emissions Standards, Green Claims Directive, European Cross-border Associations and animal welfare.
Member States save, but significantly weaken the Due Diligence Directive at last minute
The EU Member States finally reached an agreement on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. The price of the agreement was a significant dilution of the level of ambition of the legislation. The scope of the directive will be limited to companies with over one thousand employees instead of five hundred. High-risks sectors w…
The European Parliament approves a European Media Freedom Act
Strasbourg, 13th March 2024 - Today marks a historic milestone in the European Parliament as the European Media Freedom Act receives approval by a large majority, signalling a crucial step forward in the protection of democracy within the European Union.
MEPs vote to protect associations and civil society in Europe
"A vibrant and lively civil society is a cornerstone for our democracy. In voting for this report, a broad majority of MEPs show they share this objective with the Greens/EFA Group. For years, profit oriented interest representations can be established but only today we elevate civil society to the European level", said Sergey Lagodinsky,…
Media Freedom Act a victory for democracy in dark times
Members of the European Parliament voted in favour of the outcome of trilogue negotiations on the European Media Freedom Act, which is aimed at protecting journalists and the freedom of and plurality of media in the EU. The Greens/EFA Group has long fought for EU-level rules to address issues such as high media market concentration, the f…
Greens/EFA Group welcomes historic step towards ethical AI governance
The European Parliament has voted on the historic AI Act, marking a significant step towards ensuring ethical governance of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across the EU. The Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament has fought to ensure robust safeguards to protect fundamental rights and democratic principles, as well as the …
MEPs vote in favour of more energy efficient buildings
Members of the European Parliament voted in favour of the trilogue deal of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). This is the first step towards a carbon neutral building stock by 2050. This law is not only good for the planet, it is also good for people. It will lower energy bills for everyone, prioritise renovation fundi…
