Debriefing of the March 2024 Plenary Session

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 were deleted entirely and the legislation's entry into force will be further delayed.

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, Greens/EFA MEP and European Parliament Rapporteur

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 environment in the AI Act. The Act, the first of its kind globally, is a comprehensive legislative framework designed to regulate the development, deployment, and use of AI systems.

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 fair allocation of state funding and the independence of public service media and national regulatory authorities.

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 funding for vulnerable groups and enhance renter protections.

Final agreement on improving conditions for platform workers

A majority of EU countries in the Employment and Social Affairs Council just supported the deal on improving conditions for platform workers. This agreement is a very important step in building a strong social Europe. It manages to improve the working conditions of the most precarious workers

Patrick Breyer Sergey Lagodinsky Kim Van Sparrentak
Opinion by Patrick Breyer & Sergey Lagodinsky & Kim Van Sparrentak

Protecting Privacy: Biometric Mass Surveillance and the AI Act

In the face of emerging technologies like biometric mass surveillance, fighting for our right to privacy is more important than ever.

After two years of war EU & allies must remain steadfast in support for Ukraine

We urge the Commission to start with the implementation of the Facility immediately and to spare no effort to make sure Ukraine can benefit from the Facility as soon as possible. This is vital at a time when further support for Ukraine is currently stalled in the US Congress.

Without farmers, there’s no food

Farmers work hard to provide us with food. Day in, day out, with hardly any holidays or breaks. We all know that - and that is why they deserve to earn a decent income.

Right now, farmers are in distress. The profiteering in our food-system has reached its limits, with powerful agri-companies and supermarket chains making billions while most farmers struggle to make ends meet.

Politicians that pretend there is a contradiction between nature and farming are trying to hide their own failure. They are lying. There is no contradiction - farming and nature can only work hand in hand. Farmers know that in their hearts. And it is up to us to make that possible.

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