Hungary: Orban and the end of the freedom of speech
During the past weeks, we have seen important breaches of democracy in Hungary: a convicted thief, the former prime minister of Macedonia was granted asylum, the Central European University was shut down and will have to move to Vienna, and government mouthpiece media came under the control of one foundation, headed by an ally of Viktor O…
"It was always clear that Brexit is a lose-lose game but the legal opinion of the Court of Justice reminds us that it's still possible for the UK to step back from the brink." commented Philippe Lamberts, President of the Greens/EFA group and member of the Brexit Steering Group in the European Parliament.
Eurozone finance ministers have emerged from an overnight meeting with proposals for reforms of the single currency. The proposals agreed to include a Eurozone budget. However, these reforms do not go far enough to prevent the next crisis, according to the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament.
"The fact that the Finance Ministers cannot come to an agreement on something as important as a digital tax is extremely disappointing," comments Molly Scott Cato, economic affairs spokesperson for the Greens/EFA group.
EU Member States must show solidarity on the redistribution of refugees
The European Commission has just announced the unravelling of the European asylum package and the postponement of the reform of the Dublin System for the redistribution of asylum seekers, a controversial issue between EU governments, as well as the amendment of the Asylum Procedures Regulation.
"So long as the EPP continues to keep Fidesz within their ranks, they are endorsing and supporting Orbán's assault on the rule of law. This was a supposedly a red line for the EPP, now Manfred Weber must clarify how he expects to reconcile the actions of the Hungarian government with Fidesz's role in the group."
Judith Sargentini, Greens…
"We are taking steps towards a more social union. Projects such as promoting jobs for young people and helping the homeless promote social cohesion and need more support. A social budget for the future must have top priority in the budget negotiations. A social Europe can show the value that the European Union can have in people's lives".…
"If this melange of autocracy isn't enough for the Council to do something, then what is? The Council needs to get its act together and debate our report on the rule of law in Hungary now, before the situation deteriorates further."
Comments of Judith Sargentini on the media freedom and democracy in Hungary.
European Commission finds Czech PM Babis has conflict of interest
Several international media outlets are reporting that the European Commission's legal service has concluded that Prime Minister of Czech Republic Andrej Babiš has a conflict of interest between his role as head of the Czech government and his business dealings.
Can a business be socially and environmentally responsible while being economically profitable? Into the Spoon is a perfect example of how this can be achieved. Watch this video and get to know some of the people who are making the just and Green transition happen!
