The COVID-19 crisis reveals the many fissures of the EU food system and show us the way out

As COVID-19 hits the EU agri-food sector hard, it also reveals its main shortcomings. Far from shying away from the issues, we should use this occasion to reshape the EU food and farming system to the benefit of farmers, consumers and their shared environment, with the help of the future Farm to Fork strategy, and, hopefully a refounded Common Agriculture Policy.

Now Europe, now Eurobonds

In the last days, we have witnessed an inexplicable European paralysis to address the COVID-19 crisis. It has taken too long to see patients crossing borders to be treated in neighbouring countries, or material circulating from one country to another. Fortunately, it seems that solidarity within Europe is growing every day, and we are finally reacting on the health-care front.

Kosovo: Vote of no confidence amid Corona crisis

Quote from Viola von Cramon-Taubadel MEP

The current political turmoil in Kosovo and the Corona pandemic should not be used to any individual politician's advantage. Kosovo needs a stable government that can lead its citizens through these times of uncertainty and crisis.

Hungary/Corona crisis: Draft bill on modifying criminal code risks democratic standards

Quote Gwendoline Deblos-Corfield MEP

Today, the Hungarian Parliament will debate passing a motion that would allow the government to rule by decree until the end of the Corona virus crisis. Under the proposals, any law could be suspended or overridden as long as the emergency continues, and no elections including municipal, by-elections or referenda will be allowed until the government declares the emergency over.

Evacuate vulnerable asylum seekers from Greek islands

Corona virus

Members of the European Parliament are calling on the crisis team of the European Commission to make an emergency plan to protect vulnerable asylum seekers against Covid-19. On the Greek islands are now more than 42.000 asylum seekers, while camps were supposed to house 6.000 people

All about the EU climate law

A blog from two young climate activists

We want to build the bridge between the climate activists in the streets and the politicians in the parliament. We would like to offer the young activists more information about the internal tradeoffs to pressure the right points and debate with our politicians to show them there are millions of people all around the world ready and waiting for change.

Plenary flash

Greens/EFA priorities, 9 - 12 March 2020

This week the Parliament will meet in Brussels. Discover the Greens/EFA priority issues on the agenda

Spain accused of ‘criminalising dissent’

EFA MEPs supporting Catalan academics

Spanish authorities have been accused of ‘criminalising dissent’ after it emerged that supporters of Catalan self-determination are facing legal action and other measures simply for supporting a peaceful refe...

MEPs' fact-finding mission to Czech Republic on conflicts of interest - quote from Daniel Freund MEP

Czech Republic

Today, a European Parliament fact-finding mission on conflicts of interest in the Czech Republic with Members of the Budgetary Control Committee has just ended. Daniel Freund MEP, Greens/EFA Member of the Budgetary Control Committee who was part of the fact-finding mission on conflicts of interest in the Czech Republic, comments:

We need a better EU budget plan

Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)

President Michel's disappointing budget proposal lacks ambition. The EU needs a strong and modern budget to fight climate change and inequalities.

A Greens/EFA take on the plenary week

Plenary week, 10-14 February 2020

Greens/EFA priorities for the plenary week included the future EU/UK relationship, conclusion of the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, objection to the energy projects ‘PCI List’, humanitarian situation of refugees at EU external borders, automated decision-making processes, the illegal trade in companion animals in the EU, and the Gender Equality Strategy.

A look on the plenary week

Greens/EFA priorities - session 10-13 February 2020

A look ahead to the plenary session in the European Parliament in Strasbourg and the Greens/EFA priority issues on the agenda

Focus on Europe’s minorities, national communities and languages

EFA MEPs support new European Parliament Intergroup

A new group has been set up in the European parliament that will be a focal point for discussion on the issues facing Europe’s minorities, national communities and languages. Europe’s rich linguistic, nati...

Reintroduce the Paris-Brussels-Berlin night train route by 2022!

Sign our petition

Until 2014, it was possible to travel between Paris and Berlin thanks to a night train operated by the SNCF and the Deutsche Bahn. According to the operators, this line has been closed for budgetary reasons. Connecting three major European capitals (Berlin-Brussels-Paris) by night train is essential in times of climate emergency!

We will leave a light on

Brexit

This is a sad week for Europe, but this is not the end of our story. As our former MEP AlynSmith once said: "I am not asking you to solve our domestic discussions. I am asking you to leave a light on so we can find our way home". We will

A Greens/EFA take on the plenary week

13-17 January 2020

Greens/EFA priorities for the plenary week included the European Green Deal, the Sustainable Investment Plan, Just Transition Fund, Roadmap on Social Europe, the Council hearings on the rule of Law in Hungary and Poland, Czech PM Andrej Babiš' conflicts of interest, Convention on biodiversity, ...

This week in the European Parliament

Greens/EFA priorities - plenary session 13-17 January 2020

A look ahead to the plenary session in the European Parliament in Strasbourg and the Greens/EFA priority issues on the agenda

Greens/EFA Debriefing

Plenary week, 16-19 December 2019

Greens/EFA priorities for the plenary week included the rule of law in Malta, conflict of interest and corruption, situation of the Uyghur in China, EU pollinators initiative, animal welfare, EU-Mercosur and European Green Deal, EU Ombudsperson, ...

Greens/EFA call on Croatia and Germany to keep EU Council ambition high in 2020

Closing of the Finnish Presidency

On 31 December 2019, Finland’s EU Council presidency draws to a close. Just before the beginning of Finland’s presidency term, the country elected a new five-party centre left coalition government, which immediately adopted well regarded climate goals. Showing leadership on ambitious climate action at the national level set high expectations for Finland to demand ambitious climate decisions also at the EU level.

What's coming up this week

Greens/EFA priorities - plenary session 16-19 December 2019

A look ahead to the plenary session in the European Parliament in Strasbourg and the Greens/EFA priority issues on the agenda

The EU is not a cash machine for oligarchs and politicians

Greens/EFA Proposals to end fraud in farm subsidies

On the occasion of the International Day Against Corruption, the Greens/EFA Group is publishing a series of recommendations on how to end the abuse of EU farm subsidies. Farm subsidies make up the biggest portion of EU spending and are an indispensable measure to protect European farmers, ensure food sovereignty, and promote healthy and sustainable food production in Europe. However, the lack of controls on the way EU funding is disbursed by European governments means that in some cases, unscrupulous politicians and people in positions of power are able to abuse the EU funding system for their own personal gain.

Why we need a European climate law

A Climate emergency needs climate solutions

On 28 November 2019 the European Parliament declared the climate emergency. This call must now be followed by ambitious concrete action. The Greens/EFA group call for an ambitious and rapid implementation of the European climate law and listed a series of short and medium term actions to address the emergency we are in.

Greens/EFA Debriefing

Plenary week, 25-28 November 2019

Greens/EFA priorities for the plenary week included the votes on climate emergency and the Climate Summit in Madrid (COP25), the new European Commission, the votes on the 2020 Budget, public country-by-country reporting, combatting gender-based violence, and an EP Mission to Malta following recent revelations around the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Time to put an end to the humanitarian crisis on the Greek islands

Time to take responsibility

At the next European Council on 2-3 December, our government leaders have the opportunity to solve a humanitarian crisis, which has long reached its critical limit. This is why we have sent them a letter calling them to immediately improve the living conditions and relocate asylum seekers to other member states. You can also take action.

European Parliament calls for the immediate return of the children of Jihadist fighters

Quote from Saskia Bricmont MEP

By calling for the repatriation of children and a coordinated European response, the European Parliament is taking responsibility and responding to Member States' inaction.

What's coming up this week

Greens/EFA priorities - plenary session 25-29 November 2019

A look ahead to the plenary session in the European Parliament in Strasbourg and the Greens/EFA priority issues on the agenda

30 years of children rights: let’s act!

Thirty years ago, 20 November 1989, Members of the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). To date, it is the most widely ratified binding international treaty in the world - only the United States of America did not ratify it. However, there is still a lot of work to be done!

MORE TRANSPARENCY TO FIGHT TAX AVOIDANCE

Help us sending a clear signal!

The responsible ministers of the EU countries will discuss the proposal in their meeting of 28 November. Send them a clear message: Ask them to stop blocking corporate transparency and tax justice!

Protecting Journalists is Protecting Democracy

EU needs to step up ambition so that the #TruthNeverDies

The UN highlights each year, on 2 November, the need to end impunity for crimes against journalists, because journalists are in the front line when it comes to holding the powerful to account, which is why they are often violently silenced. This year, the UN is reminding us that each year one journalist gets a Pulitzer prize, but one hundred get shot. Press freedom across the world - including in Europe - is in crisis.

EU must pressure Turkey not to deport refugees to Syria

Quote from Tineke Strik & Katrin Langensiepen

Today, Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey might have to leave Istanbul Refugees residing in Turkey or face the risk of being deported back to war-torn Syria. Refugees had until today to return to the provinces in which they were first registered when arriving in the country.

Greens/EFA Debriefing

Plenary week, 21-24 October 2019

Greens/EFA priorities for the plenary week included the votes on the EU budget 2020, the search and sea rescue in the Mediterranean, the Turkish military operation in Northeast Syria, the public country-by-country reporting, pesticides and bees, the opening of accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania,...

Well deserved prize for human rights defender Ilham Tohti

Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

Greens/EFA have supported and do welcome this choice. Ilham Tohti is the paradigmatic non-violent prisoner of conscience who has been jailed for life just for speaking up on behalf of Uyghur minority in China, even after being sentenced he has held on to his consistent approach of trying to build bridges between Han Chinese and the Uyghur minority.

Protection of bees against harmful pesticides

The European Parliament must stop Commission's plans

The very partial implementation of the Bee Guidance Document is the latest of many comitology 'black box' scandals. Everybody claims they love bees, but the decision making process on how to really protect them is taking place in the dark and does not aim to protect them properly, based on existing scientific evidence.

MEP urges colleagues to take more time on Brexit

Alyn Smith is President of the EFA Group in the European Parliament

Scottish MEP Alyn Smith has urged colleagues not to rush through ratification of any Brexit deal with undue haste. The European Parliament will have the final say on any Brexit deal.

What's coming up in Parliament

Greens/EFA priorities - plenary session 21-24 October 2019

A look ahead to the plenary session in the European Parliament in Strasbourg and the Greens/EFA priority issues on the agenda

Turkey-Syria

Group statement

Again, a major disaster is unfolding in Syria. The sudden announcement by President Trump of the withdrawal of US troops from northern Syria has given Turkish President Erdogan the opportunity to let his armed forces inv...

New Parliament re-asserts its opposition to GMOs

The new Parliament adopted its first three GMO objections that the European Commission proposes to authorise for  import into the EU for food (for humans) and feed (for livestock).  Let’s now hope that the new Commission will have the political courage to respect the call from citizens and the European Parliament to stop GMO authorisations and imports into Europe

Everyone has a right to access EU information - you just have to know how!

Quick Guide for Right to Know Day 2019

Freedom of information is a human right that is indispensable for a functioning democracy. We all have a right to know what people in power are doing and how they are spending our money - otherwise we have no transparency, no accountability, and no way of participating in the democratic process. So to celebrate International Right to Know Day, here is a quick guide on how you can ask the EU for information.

“Politics as Usual” does not suffice: We need an ethical Commission we can trust

Ethics and Integrity

Ursula Von der Leyen, the new Commission President, is working to put together a new Commission, but many of the candidates to become European Commissioners have been the subject of political scandals, investigations for corruption or questionings about potential conflicts of interest. But the European Parliament now has the power to prevent conflicts of interest - will it deliver?

Greens/EFA Debriefing

Plenary week, 16-19 September 2019

Greens/EFA priorities for the plenary week included: Hungary – Rule of Law, Amazon Fires, Christine Lagarde appointed President of the European Central Bank, Climate Debate Ahead of UN Summit, Brexit, New von der Leyen Commission, Money Laundering Greens/EFA nominees for the Sakharov Prize, Patentability of plants and essential biological processes, Laura Codruța Kövesi, new European Chief Prosecutor.

MEPs to establish Kurdish Friendship Group

Support for fundamental rights from across the political spectrum

Around a dozen MEPs from a variety of political groups have met at the European Parliament in Strasbourg to agree the establishment of a Kurdish Friendship Group. The aim is to provide a forum of support and discussio...

What's coming up in Parliament

Greens/EFA priorities - plenary session 16-19 September 2019

A look ahead to the plenary session in the European Parliament in Strasbourg and the Greens/EFA priority issues on the agenda

Global Climate Strike

20-27 September

This September, millions of us will walk out of our workplaces and homes to join young climate strikers on the streets and demand an end to the age of fossil fuels. Join the climate strike

Greens/EFA Debriefing

Plenary weeks July I and II 2019

We are back !  After the green wave of the European elections in May, political groups were formed and the new European Parliament had its first two plenary sittings in Strasbourg.  The topics on the agenda were mainly about the election of the Presidents of the European Parliament and of the European Commission.

European Commission’s New Proposals on Rule of Law Fall Short Once Again

The European Commission - and its new President, Ursula Von der Leyen - has promised that “there can be no compromise” when it comes to upholding the rule of law across the European Union. Yet despite the urgency of the situation, both Von der Leyen’s promises and the concrete proposals presented today by the European Commission remain deeply insufficient.

A green vision for our mobility system in 2050

Tackling air pollution and protecting citizens health

On 26 June, thanks to an initiative from Brussels residents and campaign group ClientEarth, the European Union Court of Justice ruled that European cities need to do much more effort to reduce pollution levels. The level of pollution in European cities - particularly from vehicle diesel engines - has become a major threat to public health.

Call on Ursula von der Leyen to strongly support and defend Gender Equality and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

Joint statement

As Members of the European Parliament and representatives of MEPs for Sexual and Reproductive Rights and the pro-choice network ALL of US we call on the newly elected President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to protect and further strengthen gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights in the work programme for the European Commission 2019-2024.

The French citizen representing Scotland in Europe

EFA MEP Christian Allard defends Scotland's attachment to Europe

Scottish MEP Christian Allard is a 'newly elected representative unlike any other.' Born in Dijon, Christian Allard has lived in Scotland for over thirty years where he has worked extensively in the fishing an...

Why will the Greens/EFA vote against Ursula von der Leyen ?

Vote on the Commission Presidency

During last week's hearing, our MEPs were not satisfied by her "answers". Find here the questions we asked & the answers she gave, as well as what we would have liked to have heard . It explains why our MEPs cannot support Ms von der Leyen during the plenary vote in Strasbourg

Greens/EFA Presidents meeting with Ursula von der Leyen

Quotes from Ska Keller & Philippe Lamberts

Today, the Presidents of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament met with nominee for Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. The Greens/EFA group have now invited Ms von der Leyen to an upcoming group meeting, which has yet to be determined, where she will be questioned by our MEPs in a web-streamed meeting.