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…
MEPs clear path for Parliament to sue Commission over releasing funds to Hungary
Members of the Legal Affairs Committee have voted in favour of the Parliament taking the Commission to the European Court of Justice over the release of 10.2 billion EUR in funds to Hungary; the Parliament will file the case in the coming days.
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
As today is International Women's Day on March 8th, the European Free Alliance (EFA) Group would like to express our collective commitment to promoting inclusivity, gender equality, and social justice. International Women's Day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made in advancing ...