Effective tax rates for multinational companies in the EU

A report commissioned by the Greens/EFA

A new research commissioned by the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament shows that many companies do not pay much tax in many EU countries – in absolute values or in comparison to nominal rates or to some other countries.

The green, just transition away from coal

A Greens/EFA working paper

The transition away from coal and other fossil fuels is not only about coal, energy and our climate. People have to be be placed at the heart of the transition. They must feel empowered to act.

Gender and climate toolkit

No climate justice without gender justice!

Climate change is one of the most urgent global challenges. We are also aware that climate change is a deeply unjust phenomenon: those who contribute the least to climate change are often the ones that are most affected by its impacts. All aspects of climate change have a gender dimension: the causes, the impacts, as well as the policies to respond to climate change which can have different effects on women and men.

Ending corporate abuses: why Europe must support a UN Treaty

Towards a UN binding treaty on business and human rights

Globalisation heavily relies on the exploitation of workers in developing countries by Transnational Corporations. However, when these workers' human rights are abused, it is basically impossible for them to achieve proper redress. International pushes for the creation of a UN binding treaty on business and human rights seek to redress this profoundly unequal dynamic and end corporate impunity.

Pesticides found in hair samples

Pesticides are ubiquitous in our environment and food

The Greens/EFA set up a campaign to measure human exposure for a selection of 30 pesticides, reported as endocrine disruptors, among the EU population. The analyses detects toxic pesticides such as fipronil but also chlorpyrifos. Read more

EU-Japan Agreement

Preliminary Review on behalf of the Green/EFA Trade Working Group

The EU-Japan deal will be publicly presented as a symbol of an open, liberal trade regime, in contrast with the protectionist measures taking place in the US and elsewhere. The attack on the rules-based international trading system makes it all the more important for the EU to embed its’ values and live up to its commitments for sustainability and ecological responsibility in the agreements it signs. Based on the following analysis, we conclude that the EU-Japan agreement is another missed opportunity to fulfil this often-cited mantra.

Reporting taxation

Analysing loopholes in the EU’s automatic exchange of information and how to close them

The report highlights how EU citizens can continue to use tax havens through avoiding the automatic exchange of financial information by setting up bank and other financial accounts in countries not applying OECD standards effectively, or by holding accounts in the US through a legal entity. Wealthy individuals can also easily circumvent EU tax rules through "Golden Visa" schemes which allow people to buy residency or citizenship in another country.

Hungary: Q&A on Sargentini Report on the rule of law

On Wednesday 12 September, the European Parliament will vote on the report on Hungary by the Dutch Green MEP Judith Sargentini. If a two-thirds majority supports Sargentini’s conclusions, then for the first time in history the European Parliament will conclude that in an EU country there is a clear risk of a serious breach of democracy, fundamental rights and rule of law.

Green light for sustainable mobility

Vision and pathway to 2050

Too often, policymaking is dominated by cars and aimed at reducing road congestion, rather than at the broader challenge of a transition towards a sustainable transport sector. The Greens/EFA commissioned a study to explore what a truly sustainable mobility sector in 2050 might look like, and how we might get there.

Pathways to a Euratom Reform

Short legal evaluation and strategy approach

On 3 July, the EU Commission is going to present its ideas for the future of energy and climate poli...

Green Trade for All

A Greens/EFA paper

Green trade policy needs to identify the first bold steps on the path to bring us closer to an ecological vision for trade. Such steps should be developed as much as possible at the multilateral level, including proposing the necessary changes to the existing rules of the world trade system as embodied in the WTO.

Sustainable eating

How small steps can lead to big chance for your health and the climate

This booklet is about the food we eat every day, and the impact it has on our health, our environment and our future. Sustainable eating is becoming an urgent issue all over the world. We can all help change things by making different food choices. So, if you are ready, here's some 'food for thought' about making your fridge a force for change.

The EU-Turkey Statement and the Greek Hotspots

A failed European pilot project in refugee policy

The study shows how the hotspots approach, coupled with the implementation of the EU-Turkey statement, violates the rights of refugees and migrants and still fails to achieve its underlying dual aim, namely to contain migrants and refugees in order to deter potential new arrivals and to facilitate returns from Greece to Turkey.

10 proposals to target terrorism at EU level

A document put forward by WG on Terrorism

While we believe the most urgent and effective steps the EU should undertake to address terrorism are to improve the security architecture within and between member states, we also consider the need for a comprehensive political approach and response, and thus push for resilient, cohesive societies focussing on preventing radicalisation.

The post 2020 Multiannual Financial Framework

Protecting our planet, ensuring a life of dignity for all, investing in the future

We are already surpassing the boundaries of our planet and there is an urgent need to protect natural resources and reduce energy consumption. The next MFF should place greater emphasis on these elements and dedicate appropriate funding throughout its different components. The Greens/EFA group is advocating a global and comprehensive response to the multiple challenges we face. The Post 2020 MFF must clearly show the political will to take these challenges on.

Organic - it makes a difference

How to make sure that your children are eating food that is both healthy and delicious? Do you wonder if you can always trust the organic label? The Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament has fought for better and clearer rules for organic farming and food. Find out what do these new rules mean for organic food

Climate briefings

Ahead of key votes in the European Parliament, we set out the Greens/EFA position on the Circular Economy, LULUCF and the Effort Sharing Regulation.

Organic regulation briefing

On Thursday 19 April, the European Parliament will vote on the outcome of the trilogue negotiations on a new organic regulation. We've produced a briefing summarising the main achievements of the new regulation.

Phasing out away from coal - reinventing European regions

A study commissioned by the Greens/EFA

The EU can and should play a role in facilitating transformational change away from coal mining and in particular in mitigating social and economic hardship that may occur in the course of these transitions.

Future of Europe

Greens/EFA Group position

Without a united Europe, there will be no peace, prosperity and security in our globalised world. National democracies can hold elections, but lack the strength to enforce democratic decisions on multinational companies. Only the EU can become globally strong force for peace and human rights, protect citizens’ consumer rights, guarantee tax justice. Yet for Europe to deliver on its promises of democracy, prosperity and the rule of law, we need to restore EU citizens’ confidence in our European democracy.