Brexit

Greens/EFA welcome that deal has been reached but insist on time for parliamentary scrutiny

Brexit

A deal has been reached between negotiators from the European Union and United Kingdom on a future relationship, to follow the end of the Brexit transition period, which concludes at the end of this year. The deal will still need to be approved by the European Council and the European Parliament. The Greens/EFA group are calling for the European Parliament to have sufficient time to scrutinise all elements of this agreement before it is voted on.

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strasbourg building ep — © European Union 2015 - Source EP

Greens/EFA debriefing of the plenary session

14-18 December

Greens/EFA priorities for the plenary week included the Council Conclusions on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), Rule of Law and Climate Law, the presentation of the Digital Service Act (DSA), the Drinking Water Directive, transitional provisions for Agricultural Funds, the European Year of Rail 2021, a new Strategy for European SMEs, and the future relations between the EU and the UK following Brexit negotiations.

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Rubber-stamping of Brexit deal ignores European Parliament's responsibilities

Brexit

European Parliament group leaders agreed in the Conference of Presidents of the Parliament to push ahead with a vote on a potential Brexit deal before the end of the year. The Greens/EFA group express concern that expediting the consent procedure will not allow adequate time for proper democratic scrutiny of any potential deal with the UK on a future relationship.

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European Council — European External Action Service (https://www.flickr.com/photos/eeas/32978511020)

#EUCO

Quote from Ska Keller, Greens/EFA Co-President

Without an agreement, both the EU and Britain will lose.

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European Parliament Building Strasbourg ©Cquim

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.

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European flag at Downing Street ©Frederick Tubiermont

Brexit: Future EU-UK relationship

Quote from Philippe Lamberts MEP

The European Parliament will vote on the negotiating mandate for the future EU-UK relationship in the upcoming talks with the UK on a future trade agreement. Philippe Lamberts MEP, President of the Greens/EFA group and Member of the UK coordination group in the European Parliament

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Hemicycle European Parliament Strasbourg — European Union

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

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New MEP makes maiden and valedictory speech in European Parliament

Press release from EFA MEP Heather Anderson (SNP)

Newly elected SNP MEP Heather Anderson has given her maiden speech to the European Parliament – the day before Brexit. The speech was made during a debate on the European Commission’s work programme for 2020 and in the presence of Maroš Šefčovič, Vice President of the ...

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SNP & Plaid Cymru MEPs vote against Brexit withdrawal agreement

Press Release from EFA MEPs Jill Evans (Wales) & Christian Allard (Scotland)

Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru MEPs voted against the UK's withdrawal from the EU at Wednesday's European Parliament session in Brussels. SNP MEPs have campaigned hard to prevent Scotland being dragged out of the EU against its will. Scotland voted heavily to remain in the EU ...

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Withdrawal Agreement vote sad day for Europe

Brexit

We will continue to support citizens' rights and the principle of solidarity. The ties that bind us run deeper than our political union and although the UK will for now embark on a separate path we will stay partners and friends. If the UK changes its mind in the future then we will leave a light on for them to return home.

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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

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UK Settlement Scheme criticised as 'not fit for purpose'

Press Release from EFA MEP Christian Allard (SNP)

EFA MEP Christian Allard (Scottish National Party) has slammed the UK’s EU Settlement Scheme, describing it as “not fit for purpose” and calling for it to be scrapped. The call came during a debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on citizens’ rights after Brexit....

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