Citizens

Hungary: Orban and the end of the freedom of speech

Media freedom and democracy in Hungary

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 Orbán. The Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament call on the Council to react to protect democracy and freedom of speech before the situation deteriorates further.

Closure of CEU a dark day for Hungary and Europe

Hungary

"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/EFA rapporteur on the rule of law in Hungary report, comments on the closure of the Central European University in Budapest.

We cannot allow Schengen border controls to become the new normal

Schengen

MEPs voted in favour of entering into negotiations with the Council and the European Commission on the rules applicable to temporary border controls inside the Schengen area. "Border controls in the Schengen area must remain the absolute exception and strictly limited in time. The EU must stand up for the right of citizens to free movement", declared Greens/EFA MEP Bodil Valero.

Launch of the Parliamentary Network of Friendship Groups of Catalonia

Press release from EFA MEPs J-M Terricabras and Jordi Solé

With the support of EFA MEPs Josep-Maria Terricabras and Jordi Solé, a group of Members of Parliaments from the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia and Flanders, together with MEPs from the European Union-Catalonia Dialogue Platform, have established the Parliamentary Network of Friendship Group...

Alleged conflict of interest Czech of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš

Quote from Bart Staes MEP, Greens/EFA

"It is up to the European Commission, as guardian of the treaties, to look at all the evidence and decide if Babiš has a conflict of interest between his role as Prime Minister and his potential links to Agrofert. It would seriously undermine trust in the European political system if a sitting Prime Minister is negotiating EU funds that could end up in his own pockets."

Greens/EFA Debriefing

Plenary week, 12-15 November 2018

Greens/EFA priorities for the Strasbourg Plenary week included: Clean Energy Package; Emissions from Trucks and other heavy Duty vehicles; Future of Europe debate with Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany; Romania rule of law resolution; Multiannual Financial Framework; Humanitarian visas.

European Parliament vote on the Rule of Law in Romania

Quote from Ska Keller

The European Parliament has just passed a resolution on the Rule of Law in Romania with a large majority. Ska Keller, President of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament comments: "This vote sends a clear sign from the European Parliament to the Romanian government that damaging the...

The Greens/EFA Co-Presidents' briefing

LIVE press conference 13 November 2018 10:30-10:50

Greens/EFA co-presidents Ska Keller and Philippe Lamberts present the key issues of the plenary session and of the European agenda for the Greens/EFA group

Hungary: Judith Sargentini to attend General Affair Council on Monday to present Rule of Law report

Quote from Judith Sargentini

"This is a small step in the right direction, but we are in a great hurry when it comes to Hungary. This meeting is a preparation for formal consultations between the European Parliament and the Ministers of Member States. We are dealing with an extremely serious situation in one of our own countries, which calls for swift and substantive action."

MEPs concerns at harsh sentences sought for Catalan leaders

Press release from the EFA Group in the European Parliament

MEPs from various political groups in the European Parliament, including the European Free Alliance, have signed a joint statement expressing their concern at the harsh sentences for Catalan political prisoners demanded by the Spanish prosecutor this week. Several Catalan pro-independence leaders...

What's coming up in Parliament

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

Special committee to vote on final report 13/11

Terrorism

Following the attacks in Paris, London and Brussels, the European Union has launched more than 250 anti-terrorist measures, ranging from the monitoring of passenger data to the entry and exit system. The Greens/EFA group are calling for alternatives to mass surveillance and repressive security policies.