Transparency and Democracy

New Frontex Scrutiny Working Group

Quote from Tineke Strik MEP

MEPs from the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Committee have agreed to set up a Frontex Scrutiny Working Group, to look into allegations around the EU's border security agency's role in the illegal 'pushbacks' of refugees. The working group will carry out a fact-finding investigation, gathering all relevant information and evidence regarding alleged violations of fundamental rights in which Frontex was involved. The final report will also come up with recommendations on how to prevent fundamental rights violations in the future.

Greens/EFA debriefing of the plenary session

18-22 January

Greens/EFA priorities for the plenary week included: presentation of the Portuguese Presidency, EU global Strategy for COVID-19 vaccination, Inauguration of the new President of the United States and the current political situation, report on decent and affordable housing, the EU Strategy for Gender Equality, debate on the situation in the EU external borders, debate and resolution on human rights situation in Turkey, and the reform of the EU’s list of tax havens.

EFA MEPs welcome self-determination caucus

Press release from the EFA MEPs

EFA MEPs have welcomed the establishment of a self-determination caucus within the European Parliament. This new initiative brings together MEPs from different political groups in support of the right to self-determination for the peoples and communities of the EU's stateless nations and nati...

European Arrest Warrant must not be exploited for political reasons

Press release from EFA MEPs Jordi Solé and Diana Riba

EFA MEPs Diana Riba and Jordi Solé have spoken out against attempts to politicise the operation of the European Arrest Warrant. The European Parliament has been reviewing the implementation of the European Arrest Warrant, which allows those accused of serious crimes to be extradited from o...

The EU ethics body

A new institution fighting intransparent lobbying and conflicts of interest

The EU institutions have some of the best ethics rules for lobby transparency and against conflicts of interest including revolving doors. Yet, the implementation of these rules is fragmented and politicised.

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.

Fighting for your rights online

Did you know that the EU's internet rules haven't changed in 20 years? The reform of the rules through the "Digital Services Package” has the potential to be either a threat to fundamental rights or a major improvement.

Europol reform and counter-terrorism agenda must protect people, preserve rights

The European Commission presented, on 9 December, two new proposals, on the revision of Europol's mandate and the new counter-terrorism strategy. While the reform must protect people, it must also preserve rights.

New study shows breaches of rule of law during first Covid wave

Covid-19

Greens/EFA group MEPs working on rights and democracy, have released a first of kind legal study into the emergency measures taken by EU member states during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, assessing the impact on the democracy and the rule of law, free movement of people, asylum and refugee protections and data protection.

EU law in the 'first wave' : the legality of national measures to tackle the COVID-19 crisis

A study commissioned by MEPs Terry Reintke and Tineke Strik

COVID-19 has challenged not just the public health but also the legal structure of the European Union. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the extent to which Member States have complied with or breached EU law in four key areas during the COVID-19 ‘first wave’

Conflicts of interest - Commission letter on Andrej Babiš leaked

Quotes from Viola von Cramon & Mikuláš Peksa

According to a leaked letter in Czech media, the European Commission has reiterated its position that the Prime Minister of Czech Republic, Andrej Babiš, is in conflict of interest between his role as PM and his business dealings.

Frontex hearing on illegal pushbacks

Quote from Tineke Strik MEP

The evidence continues to pile up that Frontex is aware of Greek authorities engaging in 'pushbacks' of refugees in the Mediterranean Sea. Pushbacks deprive refugees of their right to asylum, puts lives at risk and are illegal under international law.