Equal Opportunities

Circular economy

the new job paradigm?

We urgently need to move to a circular economy: it protects the environment, it creates jobs in the EU, and it makes the EU economy more resilient and our businesses more competitive, but will these benefits be felt by all? Or will the circular economy benefit big corporations only?

EU boardroom quotas for women

Don't back down

Not voting can have serious consequences. Especially when a majority is needed in the European Council. EU ministers could not agree on Monday on a new rules on EU boardroom quotas for women. The vote was canceled and the proposal is now practically dead. The Dutch government has already announced t...

The Circular Economy Package

A waste of job opportunities?

An opinion article by Jean Lambert and Davor Skrlec, Green MEPs The new Circular Economy Package is a step back for Europe. In a European Union with levels of unemployment at around 11%, youth unemployment at over 20% and with 24% of the population either at risk of poverty or social exclusion...

The circular economy package

a transformation for all?

The European Greens believe that the EU's economy needs to work for both people and planet. The circular economy can contribute by creating jobs, protecting the environment and promoting growth in Europe, but like any other paradigm shift, it needs to have citizens' interests at its core.

Circular economy

European Commission must deliver by the end of the year

The European Parliament today adopted a report on the circular economy. The report's central demands are for less waste, better product design, less dependence on imports of raw materials and more green job creation in the EU. Following the European Commission’s controversial withdrawal of its ini...

Green jobs

European Parliament calls for measures supporting green job creation

The European Parliament today adopted a report on green jobs drafted by Greens/EFA MEP and Green employment spokesperson Jean Lambert. This report looks at how to tap into the job creation potential of the green economy and follows on from last year's European Commission proposals on green employmen...

EU Investment Plan

European Parliament prioritises climate change and employment

The European Parliament voted today in plenary to adopt the rules on a Guarantee Fund that is a cornerstone of the European Commission’s investment plan (1). Although the finances are shaky and insufficient, the Greens/EFA group welcomes this first step towards investment rather than austerity. Gr...

Green jobs - Will the EU lead the transition or watch from the side lines?

Jean Lambert

Green jobs

Will the EU lead the transition or watch from the side lines?

The European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee adopted Tuesday 16 June a report on green employment. Driven by Green draftswoman Jean Lambert, the report looks at how to tap into the job creation potential of the green economy.

Recent revelations of high-level corruption cases in FIFA

Greens/EFA motion for resolution

 Tabled by Helga Trupel, Ernest Urtasun, Barbara Lochbihler, Igor Soltes on behalf of the Greens/EFA group The European Parliament, –        having regard to the recent corruption scandals which tarnish FIFA, –     ...

EU investment plan

Juncker Plan improved with stronger focus on sustainable investment under deal

The European Parliament and EU governments in Council yesterday evening reached a provisional agreement on the draft European Fund for Strategic Investments ('Juncker plan'). Commenting on the outcome, Green economics spokesperson Bas Eickhout stated: "While this deal is clearly not perfect, we...

Maternity leave

Shelving key law reform proposal would be an affront to democratic process

The European Parliament today adopted a resolution calling on the European Commission not to proceed with its plan to withdraw draft EU legislation on maternity leave. Commenting after the vote, Green women's rights spokesperson Monika Vana said: "MEPs have today called on the Commission to hav...