Equal Opportunities

Europe's Roma Community

Basic human rights must not be compromised

International Roma Day on April 8 is not just about celebrating Roma culture, it is also intended to highlight the persecution and discrimination that the Roma people face in all aspects of life. The Greens have long fought for an effective strategy on Roma inclusion, and we continue this work as the European Parliament now prepares a resolution on Roma rights.

Trade secrets can harm

your health, your environment, your career

The European Parliament is now discussing a draft proposal to establish a EU directive on trade secrets. A proper balance needs to be found to avoid abusive claims of improper use of trade secrets and overbroad protection.

Save Maternity Leave

Directive on gender equality and women's rights cannot be scrapped

The Directive on pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth, also known as the Maternity Leave Directive, was first adopted by the European Parliament by a large majority in October 2010. 4 years later, the passage of this Directive remains blocked in the European Council by opposi...

Youth employment

Commission proposal a boost for youth employment scheme roll-out

The European Commission today proposed making additional funds available for the pre-financing of the European Youth Guarantee Scheme (1) through reallocation under the European Social Fund. Welcoming the proposal, Green employment and youth spokesperson Terry Reintke said: "This proposal will...

EU summit

EU compass off on jobs and economy; but unity on Russia strategy

Commenting on the outcome of the EU summit of heads of state and government, Greens/EFA co-presidents Rebecca Harms and Philippe Lamberts said:"While this summit did not deliver any big decisions, at least the EU emerges unified in terms of foreign policy. Economic sanctions against Russia will...

EU Commission work programme

Deregulation the focus despite Timmermans' smoke and mirrors

The European Commission today presented its work programme for 2015. The programme lists legislation that could be proposed over the coming year but also legislative proposals already in the pipeline that could be withdrawn. The Greens have expressed concern about the mooted shelving of crucial legi...

MEP highlights importance of Roma integration

Press release from EFA MEP Jordi Sebastià

EFA MEP Jordi Sebastià has organised a meeting at the European Parliament to discuss the failure of integration policies for Roma people in Europe, particularly with regard to education. Jordi Sebastià invited representatives of the Roma community in Spain to meet with senior figures from the Euro...

A Green Investment Plan for Europe

A new path towards sustainable development, prosperity and quality jobs

In response to the European investment plan elaborated by the EU Commission, the Greens/EFA group has outlined an alternative investment plan for Europe

Outcome of the conference on employment (Milano, 8 October)

Plenary speech by Terry Reintke

EU employment summit

PR exercise in Milan fails to offer concrete measures

Commenting on today’s meeting of EU leaders in Milan on the issues of growth and unemployment, Greens/EFA co-presidents Rebecca Harms and Philippe Lamberts stated:“The only employment this summit has created is for EU diplomats, journalists and hoteliers in Milan. It is purely a public relations...

A lesson well recited

Sven Giegold, Jean Lambert and Monika Vana assess commissioner-designate Dombrovskis

At first glance, Valdis Dombrovskis made an acceptable performance during his hearing. But when you scratch the surface his presentation seemed more like a well-rehearsed recital of a neoliberal version of a Juncker lesson. It remains to be seen if his prolific use of social trigger words will now be turned into commitments and actions.

Language diversity side-lined in new EU Commission

Press Release from the EFA Group in the European Parliament

The new European Commission is at risk of ignoring the importance of language diversity in Europe, according to Plaid Cymru – the Party of Wales MEP Jill Evans, a member of the European Free Alliance (EFA) Group of MEPs. The Welsh MEP has criticised the decision not to appoint a dedicated EU Commi...