Czech PM's conflict of interest must end

Andrej Babiš

"Today's vote could not be any clearer: the European Commission must ensure that the conflict of interest around Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is resolved. There's no doubt that Mr Babiš is seriously violating EU financial regulation", said Greens/EFA Co-President, Ska Keller.

EU Summit - 13 and 14 December

Quote from Greens/EFA Co-President Ska Keller

The European Council must break its current cycle of deadlock and postponement. We urgently need progress on a common European asylum system as well as on the Eurozone reform. On Brexit, it is clear that there cannot be a change in the withdrawal agreement.

Conflicts of interest

The case of Czech Republic

Our MEPs demand action on the allegations of conflicts of interest by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis

EFA Group President comments on Strasbourg attack

"Our thoughts are with the victims and their families" - Terricabras

The President of the European Free Alliance Group in the European Parliament, Josep-Maria Terricabras, has commented on yesterday's fatal attack in Strasbourg. Josep-Maria Terricabras MEP said: "We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the events in Strasbourg yesterday evening. &...

The Greens/EFA Co-Presidents' briefing

11.12.2018

LIVE press conference 11 December 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

What's coming up in Parliament

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

New report: The cost of corruption across the EU

Corruption

The report on the cost of corruption on citizens' life finds that with the €904 billion a year lost to corruption across the EU we could end world hunger, eliminate malaria, provide basic education, safe water, sanitation, healthcare and electricity and still have money left over (€360 billion). The Greens/EFA group are calling for the EU and its Member States to take a far more proactive stance in the fight against corruption.

The costs of corruption across the European Union

This report compares the costs of corruption to public investment in education, healthcare, childcare and housing, elderly care, or policing and fire services. The aim is to raise public awareness about the cost of corruption across the EU and to call for a substantial increase in the fight against corruption by the European Union institutions.

Major breakthrough on transparency for MEPs

Transparency/Lobbying

The Constitutional Affairs Committee of the European Parliament has voted for the first time for binding lobby transparency for MEPs. MEPs who co-author EU laws will need to publish any meetings they have had with interest representatives that fall under the scope of the EU Transparency Register. The Greens/EFA group have long been calling for much stronger rules around lobbying in the European Parliament, in order to increase the transparency and accountability of decision making.

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.

Reforms too little to avert the next crisis

Eurozone

Eurozone finance ministers have emerged from an overnight meeting with proposals for reforms of the single currency. The proposals agreed to include a Eurozone budget. However, these reforms do not go far enough to prevent the next crisis, according to the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament.

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.