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 "Implant Files", a cross-border investigation by journalists into how medical devices on the EU market, such as pacemakers, artificial hips and contraceptives, which may have caused pain, injury or even death among patients, must be debated by the European Parliament, according to the Greens/EFA group.
Towards a UN binding treaty on business and human rights
Globalisation heavily relies on the exploitation of workers in developing countries by Transnational Corporations. However, when these workers' human rights are abused, it is basically impossible for them to achieve proper redress. International pushes for the creation of a UN binding treaty on business and human rights seek to redress this profoundly unequal dynamic and end corporate impunity.
The European Commission has today ruled that the non-taxation of certain McDonald's profits in Luxembourg did not constitute illegal State Aid, as it is in line with national tax laws.
The European Parliament has called for an end to the practice of companies producing different quality products for different parts of Europe without the consumer being clearly informed of such a difference.
Greens/EFA priorities for the Strasbourg Plenary week included: The Future of Europe debate with Prime Minister of Greece; Autonomous weapon systems; The rule of law in Hungary; Language Equality in the Digital Age; State of the European Union; Digital copyright; Dual quality of products; Greens/EFA MEPs take EFSA to court over Monsanto studies on glyphosate; European CO2-regulation for cars and vans.
Why the Greens/EFA group is objecting to the Commission's proposals
On Wednesday 13 December, the European Parliament will vote on an objection to Commission proposals that would allow phosphates to be used as additives in products such as donor kebabs. The objection, from Greens/EFA MEP Bart Staes and the S&D’s Christel Schaldemose, is designed to protect public health. The following Q&A should help clarify some of the misconceptions regarding the Commission’s proposals.
Globalisation describes the advancement of the global integration of the economy, culture and political structures. At this panel, we want to discuss how globalisation can support the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals and what needs to be done in order to make that happen.
"With few exceptions, internet companies and communication providers should only be able to use the data of users with their consent. Users must be able to trust that their surfing and communication behaviour will not be evaluated or passed on," says Greens/EFA MEP Jan Philipp Albrecht.
The Greens/EFA group has backed plans to improve energy efficiency in homes that would see considerable environmental, social and health benefits for EU citizens. The European Parliament’s committee on Industry, Research and Energy voted in favour of proposals to improve the energy performance of buildings.
"It is unacceptable that the Commission tries to lift a ban of certain endocrine disrupters via the backdoor of comitology to further the interests of the pesticides industry," says Green environment and health spokesperson, Bas Eickhout.