Irish PM calls for dialogue in Catalonia

EFA MEP Jordi Solé asks a question of Irish PM Varadkar

In response to a question from Catalan MEP Jordi Solé (EFA) during a debate on the Future of Europe, Irish Taoiseach Varadkar called for dialogue between the Spanish and Catalan governments.

No spyware for dictators: stricter rules for dual-use exports

Briefing on the recast of the "Control of exports, transfer, brokering, technical assistance and transit of dual-use items"

On 17 January 2018, the European Parliament will vote on its position for the recast of the "Control of exports, transfer, brokering, technical assistance and transit of dual-use items", from Greens/EFA rapporteur Klaus Buchner. Dual-use items can be used for military as well as for civilian purposes, including drones, high performance computers and some chemicals. About 10% of EU exports fall under dual use. This recast introduces the possibility to control exports of cyber-surveillance items on human rights grounds. With warfare increasingly built on dual-use technology, this is a much needed reform.

EU wide ban on Nazi and fascist symbols and slogans

Press release from EFA MEP Jordi Solé (Catalonia)

The European Parliament this week held a debate with the participation of the European Commission on proposals for an EU wide ban on Nazi and fascist symbols and slogans. EFA MEP Jordi Solé took part in the debate and spoke of the current situation in the Spanish state. Speaking in the ...

MEP delegation to visit Catalan political prisoners

Press release from EFA MEP Jordi Solé (Catalonia)

A delegation of seventeen MEPs from different political groups is set to travel to Madrid in the coming weeks to visit the prisons where Catalan political prisoners are being held following the recent referendum and declaration of independence in the Catalan Parliament. Eight members of the legit...

Francoism Post Franco

20.11.2017

Politics on European Rememberance - organised by EFA & GUE/NGL MEPs

This event, organised by MEPs from the EFA and GUE/NGL, is in the context of remembering the ongoing suffering and injustice caused by the dictatorship in Spain. It comes 42 years after the death of Franco when many continue to seek justice, truth and redress.

First step towards Article 7

Rule of law in Poland

Europe must be united in telling the Polish government that there will be consequences if they to stray from the path of democracy.

Rule of law in Malta

Quote from Sven Giegold

Sven Giegold, financial and economic policy spokesperson of the Greens/EFA group, comments on on the rule of law in Malta and the proposal to establish a prize to recognize Daphne Caruana Galizia’s work.

The Greens/EFA Co-Presidents' briefing

14.11.2017

LIVE press conference 14 November 2017 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

Greens/EFA asks for release of political leaders

Catalonia

Yesterday, nine Catalan political leaders (including 2 former MEPs) were imprisoned. Whatever the charges levelled at them by the Spanish judiciary, the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament consider that this action was unwise and disappropriate and can only further poison the political situation i...

Greens/EFA Round up

Debriefing of the Strasbourg plenary week 23-27 October 2017

Greens/EFA priorities for the Strasbourg Plenary week included a Minute's silence for Daphne Caruana Galizia; Protection of whistleblowers; Extension of Glyphosate licence; Biofuels: targets need to be genuinely sustainable; GMOs: Parliament votes on 20th objection; Action needed to ensure adequate minimum income; Entry/Exit system “costly and disproportionate”; Protecting workers from carcinogens; Discharge of the Council EU budget; Combating sexual harassment and abuse in the EU; Sakharov prize.

Concrete action must be taken to prevent sexual harassment in EU

Comments from Terry Reintke

The European Parliament has today backed a joint resolution on combating sexual harassment and abuse in the EU. The text includes proposals designed to address the recent reports of sexual harassment in the European Parliament and other EU institutions.

Entry/exit system is unfit for purpose

Passenger data collection

The proposed entry/exit system is unfit for purpose, says Jan Philipp Albrecht.