Energy Union

Insufficient proposals on ETS and energy market design, good step forward on energy labelling

The European Commission today presented key components as part of its proposals for an EU energy union. The proposals cover the emissions trading system, electricity markets and energy labelling. Commenting on these proposals, Claude Turmes, Greens/EFA MEP and member of the Industry, research and en...

A greener Europe through interconnected electricity grids

The main arguments of Greens/EFA MEP Peter Eriksson’s initiative report to be debated on 15 July 2015 in the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE).

Roaming and net neutrality

Agreement reached but major loopholes remain

The European Commission, Council and European Parliament, meeting last night, agreed on the foundations of the package of legislative proposals on a telecommunications single market. According to the agreement, roaming charges will be abolished by mid-2017. However, companies retain the possibi...

Circular economy

Cross-party majority calls for ambitious new circular economy package

The European Parliament’s Environment committee today adopted a report on the circular economy. The European Commission’s withdrawal of its initial legislative proposal on the circular economy drew heavy criticism from the European Parliament, EU Environment ministers and civil society. This rep...

Trade secrets

Harmonisation could undermine fundamental rights

The European Parliament's Legal Affairs committee today voted on draft legislative proposals on the protection of trade secrets. While the Parliament's proposals are a slight improvement on the original Commission proposals, Greens/EFA demands on improving transparency requirements were rejected. Gr...

Conflict minerals

European Parliament supports Green proposal for binding rules on conflict minerals

The European Parliament today voted on draft EU legislation aimed at preventing conflict minerals through supply chain transparency. The vote significantly strengthened the original draft law proposed by the Commission by creating binding transparency rules, which would apply to firms throughout the...

Emissions trading

Small step taken to redress malfunction of EU carbon market

The European Parliament and EU governments in Council this reached agreement on proposals aimed at addressing the oversupply of emissions allowances in the EU's emissions trading scheme, notably a proposed 'market stability reserve' (1). Commenting on the agreement, Green climate change spokesperson...

EU investment plan

MEPs vote to give clearer focus to Juncker Plan

The European Parliament's budgetary and economic affairs committee today voted on the draft European Fund for Strategic Investments. The outcome will serve as the basis for the Parliament's position in negotiations with EU governments and the European Commission. Commenting after the vote, Greens/EF...

The New Hungarian Nuclear Investment, Paks

19.03.2015

LIVE - Hearing

The building of the new Paks 2 nuclear power plant in Hungary, is not simply the matter of the country's own bad choice of energy mix, but the Hungarian Government's actions are in conflict not only with European principles and values in general, but most probably with European law as well.

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.

Medicines

Change the logic!

The right to health and access to life-saving medicines has to be ensured in Europe. Everyone must have access to effective, safe and available medicines at unaffordable prices. The logic of medicines must change! Check out our infographics

Smart specialisation – a smarter approach to EU structural funding

The concept of smart specialisation will play a key role in ensuring the success of EU structural funding in future, according to a seminar organised in the European Parliament by Catalan MEP Ernest Maragall. Whilst the idea of 'smart specialisation' is nothing new, it is significant that for the ...