International

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.

EU Member States must show solidarity on the redistribution of refugees

Common European Asylum Policy

The European Commission has just announced the unravelling of the European asylum package and the postponement of the reform of the Dublin System for the redistribution of asylum seekers, a controversial issue between EU governments, as well as the amendment of the Asylum Procedures Regulation.

We cannot allow Schengen border controls to become the new normal

Schengen

MEPs voted in favour of entering into negotiations with the Council and the European Commission on the rules applicable to temporary border controls inside the Schengen area. "Border controls in the Schengen area must remain the absolute exception and strictly limited in time. The EU must stand up for the right of citizens to free movement", declared Greens/EFA MEP Bodil Valero.

Global migration needs a global response

UN Migration Pact

"The European Union will undermine its credibility if it cannot show its united support to this global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration, a voluntary declaration that promotes the protections of human rights, and the humane treatment of migrants," says Judith Sargentini.

Russia/Ukraine -Clashes and capture of Ukrainian ships by Russia

Quote from Rebecca Harms

The EU and the Member States must be prepared to react to the breach of international law with targeted, tough sanctions and to support and protect Ukraine's sovereignty and integrity, including in the Sea of Azov.

A step towards greater European sovereignty

International trade/Foreign investment screening

"At a time when European Member States increasingly rely on foreign investment in strategic sectors, it is essential for the EU to acquire information sharing and coordination tools to defend our economic and political sovereignty." Reinhard Bütikofer, Greens/EFA Member of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee of the European Parliament, comments on the agreement on exchange of information.

Ending corporate abuses: why Europe must support a UN Treaty

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.

Greens/EFA Debriefing

Plenary week, 12-15 November 2018

Greens/EFA priorities for the Strasbourg Plenary week included: Clean Energy Package; Emissions from Trucks and other heavy Duty vehicles; Future of Europe debate with Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany; Romania rule of law resolution; Multiannual Financial Framework; Humanitarian visas.

What's coming up in Parliament

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

Special committee to vote on final report 13/11

Terrorism

Following the attacks in Paris, London and Brussels, the European Union has launched more than 250 anti-terrorist measures, ranging from the monitoring of passenger data to the entry and exit system. The Greens/EFA group are calling for alternatives to mass surveillance and repressive security policies.

Greens/EFA Debriefing

Plenary week, 22-26 October 2018

Greens/EFA priorities for the Strasbourg Plenary week included COP 24 – Climate; COP 14 - Convention on Biological Diversity; Reducing plastic pollution; The use of Facebook users’ data by Cambridge Analytica and the impact on data; Charging of heavy goods vehicles; Use of antibiotics in farming; Drinking water directive and open letter; Decision on Sakharov Prize winner 2018; Future of Europe debate with Klaus Iohannis, Romanian President; Debate on EU-wide breaches of REACH chemicals regulation; Killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

EU Parliament calls for arms export ban to Saudi Arabia

Killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi

Members of the European Parliament called for an arms embargo against Saudi Arabia on the initiative of the Greens/EFA Group. Ska Keller and Philippe Lamberts appeal to the EU governments to implement an EU-wide ban on arms exports to Saudi Arabia, which the Parliament has already called for three times since 2016 through Greens/EFA group-led initiatives.