State of the Union

European Union still best answer to the challenges we face

Commenting on today's State of the Union address from President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, Greens/EFA co-president Rebecca Harms said: "The European Union, with all its achievements and its shortcomings, is still the best answer to nationalism. We are better able to defe...

UK referendum

EU response must ensure interest of all European citizens to the fore

The European Parliament today debated the outcome of the UK referendum on EU membership and adopted a resolution setting out its opinion (1) ahead of a summit of EU leaders (28-29 June). Commenting in the context of the debate, Greens/EFA co-president Rebecca Harms said: “The European Union, its ...

Do not let Scotland down

Plenary speech by Alyn Smith

Today, the only genuine sovereignty is shared sovereignty!

Plenary speech by Philippe Lamberts

UK referendum

European partners must work together to deliver decisive response to UK vote

There can be no doubt that this vote will have a dramatic impact across Europe and the globe. From the outset, the European project aimed at ensuring lasting peace through the extension of freedom, democracy and shared prosperity. Reconnecting with that ambition is what is needed to address the many legitimate reasons behind this public dissatisfaction and ensure the EU can win back the support of citizens.

Philippe Lamberts reacts to the disappointing #EUref outcome

Statement by Greens/EFA Co-President

EU governments must work together to deliver a decisive response, which can shore up confidence in the EU

Debate on the future of Europe

25.05.2016

Part 2 - Making the (green) case for Europe – Europe as Emotion

As a self-proclaimed “pro-European force”, the Greens consider that European solutions and EU-wide solidarity are essential to address the numerous crises our societies are faced with. At the same time, we also openly criticize the policies decided at the EU level and the liberal-conservative political majority that takes them. But in an increasingly polarized political debate on Europe, between “populist revolution” and “coalition of the status quo”, the Green voice should have a distinctive resonance – how could we achieve that?

Austrian election

Van der Bellen's victory renews hope in Europe

Commenting on the election of Alexander Van der Bellen as Austrian president, Greens/EFA co-president Philippe Lamberts said: "We warmly congratulate Alexander Van der Bellen on his election as president of Austria. This is a momentous day for the Greens in Austria and Europe. However, it is al...

Yes to Turkey visa liberalisation, but not at any price

Press release from EFA MEP Ernest Maragall

Greens/EFA MEP Ernest Maragall, a member of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Turkey, has spoken out in support of liberalising EU visa conditions for Turkish citizens to visit Europe. But the Catalan MEP said that visa liberalisation should not be approved until the Turkish s...

The Catalan Path to Independence

19.04.2016

An International Perspective

Hosted by: MEP Josep-Maria Terricabras MEP Ernest Maragall MEP Ramon Tremosa Speakers: Krystyna Schreiber - Journalist & author of Die Übersetzung der Unabhängigkeit Dr Franz Schausberger - Former governor of Salzburg & Founder of European Institute of Regions Professor Klaus-Jür...

Debate on the future of Europe

06.04.2016

Part 1 - The (dire) state of the Union

From Ukraine to Syria, in a terror-stricken context, from refugees to economic imbalances, the accumulation of the internal and external crises, is laying bare the current limits of EU integration and intergovernmental solutions. Solidarity is receding and with it the spirit of European integration. Citizens’ disconnection from the institutions has morphed into strong anti-establishment populist movements, often of the worst radical right colours. And foreign powers do not shy from fanning the flames of the internal crises, fostering further EU destabilisation.

EU referendum

EU reform shouldn't stop at Cameron's deal

Commenting following the conclusion of the EU summit and David Cameron's announcement to hold the UK's EU referendum on 23 June, Greens/EFA co-presidents Rebecca Harms and Philippe Lamberts stated: "Now that we know the date of the UK referendum on its membership of the EU, it is time for the ...