European Ideas Lab - Brussels

01.03.2018

Greens meet changemakers

During a three-day event, Greens/EFA will welcome hundreds of "change-makers" from around many organizations of most European countries. This lab will be the opportunity for us to listen, share and take stock!

Eurogroup is doing the ECB's credibility a disservice

ECB leadership

"It is high-time that a woman is part of the ECB leadership. We will do our utmost to achieve this in the coming weeks and months," comments Greens/EFA MEP, Sven Giegold.

European Parliament agrees stricter rules for dual-use technology exports

No more spyware for dictators

"The European Parliament has delivered on its promise to strengthen the EU's human rights policy by making exports of surveillance technology stricter", comments Greens/EFA rapporteur Klaus Buchner.

Disappointing result for consumer rights

Phosphate additives

The European Parliament has just voted on an objection to Commission proposals that would allow phosphates to be used as additives in products such as donor kebabs. The objection, which was co-tabled by Greens/EFA MEP Bart Staes, fell just short of the required absolute majority.

Q&A on phosphate additives in kebab meat

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.

EU still doesn't have rules in place to ensure whistleblower protection

LuxLeaks

"This trial shows why we need protection for whistleblowers. It is thanks to people like Antoine Deltour and Raphael Halet that the public was made aware of the many tax and fraud scandals to break in recent years," says Greens/EFA transparency spokesperson Benedek Jávor.

5 top priorities for the European Pillar of Social Rights

On 17 November, the European Parliament, Council and Commission will sign the Inter-institutional Proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights in Göteborg. The Greens/EFA group welcomes this declaration of intent, but wants action to make a social Europe a reality. Here we present some of the key priorities of our group, and the opportunities to make them happen.

EU must transform intent into real benefits for citizens

Social Summit

We welcome intentions to create a more socially conscious European Union. But good intentions are not enough. We need to see concrete action, with social issues at heart of the policy agenda.

Missed opportunity for the Commission to show ambition on climate

CO2 limits for cars

"We need to see much greater ambition if we are to protect our environment and secure the long-term future of Europe’s car industry" says Bas Eickhout.

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.

Regional European Ideas Lab - Dublin

27.10.2017

Greens meet Changemakers

The objectives of the Dublin Ideas Lab are to provide a forum for civil society and NGO bodies from across England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and beyond to meet with MEPs, green political leaders and activists. The aim is to share ideas, experiences and knowledge, discuss specific topics and connect their struggles as well as to facilitate networking

Entry/exit system is unfit for purpose

Passenger data collection

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