Transparency

Greens/EFA debriefing of the plenary session

18-22 January

Greens/EFA priorities for the plenary week included: presentation of the Portuguese Presidency, EU global Strategy for COVID-19 vaccination, Inauguration of the new President of the United States and the current political situation, report on decent and affordable housing, the EU Strategy for Gender Equality, debate on the situation in the EU external borders, debate and resolution on human rights situation in Turkey, and the reform of the EU’s list of tax havens.

EFA MEPs welcome self-determination caucus

Press release from the EFA MEPs

EFA MEPs have welcomed the establishment of a self-determination caucus within the European Parliament. This new initiative brings together MEPs from different political groups in support of the right to self-determination for the peoples and communities of the EU's stateless nations and nati...

The EU ethics body

A new institution fighting intransparent lobbying and conflicts of interest

The EU institutions have some of the best ethics rules for lobby transparency and against conflicts of interest including revolving doors. Yet, the implementation of these rules is fragmented and politicised.

Fighting for your rights online

Did you know that the EU's internet rules haven't changed in 20 years? The reform of the rules through the "Digital Services Package” has the potential to be either a threat to fundamental rights or a major improvement.

Conflicts of interest - Commission letter on Andrej Babiš leaked

Quotes from Viola von Cramon & Mikuláš Peksa

According to a leaked letter in Czech media, the European Commission has reiterated its position that the Prime Minister of Czech Republic, Andrej Babiš, is in conflict of interest between his role as PM and his business dealings.

EFA MEPs: Elections review ignores 'flagrant democratic violations'

Press release from the EFA MEPs in the European Parliament

MEPs have debated and adopted a report taking stock of the 2019 European elections. Whilst the review contains some positive points, such as increased voter turnout and the spitzenkandidaten process, it ignores some of the flagrant democratic violations related to the election, notably with regar...

Impact of Covid-19 measures on democracy, fundamental rights & rule of law

Quote from Sergey Lagodinsky

The Covid crisis must not be used as an excuse by governments to encroach on peoples' rights and the rule of law. The true test of a democracy is how well it fares in a crisis and this year has shown that some EU governments are all too quick to undermine the rule of law and European values.

Greens/EFA plenary session debriefing

4-9 October

Greens/EFA priorities for the plenary week included the climate law, rule of law and fundamental rights mechanism, rule of law and fundamental rights in Bulgaria, multiannual financial framework (MFF) and the rule of law, reinforcing the youth guarantee, forest strategy, approval of McGuinness and Dombrovskis, fight against money laundering following the FinCEN files.

Hungary and ECJ ruling on Central European University

Quote from Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield MEP

The ECJ has ruled on what should be clear in any European democracy; that measures to limit academic freedom are incompatible with EU law. Forcing out a university is undemocratic, it goes against European values and now it's been ruled as illegal.

Daphne Caruana Galizia prize for journalists agreed by European Parliament

Quotes from Heidi Hautala MEP and Sven Giegold MEP

The Bureau of the European Parliament has just agreed to launch the Daphne Caruana Galizia prize for journalism. The prize, proposed by the Greens/EFA group, will distinguish outstanding journalism revolving around the principles and values of the European Union.

My content my rights

A new EU law on Notice and Action for removal of illegal content online?

Was your online account ever blocked or your content unfairly removed by an online platform? If you felt your rights were violated, share your experience on our “take-down wall of shame”, and empower yourself by contributing to the future EU rules for user rights and big tech.

Revelations about government failures must be a wake-up call

FinCEN files

The latest revelations by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) reveal the involvement of internationally operating banks in money laundering operations by the Mafia and by despots, oligarchs, terrorists and drug lords.