Towards a more social Europe

Child benefit/EU Employment Agency

There will be no cuts in child benefit for parents whose children live in an EU Member State other than that in which the parents work, according to the European Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) Committee.

Green light for new flagship programme

European Solidarity Corps

The Greens/EFA group has welcomed a breakthrough in the negotiations over the EU’s flagship solidarity programme, European Solidarity Corps. The Council had originally refused to provide fresh funds to make the programme viable in the current budget period. However, after consistent pressure from the European Parliament, the Council finally backed down and agreed to provide more than €75m in additional money to fund this new flagship programme.

EU sets global standard for fundamental rights, consumer protection and fair competition

General Data Protection Regulation

The law will be directly applicable throughout the European Union from Friday 25 May 2018. The rules apply to companies, whether they are established inside or outside the European Union.

Action to end language inequality in Europe

Press release from EFA MEP Jill Evans (Wales)

Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans today presents her draft report on ‘Language equality in the digital age’ to the European Parliament’s Culture and Education Committee. The report identifies the issues facing minority and lesser-used languages in Europe. English is currently the most ...

Terry Reintke to submit #MeToo petition to President of the European Parliament

International Women’s Day

To mark International Women’s Day (Thursday 8th March), Greens/EFA MEP Terry Reintke will submit a petition to the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani.

Stateless nations and media

28.09.2017

Is a national communication agenda possible?

Political and social movements of stateless nations face a double communication challenge in order to spread their vision and aims to society. The aim of this conference is to analyse the reality of both media and the communication agenda in several European stateless nations from different angles.

EU must recognise the potential of green jobs

Press release from EFA MEP Jill Evans (Wales)

Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans has proposed in parliament that the new EU skills strategy should take account of the vast potential to develop green technologies and acknowledge their importance in creating high skilled jobs in the future. She also called for action to ensure that migrants to Europe ...

More accessible books available for blind and visually impaired people

Marrakesh Treaty

The European Parliament has approved the final deal on the implementation of the Marrakesh treaty in the EU. The treaty makes exceptions to some copyright rules for books and other materials in accessible formats for people who are blind or visually impaired (such as audiobooks, large print, and braille).

From remainers to retainers – Brexit's impact on culture and education

EFA - Culture committee considers Brexit

The implications of Brexit for culture and education were the focus of a hearing of the European Parliament's Culture Committee this week. MEPs heard evidence from a number of expert speakers including Eluned Haf, Head of Wales Arts International, invited at the initiative of Plaid Cymru MEP ...

Six ways to improve the Erasmus programme

With 4000 students being involved at any one time, it’s clear that the Erasmus programme has been a massive success in bringing students from all over Europe together and in allowing them to experience totally different environments. However, like any system, there are always ways to make it better.

European Commission must invest more to promote solidarity

European Solidarity Corps

“Promoting solidarity between young people across the EU is something we strongly support, but the European Commission will have to do better than this to make it happen," comments Greens/EFA education and policy spokesperson, Helga Trüpel.

EU institutions must end exploitation of interns

Ombudsman rules EEAS trainees must receive a fair allowance

The European Ombudsman has delivered her judgement on unpaid internships with the European External Action Service (EEAS). She has recommended that the EEAS pay all of its trainees an appropriate allowance to allow greater access for young people from all backgrounds.