Contact us T +32 (0)2 626 07 20 | info@europeangreens.eu

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Flickr

Donate

  • Login to your account
  • User account
  • About Us
    • Organisation
    • People
    • Networks and Working Groups
    • Guidelines
  • Our Positions
    • Positions
    • Resolutions
    • Policy Papers
    • Manifesto
  • Get involved
    • Climate Action
    • European Green Recovery Campaign
    • European Greens Podcast
    • European Ideas Lab
    • The Green Screen
    • Local Councillors' Network
    • Trans-Inclusive Feminist Campaign
  • Member Parties
  • News
    • News
    • Press Releases
    • Brand Assets
    • Communications Team
  • Events
Home
  • About Us
  • Our Positions
  • Get involved
  • Member Parties
  • News
  • Events

A Green take on the EU Parliament's first plenary session after the summer recess

Share
Share on FacebookShare on Twittershare on Linked Inshare on Google Plusshare via email
The President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, delivers his annual State of the Union address. Photograph: © European Parliament

The European Parliament’s first plenary session after the summer recess (11-14 September) was packed with a wide range of topics for discussion or to be voted on.

On Wednesday, Commission President Juncker gave his annual State of the Union speech, which was encouraging for all those who support the great European unification project. Besides referring to the need for more European solidarity, democratic reforms such as the ‘Spitzenkandidaten’ and transnational lists were given a positive mention. The aim of the Commission’s proposal for political party reform is to ensure that Europeans are better informed about the link between national and European. The Commission's proposals will make a closer link between true representation and EU party funding by increasing the percentage of funding which is allocated according to the real vote share.

President Juncker’s ambition to enable the EU to deliver is a good sign, although some important changes in priorities and approach are still necessary to achieve this goal.

One of the hot topics during this plenary was the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) which caps the total amount of certain greenhouse gases that can be emitted by all participating installations . The Greens are fighting to get international aviation included in the ETS, following the Commission’s decision to exempt it indefinitely from the system. The EP plenary decided by a huge majority to set 2020 as the end date for this exemption.

High on the agenda was the Fipronil scandal on which the Council and the Commission gave their statements on Tuesday, following a request from the Greens/EFA group. The insecticide, used to control fleas, lice and ticks, is not authorised in the EU for use on animals destined for human consumption. Nevertheless, it was found to have contaminated eggs and egg products in 22 European countries. MEP Bart Staes (food safety spokesperson for the Greens/EFA group) expressed concern about the RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed) which can only function if Member States act quickly and effectively.  

‘Dieselgate’ was also part of the discussion in this plenary session. The Greens called on the Commission to draft a proposal for more effective surveillance and compliance checks.

On Thursday, Sven Giegold’s report was adopted, calling for more transparency in the EU institutions. The main aspects of this report were supported by a petition signed by 100,000 people, agreeing, for example, to a new lobbying register. This will ensure that all lobbyists register to enable them to meet with legislators, which is an important step forward.

Another important advance concerned the positive vote on the report from Greens/EFA rapporteur Bodil Valero which shows how EU arms exports contribute to human rights abuses, forced migration and terrorism. By voting through this report, the Parliament is asking EU Member States to stop selling weapons to those countries breaching humanitarian law.

Europe & Democracy

Recent News

Icon:
Title:

Global Greens Congress in Incheon: If there’s a future, it’s green!

Post date:
20 June 2023
Body:

At the 5th Global Greens Congress, Green parties, activists, and policymakers from around the world united to address pressing global challenges. The congress showcased the power of unity and highlighted the importance of global cooperation in tackling the most critical issues of our time, such as the climate crisis, conflicts across the world, a rise in authoritarianism, and democratic deficits.

Icon:
Title:

Europe Day: Europe must go green!

Post date:
09 May 2023
Body:

73 years ago, on 9 May 1950, the Schuman declaration marked the beginning of the most ambitious peace project on the continent, a project aimed at making war in Europe "not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible". Today, we celebrate the peace and unity that we have managed to secure in the European Union over the past decades. 

Icon:
Title:

Building a stronger social Europe: Sara Matthieu talks EU Minimum Income on Labour Day

Post date:
28 April 2023
Body:

At every level, from local governments to the European Parliament, Greens promote legislation that improves working conditions and reduces inequality. In our interview with Green MEP Sara Matthieu we discuss the Minimum Income initiative which aims to ensure that no one in the EU must live below the poverty line.

More News

Follow us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • Flickr
Tweet Contents:

Young people are underrepresented in both national & the European Parliament. As Greens, we are committed to empowering young people to play an active role in Europe’s political landscape.

Read the full resolution adopted at #EGPCongress 👉 https://t.co/hHPPybVvEP https://t.co/CpohwmMhhU

Tweet Author:
europeangreens
Creation Date:
3 months ago
Tweet Contents:

RT @GreensEFA: Our fight to #RestoreNature is still on: Tuesday the ENVI Committee will finish its voting session.

We need the law to pro…

Tweet Author:
europeangreens
Creation Date:
3 months ago
Tweet Contents:

RT @GreensEFA: Rainforests are vital for life. We must protect them💚

On #WorldRainforestDay we remind EU & its leaders that the trade deal…

Tweet Author:
europeangreens
Creation Date:
3 months ago

Sign up to our newsletter

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Fill in the blank.

Take charge of your future. Donate Green.

Chip in today to help us build a Greener Europe!

Donate

  • Organisation
    • About
    • History
    • Councils
    • Congresses
    • Finance Advisory Board
    • Amendments Committee
    • Conciliation Panel
  • People
    • Committee
    • Team
    • Vacancies
    • Traineeships
  • Networks and Working Groups
    • Networks
      • Balkan
      • Mediterranean
      • Gender
      • tilt!
      • Queer
      • Local Councillors
      • Seniors
      • Disability
    • Working Groups
      • Foreign and Security Policy
      • Future of Europe
      • Trade
  • Guidelines
    • Charter
    • Statutes
    • Rulebook
    • Finances
    • Privacy Policy
  • Our Positions
    • Positions
    • Resolutions
    • Policy Papers
    • Manifesto
  • Member Parties
  • News
    • News
    • Press Releases
    • Brand Assets
    • Communications Team
  • Events
  • Campaigns
    • The Green Screen
    • Green Talking Heads
    • Trans-Inclusive Feminist Campaign
    • Climate Action for the People and the Planet
    • European Green Recovery Campaign
  • Donate
Home

Rue du Taciturne 34

B-1000 Brussels, Belgium

T +32 (0) 2 626 07 20

info@europeangreens.eu

© European Greens - With the financial support of the European Parliament. Sole liability remains with the author.

cookies