Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance

Policy topics Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance is active on

What Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance has said (60)

• 2026-06-18 “Right-wing muddying the waters at expense of local communities — Today, MEPs have just voted to support a resolution on the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, which will override water protection rules. The Greens/EFA Group stand against this roll back of the rules and call for those who pollute water to pay for its treatment. Jutta Paulus MEP, Greens/EFA Member of the European Parliament’s Environment Committee, comments: “The EPP, in alliance with the far-right, are working against local municipalities and communities, in their ideological desire to rip up the rules at the cost of our waterways and public health. “The right is muddying the waters when it comes to the rules on municipal waste water treatment. Without clear rules, citizens will be left to foot the bill for water pollution caused by products from the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. “Everyone should have access to clean water, those who pollute our waters should pay. Drinking water suppliers will have to spend millions to remove trace substances left over from using pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. “The demand by the Christian Democrats, the right and the far-right creates uncertainty and undermines trust in the EU and local politics. This push to please the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries will come at the expense of communities, public utilities and public budgets.””
• 2026-06-17 “From lab to fork without anyone’s knowledge — The European Parliament has given the green light to a new generation of GMOs. These plants are developed through new genomic techniques (NGTs) and are genetically modified without introducing DNA from other species, unlike first-generation GMOs created through transgenesis. The Greens/EFA strongly oppose the deregulation of NGTs. This decision will hand even more power over our food system to a small number of agrochemical multinationals that will hold the patents, while weakening farmers’ autonomy and Europe’s food sovereignty. Furthermore, this decision violates the precautionary principle. MEP Thomas WAITZ, Greens/EFA member of the Committee on Agricultural and rural development, comments: “New genomic techniques, old greed. The complete deregulation of new genomic techniques will generate huge profits for mega-corporations while costing consumers transparency and farmers sovereignty. It will open the floodgates to patented seeds resulting in big legal problems for small- and medium scale farmers and independent seed breeders. In a few years, our food supply could be entirely controlled by a handful of multinationals. We fought for farmers. The conservatives fought for multinationals Bayer-Monsanto, Corteva and Syngenta.” MEP Cristina GUARDA, Greens/EFA member of the Committee on Agricultural and rural development, comments: “With this agreement, born out of the trilogue negotiations and pushed through by the right-wing parties, the European Parliament has yielded to lobbying interests, abandoning its historic mandates and creating an intolerable legal paradox. On the one hand, these new plants (NGTs) are deemed equivalent to conventional varieties in order to bypass the necessary health and environmental safeguards. On the other hand, seed giants are allowed to patent them as industrial inventions. “This deregulation weakens safety standards, transparency and consumers’ right to know what is in their food. It also places organic and non-GM producers at a clear disadvantage, as they will no longer be able to guarantee GMO-free products. “We cannot accept that the precautionary principle be replaced by industrial profit. This is not about being for or against research. The real question is simple: do we want farmers to reduce costs of production, to be autonomous, to remain free or not?””
• 2026-06-17 “Hands of our nature, hands off Albania — Today, MEPs voted on the parliamentary report on Albania, highlighting the country’s progress in the EU enlargement process and the need for environmental safeguards. To shed light on the endangered natural treasures of Albania, a group of Greens/EFA MEPs will visit the Vjosa-Narta protected area landscape from 29 June to 1 July. They will meet local communities, environmental defenders, and government representatives, who are active in ongoing environmental protection efforts. MEP Tineke Strik, shadow rapporteur for the Commission’s 2025 report on Albania, comments: “Albania’s future lies in the EU. The EU enlargement process must go hand in hand with continued progress on strong environmental safeguards, the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and transparency. This report largely reflects those priorities. "Our group shares the protesters' concerns about the Vjosa Narta area. We successfully included a call in the report for the Albanian authorities to immediately pause all new interventions in protected areas until Albania's legal framework fully aligns with European environmental standards. “Albania’s citizens will decide the country’s future, not Trump-loving US billionaires. That future should be built on the protection of its natural treasures, not on short-term profits at the expense of biodiversity and local communities. The flamingo protest shows that citizens care about protecting the environment and joining the EU. We will stand with them, supporting their protest against Trump allies who exploit their natural heritage and supporting their journey towards the EU.” More: MEP Tineke Strik will lead a Greens/EFA mission to Albania, including the Vjosa-Narta protected area landscape, with MEPs Cristina Guarda, Vicent Marzà i Ibáñez, Daniel Freund, Jutta Paulus and Anna Strolenberg (Volt) from 29 June to 1 July. We will follow-up with additional information soon.”
• 2026-06-17 “The EU needs to send a strong signal of European sovereignty — Ahead of today’s (Wednesday, 17 June) plenary debate before this week's EU Summit, Terry Reintke MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament, calls for a strong signal of European independence: “The summit must send out a clear and strong signal of European sovereignty. The EU cannot leave the role of chief negotiator to an erratic US President, be it in Iran or in Ukraine. The EU must hold on to the leverage of sanctions and prevent a disaster for the people of Iran. “In Donald Trump’s war against Iran and Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine, dependency on gas and oil has become a weapon of war. Fossil fuels pose an acute security risk and drive up energy costs. The EU does possess a powerful blueprint for independence and sovereignty, it is called the Green Deal. Europe must fully commit to renewable energy for its own security, global competitiveness and in the race against China, inflation and climate change. We expect the European Council to provide decisive leadership on resolving the EU’s trade deficit and shielding our industries from China by immediately adopting short-term safeguard measures. “We need the Emissions Trading System as a key market instrument and a driver of competitiveness and planning certainty. Free CO2 allowances are nothing more than subsidies for the oil and gas industry and block investment in green technologies. “The EU cannot afford to be stingy when it comes to investing in climate protection, jobs and competitiveness. The EU budget cannot rely solely on the goodwill of EU governments. Generating its own revenue is the obvious step towards making the EU budget independent and crisis-proof.” Watch the plenary debate on the EU summit live today (Wednesday, 17 June) from 9:00 am, featuring a speech by Greens/EFA President Terry Reintke”
• 2026-06-17 “Right-wing majority jettisons compassion & common sense for xenophobia — Today, a majority of Members of the European Parliament have just voted in favour of the Returns Regulation, which will lead to widespread and arbitrary detention and deportation, including to camps outside the EU where the rights of those affected cannot be guaranteed. The Greens/EFA Group strongly oppose this regulation and laments the structural cooperation on this file between the EPP and the far-right in order to pursue populist and morally bankrupt migration policies. Mélissa Camara MEP, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur for the Returns Regulation, comments: “MEPs from the right have teamed up to jettison compassion and common sense for the sake of populism and xenophobia. The Returns Regulation will lead to potentially deadly deportation camps offshore, lifetime entry bans and will result in mass detention, including children. It completely undermines fundamental rights, increases the length of time people are locked up and will create ICE-style practices by allowing authorities to conduct home raids. “It was particularly shameful to see members clapping this draconian and disgusting law. The EPP has proven with this vote that it has no shame in working with the far-right against fundamental rights, EU values and human dignity. By endorsing practices and provisions that are no less degrading and inhumane than those of ICE in the US, the EPP and part of Renew have shown that they would rather initiate the far-right than support the EU’s fundamental values and rights. “The regulation will be challenged before national courts and the European Court of Justice due to violations of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, as well as EU and international treaties. We will support these legal challenges with all the tools we have in the name of human dignity.””
• 2026-06-16 “Nudifier ban: Greens/EFA turn deregulation attempt into win for women and children — Today, MEPs just approved the outcome of the trilogue negotiations on the Artificial Intelligence Omnibus. MEP Kim van Sparrentak, Greens/EFA negotiator in the Internal Market Committee (IMCO), comments: “I’m glad that we managed to turn this attempt at weakening AI rules into a Green win especially for women and children. Banning nudifier apps by the end of 2026 makes Europe a better place. “Everyday, women across the EU are targeted by deepfake AI tools that strip them of their dignity, intimidate them online and make them vulnerable to blackmail and abuse. “Meanwhile, we still managed to keep the deregulation attempts by Big Tech to a minimum. And European industry can have clarity on when and how the Artificial Intelligence Act applies to everyone.” Pirate Party MEP Markéta Gregorová, Greens/EFA negotiatior in the LIBE Committee, comments: “What started as sexualised deepfakes is increasingly turning into AI-generated images and videos depicting women being abused, restrained or degraded. Every day, thousands of fake nude images of women and children are created and spread online without their consent, while entire online communities actively share and promote these tools. “That is why the EU’s ban on AI nudifiers is so important and I am proud we were able to put an end to it. Freedom to innovate cannot be an excuse for technologies that violate human dignity, privacy and safety. Tech companies must understand that their freedom ends where the rights and protection of others begin.””
• 2026-06-16 “EU Parliament successfully fought for passengers´rights and less headache in case of delays - a solution that flies — In the near future, air passengers will receive compensation for delayed flights more easily. A compromise between the European Parliament and the Member States reached just now at the very last minute, guarantees more rights for air passengers, amongst them on reimbursement, hidden baggage costs and family rights. Virginijus Sinkevičius, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Transport and Tourism and negotiator in the reconciliation process, comments: “Today Europe is delivering for air passengers. We have protected the rights people already have, added new safeguards, and brought greater clarity when things go wrong. Parliament was clear from day one that we would modernise the rules, but we would not let passengers pay the price. After more than a decade of deadlock, Europe is finally updating air passenger rights while keeping passengers firmly at the centre.” Vicent Marzà, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur in the leading transport committee, comments: "Today, we are celebrating a win for millions of travellers. Europe has chosen passengers over the airline margins, with compensation protected, hidden baggage costs dragged into the light, and real new rights for families and for people with reduced mobility. This is what a Europe that delivers actually looks like. The fight for travellers' rights doesn't stop here and we will keep on fighting for free cabin baggage and travellers´ rights.” Press conference at 19:45 today (15/06), in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Daphne Caruana Galizia press conference room (WEISS N -1/201), with European Parliament president Roberta Metsola, Cyprus’s Minister of transport Alexis Vafeades, EU Commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Parliament’s rapporteur Andrey Novakov (EPP, BG) and Transport and Tourism Committee vice-chair Virginijus Sinkevičius (Greens/EFA, LT).”
• 2026-06-16 “‘Veggie burger’ law fuels culture war at expense of farmers and consumers — Today, the European Parliament just approved the result of the trilogue negotiations on the law on ‘Strengthening of the position of farmers in the food supply chain’, which is part of the Common Organisation of Markets (CMO) regulation in agricultural products. After the original text was significantly weakened and ultimately includes a blacklist for particular descriptions for plant-based products, the Greens/EFA Group voted against the law. Volt MEP Anna Strolenberg, who negotiated the file for the Greens/EFA Group in the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI), comments: "This law was supposed to strengthen the position of small and medium sized farmers. Instead, we are making identity politics for burgers. “EPP used naming bans for plant based products as a smokescreen to weaken contract obligations for farmers. Now, selected plant based products will have to be renamed arbitrarily. While we were able to prevent some of the absurd ban suggestions, terms like vegan „steak“ or „bacon“ are now blacklisted. “This does not help the meat industry, which is increasingly investing in vegan products, and it certainly does not help consumers. It is creating a cultural war at the expense of farmers and EU citizens.” More: While a ban on the term “veggie burger” itself has been prevented, prohibited terms include the words "steak“, "liver", and their translations such as "Leberwurst" (German) and "foie“ (French). Please find a full list here: Beef, veal, pork, poultry, chicken, turkey, duck, goose, lamb, mutton, ovine, goat, drumstick, tenderloin, sirloin, flank, loin, steak, ribs, shoulder, shank, chop, wing, breast, liver, thigh, brisket, ribeye, T-bone, rump and bacon.”
• 2026-06-15 “Parliament calls for stronger protection of dissidents in EU — Tomorrow, MEPs will adopt a report on countering Transnational Repression, which was drafted under the lead of Greens/EFA MEP and European Parliament rapporteur Hannah Neumann. Transnational repression refers to the persecution of critics, dissidents and journalists by authoritarian regimes such as Russia, Iran or China beyond their own borders, including inside Europe. The report sets out concrete proposals for how the EU can better protect targeted people, close loopholes in laws and institutions, and hold those responsible accountable. MEP Hannah Neumann, European Parliament rapporteur and Greens/EFA Coordinator in the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), comments: “For the first time, the European Parliament is calling for comprehensive action to better protect dissidents and regime critics abroad from persecution, intimidation and harassment. “Authoritarian regimes are no longer only trying to silence critics at home. They are surveilling, threatening and targeting people here in Europe, often working together with organised crime. This report is a first step in answering this growing problem. “So far, political responsibility has been too fragmented. Transnational repression sits at the crossroads of internal affairs, foreign policy, digital policy and justice. Responsibilities are spread across numerous authorities and institutions at national and EU level. This creates gaps that authoritarian regimes deliberately exploit. With this report, we want to close them. “The report lays the foundation for a coordinated European strategy against transnational repression. Europe must close the loopholes in our systems and institutions that authoritarian regimes use to carry out their repression. We have to better protect those targeted and work closely with diaspora communities. “Transnational repression must not go unpunished. Those responsible have to be held to account, both the perpetrators and the regimes behind them.” More: European Parliament press conference on the vote tomorrow at 15:00 Livestream of the vote tomorrow from 12:30 More information on the report Press kit”
• 2026-06-10 “Defence Omnibus: Council blocks true progress — Today, the final trilogue negotiations on the Defence Omnibus have just been concluded with a disappointing result. MEP Hannah Neumann, Greens/EFA negotiator for the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE), comments: “The outcome of today's negotiations on the Defence Omnibus is deeply disappointing. We all agree that Europe must act quickly, yet once again the Council blocks every inch of true progress and keeps postponing the real debates and decisions. “In Parliament, we understand the scale and urgency of achieving defence readiness. That is why we are accepting this compromise - grudgingly. But we must be honest: this is not the level of ambition we need to make Europe safer or our industry more competitive. Member States need to realise that their national protectionism comes at a cost. It weakens our collective security, delays the capabilities we urgently need, and ultimately makes Europe less safe, not more. “Heads of states are often calling for European sovereignty and a truly European defence - in rhetoric. Yet, when it comes to providing the European Union with the competences, resources, and information needed to get there, they step back. They demand European solutions while refusing to equip Europe with the tools required to deliver them. And then, they complain at home that the EU is too weak to fix the problem. This is cynical and short-sighted. We don‘t have time for that anymore.” MEP Reinier van Lanschot (Volt), Greens/EFA negotiator for the Internal Market Committee (IMCO), comments: "The outcome of the Defence Omnibus shows how drastically the mindset in European capitals and defence ministries has to change. “The capitals are still held back by conservatism, irrational fears and national self-interest, but the only way we reach real European security is by substantially increasing European collaboration. Buying equipment together and creating a European internal market for defense is broadly supported by Europeans and could save 100 billion per year, but the Defense Omnibus only takes a small step into that direction. “We are also deeply critical of how the Council arm-twisted the European Parliament into swallowing a poor result by holding other defence files hostage until Parliament gave into the Council's nationalistic line. “So we are far away from where we need to be. And, more worryingly, miles away from what an overwhelming majority of EU citizens are calling for: a true, integrated European Defence Union."”
• 2026-06-03 “EU Tech Sovereignty Package falls short — Today, the European Commission has presented its Tech Sovereignty Package, which addresses the geopolitical risks of Europe’s digital dependency. Greens/EFA MEP Kim van Sparrentak comments: “This long delayed package finally recognises the scale of Europe’s digital dependency, but ultimately falls short. Promoting more open source solutions, backing a European technology stack and introducing digital stress tests are important steps, which we have long called for together with European industry. “But I am sceptical that this will be sufficient to ensure long term independence from the US. Without clear Made in Europe requirements for public tech spending and strict safeguards against cloud sovereignty washing, we risk turning Europe’s digital future into a marketing exercise.””
• 2026-06-02 “Returns Regulation sets Europe on shameful path — Tonight, an agreement was reached between the Council and the Parliament on the Returns Regulation. Mélissa Camara MEP, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur for the Returns Regulation, comments: "The agreement reached today between the Council and the European Parliament led by an EPP–far-right majority is shameful. “This future text puts xenophobic ideas and rhetoric into writing at the expense of the fundamental rights of migrants whose only mistake was to be born with the wrong passport. The agreement legalises return hubs outside the European Union and gives a green light to the detention of minors and to lifetime entry bans without serious legal grounds. It also weakens procedural rights, extends lengths of detention and endorses ICE practices by allowing authorities to conduct home raids. “Fundamental rights stand at the top of the hierarchy of norms; they cannot be casually trampled upon. We will keep on fighting to try to reject this text both in Parliament and in the Council.””
• 2026-06-01 “13 EU tech companies and Greens/EFA urge Commission to support home-grown industry — Today, 13 high-profile European tech companies and 6 NGOs join forces with the Greens/EFA Group and call on the European Commission to commit to stronger protection and support for Europe’s digital industry. Among the signatories are OVHcloud, Proton, Mastodon, Nextcloud, Ecosia and more, representing a growing EU tech ecosystem with over 3,000 employees, a combined revenue of more than €1 billion annually and tens of millions of users and customers. Read the full declaration HERE . Ahead of the presentation of the EU Tech Sovereignty Package on Wednesday, they urge the European Commission for a strong commitment to democratic European solutions: “It is time for the Union to act with ambition, use and strengthen its technological capabilities through investment, open ecosystems, sovereign and resilient infrastructure. “We invite the European Commission and Member States to commit to strengthening Europe’s digital foundations through openness, interoperability as well as fair competition and strategic regulations.” Register for our press briefing today at 15:00 HERE. MEP Alexandra Geese, Greens/EFA negotiator of last mandate’s Digital Services Act (DSA), comments: “This unique declaration is a wake up call for Ursula von der Leyen. Europe’s digital future must no longer be used as a bargaining chip in trade talks with the US. Our message is simple: Build European, buy European, protect European. “Europe’s digital industry, civil society and political actors are speaking with one voice. We need a strong EU Tech Sovereignty Package and the political courage to enforce our rules, invest in our own technology and stop treating European tech as an afterthought.” MEP Kim van Sparrentak, Greens/EFA negotiator of the recent AI Omnibus, comments: “European technology is not only about where products are built, but about the values they are built on. ‚Made in Europe‘ must mean privacy by design, open standards, fair competition, energy efficiency and democratic accountability. If Europe wants digital sovereignty, it must invest in technologies that people can trust and that serve the public interest. And not the US model based on surveillance capitalism, which only serves Trump’s Tech Bros.” More: The declaration emphasizes the following core principles: Full list of first signatories: EU Tech Stars · Anne Duboscq, Public Affairs and Communication Director, OVHcloud · Christos Floros, CEO, Monnett Social · Felix Hlatky, Executive Director, Mastodon · Frank Karlitschek, Founder and CEO, NextCloud · Julie Latawiec, Director for Public Affairs, Cloud Temple · Jutta Horstmann, Co-CEO, Heinlein Group · Matthijs Rijlaarsdam, Founder and CEO, QuantWare · Quentin Adam, CEO and Founder, Clever Cloud · Raphaël Auphan, COO, Proton · Román Orús, Cofounder and Chief Scientific Officer, Multiverse Computing · Sebastian Vogelsang, Co-Lead, Eurosky; Founder and CEO, flashes for Bluesky · Wessel klein Snakenborg, Founder and CEO, NovaCustom · Wolfgang Oels, Chief Operating Officer, Ecosia Civil Society · Alice Stollmeyer, Founder and Director, Defend Democracy · Björn Staschen, Director, Save Social · Michael Hrebeniak (Dr), Convenor, NSotA · Romain Beylerian, Vice Secretary, Association Tournesol · Siddhi Pal, Lead, AI Workforce and Innovation, Interface · Tobias B. Bacherle, Senior Germany Lead, FOTI (Future of Technology Institute) MEPs · Alexandra Geese, MEP, Greens/EFA · David Cormand, MEP, Greens/EFA · Diana Riba i Giner, MEP, EFA President and first Vice-President of the Greens/EFA Group · Kim Van Sparrentak, MEP, Greens/EFA · Reinier van Lanschot, MEP, Greens/EFA (Volt) · Sergey Lagodinsky, MEP and Vice-President of the Greens/EFA Group · Terry Reintke, MEP and Co-President of the Greens/EFA Group PDF VERSION HERE”
• 2026-05-21 “Baltic Sea: Greens/EFA push for better protection — Today, the European Parliament adopted Greens/EFA MEP Isabella Lövin's report on the Baltic Sea report negotiated over the past year in the Committee on Fisheries (PECH). The report is the most far-reaching of its kind on the Baltic Sea ever adopted by the Parliament. MEP Isabella Lövin, European Parliament's rapporteur on the report, comments: “After years of irresponsible management and political failure, the European Parliament is finally sending a clear message to the European Commission and EU governments: business as usual is over. The Baltic Sea cannot survive more empty promises and delayed action. It is time to rebuild our sea. Millions of citizens across the eight EU Member States surrounding the Baltic expect politicians to take responsibility — and with this report, Parliament is finally delivering on that expectation. “A demand for a ban on industrial trawling is something the Greens have long fought for. The fact that it has now become the Parliament’s official position is a major win for us – especially in a parliament that is so right-leaning. With this decision, small-scale fishing is now being prioritised — the kind of fishing that puts food on people’s tables — instead of industrial fishing that mainly fish for animal feed production.” Background: The report concludes that the multiannual management plan for the Baltic Sea has failed to meet its objectives. It expresses clear dissatisfaction with the current management framework and calls on the European Commission to change course and propose a recovery and rebuilding plan for the Baltic Sea. At the same time, it establishes that an ecosystem-based approach must guide all Baltic Sea policy going forward. The Parliament also calls for new scientific advice for setting fishing quotas, placing the ecosystem as a whole at the centre—taking into account entire food webs and interactions between species rather than individual fish stocks. It further stresses the need to fully implement the requirements of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive for healthy fish stocks, including a proper age and size structure. Scientific advice should also include precautionary buffers and automatic measures that are triggered when stocks fall below critical levels. More: At the end of 2024, Isabella Lövin was tasked with leading the European Parliament’s own-initiative report on the Baltic Sea. The report that was approved in the PECH committee contained a call for a halt of industrial trawling until the stocks have recovered. It also assessed the effectiveness of the multiannual management plan in force since 2016. The report contains both sharp criticism and concrete proposals for measures needed to reverse the current environmental decline.”
• 2026-05-20 “Slovakia must not follow Orban’s dark path away from democracy — Today, Members of the European Parliament voted on a joint motion on the rule of law in Slovakia, initiated by the Greens/EFA Group. The situation regarding the rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia has deteriorated sharply. The Fico government has weakened anti-corruption measures and judicial institutions. At the same time concerns are growing over the misuse of EU funds in the country, mounting pressure on media freedom, and attacks on fundamental rights. Daniel Freund MEP, Greens/EFA Member of the LIBE Committee responsible for the file, comments: "Slovakia is headed down a dark path away from democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. Robert Fico’s government is trying to emulate Orbán’s failed autocracy with the removal of anti-corruption bodies, changes to the penal code, and undoing whistleblower protection. This is more than just regression on the rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia, it’s a concerted effort to dismantle the very institutions that hold democracy together. “We have seen reports of luxury villas linked to people close to Fico being financed with EU funds. Cases like these pose a clear and significant risk to the financial interests of the European Union. The Commission must seriously assess whether the Slovak government risks breaching European values. “ The Commission should use all available enforcement and infringement tools to ensure that Slovakia abides by the EU treaties and upholds the rule of law and fundamental rights.The Commission cannot stand idly by. It must not allow Slovakia to descend into the kind of illiberal backsliding seen under Orbán, which the Hungarian people endured for well over a decade.””
• 2026-05-07 “AI trilogue: Deal to ban AI nudifier tools by the end of 2026 — In a late-night deal on the AI Omnibus, lawmakers agreed to ban AI-driven nudifier tools in Europe by the end of 2026. Rules for high risk AI will enter into force on the 2nd of December 2027. What should have been the final negotiations last week, were postponed due to an attempt from Friedrich Merz to exempt German industry, risking to plummet people and industry into huge uncertainty. Although AI in machinery is now subject to sector-specific rules, additional attempts of German industry to further hijack the omnibus to deregulate were thwarted. Greens/EFA IMCO negotiator MEP Kim van Sparrentak comments: "By the end of this year, everyone, but especially women and girls will be safe from horrific nudifier apps being widely available on the EU market. It is bizarre that currently in just three clicks, you can now manipulate images of women and children to create fake nude photos or pornographic material. Today we put a clear end to this kind of violence against people and children. “Industry exemptions will not prevail over our safety. AI should always be safe and not discriminate or pose a danger to fundamental rights. Also, it is crucial that industry has clarity in time without being plummeted into regulatory chaos. The Commission wanted simplification so badly, now we’ve given them more resources and they have to work for it. Everyone now has clarity on when and how the AI Act applies, standards need to be ready in time.” Greens/EFA LIBE negotiator, Pirate Party MEP Markéta Gregorová, comments: “We are proud that, during the trilogue negotiations, Greens/EFA managed to secure a clear ban on so-called ‘nudifiers’ in the final compromise of the AI Omnibus. These tools have no place in our societies. They are designed to digitally strip people without their consent, overwhelmingly targeting women and even children. This is not innovation, it is abuse enabled by technology. I do not see a single legitimate use case for such AI systems. On the contrary, they pose a direct threat to dignity, privacy and safety. With this agreement, we are sending a strong signal that AI in Europe must respect fundamental rights and cannot be used to exploit or harm people.” More: While the ban on nudifiers was endangered amidst all the industry lobby, the ban in the final deal is broad and clear. The deal also includes a ban on generation of child sexual abuse material. The Greens/EFA fought to keep the same protection for people and fast implementation. Key elements like the fundamental rights impact assessment, reporting of energy use and rules for AI models like ChatGPT were left protected in the omnibus process. And other loopholes were closed. The Commission was very unhappy with new fast deadlines to provide clarity for industry through guidelines and on the new rules for machinery”
• 2026-05-06 “Social Package step in the right direction but more ambitious measures are needed — Today, the European Commission presented its Social Package. The Greens/EFA welcome this step in the right direction but call for more ambitious measures. Greens/EFA President Bas Eickhout comments: “What we are witnessing now in Europe is what happens when the cost of living increases but wages don’t. The Commission’s Social Package is a small step in the right direction. But we need to reverse the trend of deregulation and privatisation pushed by the far right that they use to keep corporations and greedy oligarchs satisfied. We need strong economic and social measures and ambitious public investments.” MEP Maria Ohisalo, Greens/EFA Coordinator of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, comments: “An increasing number of people in the EU can’t afford to have a decent, comfortable life. People need affordable homes, low energy bills and free healthcare: these measures, that would improve people’s lives, could be funded if everyone paid their fair share, including billionaires and tech giants. These are the things the Greens/EFA are pushing for more ambitious action on. We are also calling for the implementation of a mandatory Social Check: no European legislation should pass if it worsens inequality or leaves people behind.””
• 2026-04-29 “EPP stalls AI Omnibus negotiations with far right — After twelve hours of negotiating, the EPP and Vice President Virkkunen found a far right majority in the European Parliament to stall the Artificial Intelligence Omnibus after orders from Merz and Von der Leyen. With this move, right wing lawmakers risk not meeting the deadlines to stop the clock on the entry into force date. Instead of being an honest broker, it was the Commission Vice President who proposed to stall the negotiations for two weeks, after the EPP rapporteur had been delaying for hours. Greens/EFA MEP Kim van Sparrentak, group negotiator in the IMCO Committee, comments: “This is a German EPP coup together with the far right at the highest level. EPP is playing with fire. They are willing to risk plummeting European industry in a total legal vacuum of chaos, jeopardising AI-safety in Europe and the legal certainty for industry. All just for the aggressive Tech lobby and a handful of German companies who are lagging behind. Big Tech is probably popping champagne. While European companies that care about safety and did their homework now face regulatory chaos.” Greens/EFA and Pirate Party MEP Markéta Gregorová, group negotiator in the LIBE Committee, comments: “We came to the negotiations with the intent to close a deal on banning nudifiers. When EPP, teaming up with the far right, has to choose between exempting companies from AI rules or effectively protecting women and children, guess what they choose. We showed openness, as the Council did; but it was clear that the industry interest to be exempt from the AI rules prevailed in EPP and part of Renew over anything else; and now they are endangering the timeline and therefore the whole deal.””
• 2026-04-29 “Citizens entitled to social rights when working abroad — Today, the regulation on the revision of social security coordination amongst Member States was approved in Coreper after a successful trilogue and many years of negotiations. Gordan Bosanac, Greens/EFA shadow on the file, comments: "The point of this revision was to improve people’s lives. We managed to secure this improvement after many years of negotiations. Better cooperation amongst Member States on social protection will ensure that workers’ rights are respected. Workers will be able to get the entitlements they acquired in a Member State, such as unemployment benefits and pensions, no matter where they settle in the EU. This is particularly important for 14 million mobile workers. One of the core principles of this Union is freedom of movement: this helps make it a reality and ensures that people’s lives are easier and more secure.” More: The file will go back to the European Parliament and will be voted on in Committee and Plenary.”
• 2026-04-29 “Pandering to chemical industry risks public health time bomb — Today, the European Parliament adopted its mandate for negotiations with the Council on the Chemicals Omnibus, proposed by the European Commission, which covers regulations on “classification, labelling and packaging” (CLP), fertilizers, and cosmetics. Majdouline Sbai, Greens/EFA Group MEP responsible for the file in the Environment Committee, comments: “We welcome that the Parliament has removed the most dangerous proposal of the Commission by restoring a total ban on the use of so-called CMR substances in cosmetic products. “But today’s vote is also an admission of weakness when it comes to protecting the health of Europeans and a step back. Granting industry one more year to put on the market products that are dangerous means one extra year of cancers, fertility problems, and disruptions to Europeans’ hormonal systems. “Pandering to the chemical industry through deregulating risks creating a public health time bomb, which will have disastrous consequences in terms of suffering and healthcare costs. “The EU needs to urgently ban all dangerous chemical substances in cosmetics—from forever chemicals like PFAS to CMR substances and endocrine disruptors.” More: The Greens/EFA Group welcome the improvements made by Parliament to the Commission’s proposals. In particular, regarding cosmetics legislation, they highlight the retention of the existing ban on the use of CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic). However, this vote will allow manufacturers to place cosmetics containing carcinogenic substances on the market for one year after they have been recognized as dangerous, which is a failure to protect the health of Europeans.”
• 2026-04-28 “Cats and dogs — Today, the European Parliament will approve the trilogue negotiations on the regulation on the protection of cats and dogs, thereby adopting uniform standards for the breeding, trade and traceability of dogs and cats. For the first time, comprehensive EU-wide rules will be introduced to curb illegal trade and significantly improve animal welfare. MEP Tilly Metz from Luxembourg, Greens/EFA lead negotiator, comments: “There is no place in Europe for the illegal and inhumane trade in pets. With today’s vote, we are establishing clear European standards to protect millions of dogs and cats. “We have succeeded in ensuring that smaller breeders are also covered and that large parts of the trade are no longer left unregulated. This is crucial for effectively combating illegal practices and improving animal welfare across Europe. “A key achievement is the mandatory identification and registration of dogs and cats. The microchip requirement is the most effective tool for ensuring traceability, uncovering illegal networks and protecting consumers. The fact that this system is now being extended across the EU and will eventually apply to cats as well is a major step forward – even if the transition periods are long. “We are also banning harmful breeding practices such as inbreeding, cruel breeding methods or the breeding of wild animal hybrids. In doing so, we are ensuring that animal welfare must no longer be subordinated to profit. “Even though we were not able to fully achieve all our objectives – particularly regarding stricter authorisation procedures for breeding establishments – the overall result is a strong and balanced set of rules. It improves conditions for animals, ensures fairer competition among breeders and strengthens consumer confidence.” More: The trade in dogs and cats in the EU has an estimated annual value of €1.3 billion, with around 60% of animals sold online. A lack of traceability encourages illegal practices, poor welfare conditions and risks to animal and public health. The regulation is primarily aimed at commercial operators. For private pet owners, the main requirement is simply to identify their animals.”
• 2026-04-28 “Parliament votes to support environment, biodiversity & big tech tax — Today, MEPs have just voted through the Parliament’s position on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework for the year 2028 to 2034. This vote sets the Parliament’s mandate for negotiations, setting the Parliament’s position on overall size, the size of the programme envelopes and structure of the MFF. Rasmus Nordqvist MEP, Greens/EFA Group shadow Rapporteur for the MFF, comments: “The Parliament’s position on the MFF is strong, forward looking and designed to deliver for people and the planet in a changing world. We welcome that the four main groups have come together to make the EU’s long term budget fit for the future. Thanks to the efforts of our group we have secured funding for actions under the LIFE programme, guaranteeing billions to support stronger environmental protection and dedicated financing for biodiversity. “We are pushing for an EU that leads the ecological transition, the protection of biodiversity and natural resources like water to build a truly sustainable future. It not only goes hand in hand but is an integral part of competitiveness. We welcome that the MFF contains support to continue vital EU programmes that matter to citizens such as Erasmus Plus, Horizon and support for civil society. The increase in the Global Europe fund demonstrates the EU’s commitment to our global responsibilities and the promotion of democratic values across the globe and our solidarity with the Ukrainian people. “The European Parliament is listening to people’s concerns about rising living costs and skyrocketing energy prices. Together, we are ensuring that projects for employment, equality, and education continue to be funded, as well as for affordable housing all of which need to be primarily financed from Member States’ budgets though. “The ambitions of the MFF must be met with required revenues. The Parliament will only approve a long-term budget that includes sustainable revenue, which is fit for purpose in an ever changing world. The EU can support the needs of people, while holding major corporations to account through tools like a digital services tax for big tech and windfall tax on energy profits for the energy companies.””
• 2026-04-28 “MEPs vote to have common definition of rape based on lack of consent — Today, MEPs voted to have a common EU definition of rape based on the lack of consent. Diana Riba i Giner, Greens/EFA MEP and FEMM shadow on the file, comments: “Only yes means yes. We welcome this report which reaffirms the Parliament’s commitment to combat all forms of gender-based violence, including rape. This is an ambitious initiative that demands an EU-wide common definition of rape based on the lack of consent. This is essential to ensure equal justice for survivors of rape across the EU and to end the impunity of perpetrators. “We need a culture of consent. Against the protest of the right and the far right, we have managed to keep an ambitious text and even strengthen it by including the need for mandatory training for professionals such as legal and medical staff and a reference to rape culture in the report. We call on the European Commission to put forward legislation on a common definition of rape before the end of the mandate and add gender based violence to the list of eurocrimes with a view to effectively combating all forms of violence against women.””
• 2026-04-27 “Calls for Accountability for Far-Right Group — According to an internal investigation, at least €4.3 million in public funds were misused by the now-dissolved far-right “Identity and Democracy” (ID) group in the European Parliament during the last legislative term. Investigations by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office are ongoing, but so far, no consequences have been imposed. In response, Transparency International’s Brussels office has filed a complaint with the EU Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). In this week’s plenary session in the European Parliament, the Greens/EFA will put their demands for a full investigation and the withholding of funds to a vote against PfE. MEP Daniel Freund, Greens/EFA Coordinator in the Committee on Budgetary Control, comments: "The ID group has simply rebranded itself as the 'Patriots.' The same structures, the same people, and the same potential for corruption remain in place. It is time for real consequences and for full accountability. "The millions allegedly stolen or misused by the ID group must be recovered. The far right treats the EU like a cash cow. The very people who denounce the EU as corrupt are enriching themselves at its expense. This systematic fraud against Europe’s citizens must end." More: Watch today’s and tomorrow’s plenary debates live, featuring speeches by Daniel Freund: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/home.html Vote on Wednesday (29 April), from around 12 noon Press conference with Daniel Freund: Wednesday (29 April) at 10 am in the European Parliament’s press room”
• 2026-04-22 “End dependence on autocrats - make energy affordable - invest in solar, wind and hydro power — The European Commission today (Wednesday, 22 April) presented its communication “AccelerateEU – Energy Union” as an answer to tackle soaring energy prices caused by the US and Israeli war against Iran. The Greens/EFA welcome the initiative and calls on measures to protect citizens from skyrocketing fuel bills, by introducing, among other things, a windfall tax on oil and gas companies and a binding timetable for phasing out oil, gas and coal, in order to reduce dependence on unreliable fossil fuels and make energy affordable. The Commission’s initiative comes ahead of the informal EU summit in Cyprus and the Greens/EFA Group’s political retreat in Zagreb, Croatia, on Thursday and Friday this week. Terry Reintke MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament, comments: “The war against Iran makes dependence on oil and gas a security risk and a cost trap for millions of citizens in the EU who are struggling with skyrocketing energy bills, rising food prices, and stagnating real wages. This energy crisis shows that it is high time for the EU to move away from our costly dependence on oil and gas and put forward a genuine European anti-poverty strategy with binding targets and real funding. “Sun, wind and water are our insurance against Putin, Trump and all those who use oil and gas as a strategic weapon. We welcome the fact that the European Commission is tackling spiralling energy prices and focusing particularly on those hardest hit by soaring costs, but it’s not enough.” Bas Eickhout MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament, comments: “Doubling down on renewables is not just nice to have, it’s a necessity. Sun and wind power are our protection against price spikes and the whims of fossil autocrats. "We need a ‘Trump tax’ to stop energy speculation and pass on windfall profits to those hardest hit by energy price rises. Millions of people are feeling the consequences of energy prices every day with the cost of living constantly rising. So a clear, binding timetable for phasing out oil, gas and coal is what we urgently need. It will reduce fossil fuel dependency and pave the way for massive investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency.” Letter from Greens/EFA Presidents to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa Greens/EFA Group Retreat in Zagreb, Thursday/Friday (23–24 April): At its closed-door meeting in Zagreb on Thursday and Friday (23–24 April), the Greens/EFA Group will engage with activists, non-governmental organisations and the Green mayors of Zagreb and Budapest, discussing, among other things, EU reform and responses to the cost-of-living and energy crises. We are happy to arrange interviews in advance and on site.”
• 2026-04-21 “Now is the time to transform the EU before another Orbán — Today, the Greens/EFA Group are releasing our five essential points for EU reform following the Hungarian election results. The EU needs to seize the opportunity and ensure that we will never see another Member State steal EU funds, block decisions and take away people’s rights. Bas Eickhout MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments: “The EU needs to learn from its failed response to Orbán’s autocracy and change. The Council and Commission must take action now to future proof our democracies and EU decision-making so that no government is able to blackmail the rest, undermine fundamental rights or dismantle the rule of law ever again. “Now is the time to change the treaties to end the national veto in the Council and stop the EU being held hostage by the whims of autocrats like Orbán. We need to ensure that the Council has the proper tools to deal with Member States that break EU values and the ability to judge and sanction governments if they attack the rule of law or democracy. “We need to take stock and we need real change. The EU can’t afford to wait until the next crisis to act." Terry Reintke MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments: “The EU needs to seize the opportunity of a post-Orbán world and ensure that we will never see another Member State steal EU funds, block EU decisions and take away people’s rights. It’s clear the EU needs to put its money where its mouth is and say no more EU funds to autocrats. “The Commission must ensure that no government can use EU money if they breach basic European values. The Commission needs to be much quicker and more proactive in taking Member States to the Court of Justice when they breach EU values. “For too many years in Hungary we saw people's rights attacked and undermined based on their identity or ethnicity. We must say no more. The Commission must reform the Charter of Fundamental Rights to ensure that nobody can have their rights taken away again.” Five essential steps for EU reform post-Orban: End blackmailing: Real EU treaty change that will end the national veto in the Council and stop the EU being held hostage by the whims of autocrats; Arm democracy: Reform the procedure in which Member States judge and sanction their peers for breaching the EU values by dismantling procedural barriers and making majorities easier to reach;/ No democracy, no money: Maintain and reinforce democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights conditionality and safeguards covering all EU funds in the next EU long-term budget and beyond as part of the Treaties. The Commission must ensure that no national government can spend EU money while breaching basic European values; Break the law, face the court: Make the Commission quicker and more proactive in bringing Member States to the Court of Justice when they breach EU values; Charter must bind – Commission must act: Reform the Charter of Fundamental Rights to ensure that in the EU, nobody can have their rights taken away again, and that the Commission checks and enforces this in all areas by applying a toolbox of sanctions in case there are breaches and in case of the non-implementation of judgements.”
• 2026-04-12 “Win for Hungarian opposition huge moment for Europe & democracy — Today, on the Hungarian election results, which show a huge turnout in favour of the opposition Tisza party, the Greens/EFA Group welcomes this opportunity for the Hungarian people to rebuild their democracy and reset the rule of law in Europe. The Greens/EFA Group have long fought for the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights in Hungary and call on the European Commission and Council to support the new government in restoring democratic standards the country. Terry Reintke MEP, Greens/EFA President, comments: “Hungary is back. Today is a great day for democracy and the elections are a major victory for the people of Hungary and for the rule of law. We congratulate Tisza and Orbán’s challenger Péter Magyar on their election victory. After sixteen long years, the Hungarian people have chosen democracy and Europe over autocracy and Russia. “This vote was a clear ‘yes’ to freedom and democracy and an electoral victory for all those who have fought tirelessly against the corrupt Orbán regime. They all deserve our utmost respect. The election result is a clear defeat for Viktor Orbán, for his corrupt and kleptocratic system, and for the entire far-right movement from Moscow to Mar-a-Lago. It shows: Democrats win when they stand together.” Bas Eickhout MEP, Greens/EFA President, comments: “This result is a resounding victory and a long-overdue liberation for democracy and the Hungarian people. Congratulations to all the Hungarians who have waited a long time for this day. “After sixteen years of Viktor Orbán and Fidesz tearing down democratic institutions and hollowing out the state, Hungarians have said: enough. For too long, Hungarians have had their rights and their futures trampled on by the Orbán government. “This is the beginning of the end of Orbán’s corrupt power machine. Now the real work begins: Rebuilding democracy, restoring the rule of law, staying vigilant and making sure this never happens again, not in Hungary, not anywhere in Europe.” More: On Tuesday at 09:30am, Greens/EFA MEP and European Parliament Rapporteur for the situation in Hungary, Tineke Strik will hold a press conference on Hungary in the European Parliament press room. Journalists can follow in the room or online via Interactio here .”
• 2026-04-10 “Lebanon must be part of the ceasefire agreement — As Lebanon’s civilians find themselves under fire again, the Greens/EFA Group call for the country to be included in the ceasefire agreement and for civilians to be protected. Greens/EFA MEP Leoluca Orlando, Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, comments: “ Israel has continued its strikes on Lebanon unabated, killing and injuring thousands of civilians. This contempt for human life and international law is intolerable. Innocent people are paying the highest price for decisions they did not make. Lebanon needs to be part of the ceasefire negotiated between Iran and the US. “The EU cannot remain passive. Attacks on hospitals and civilian infrastructure are a blatant violation of international humanitarian law - this adds to the list of violations by Israel of the human rights clause of the EU-Israel Association Agreement already found by the EEAS and requires the immediate suspension of the Agreement. Lebanon and its people are devastated from years of unlawful attacks. The EU needs to prioritise peace, humanitarian aid and stability for Lebanon and support those committed to it.””
• 2026-04-01 “Israel: Greens/EFA urge EU response to death penalty law — The Greens/EFA Group strongly condemns the Israeli parliament’s approval of the death penalty law affecting Palestinians, who were convicted of terrorist attacks. We have requested a plenary debate on the urgent need for the EU to respond to the new law and to continued settler violence and Israel’s unlawful imposition of sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. MEP Villy Søvndal, Greens/EFA rapporteur on the situation in Israel and Palestine, comments: “Reinstating a discriminative death penalty only targeting Palestinians in an already discriminatory and cruel system - and celebrating it with champagne - is beyond belief. The religious extreme right in Israel is clearly way too powerful. “We in the EU and the EU leaders need to stop being concerned and just condemn, but stand behind those words with actions. The horrific situation in Gaza, the settlements, violence and destruction in the West Bank and now the death penalty. “If that is not enough to introduce sanctions, nothing we will ever say about human dignity will ever be listened to again.” MEP Hannah Neumann, Greens/EFA Coordinator in the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), comments: “We strongly condemn the adoption of the death penalty bill in the Knesset. This law is clearly designed to target one group only: Palestinians. “As Europeans, we must send a clear signal that the adoption of such discriminatory laws, brutally undermining the rule of law in Israel, will have consequences. We welcome and share the deep concern expressed by the Commission, the High Representative, and several Member States — but words are not enough. The EU must finally turn its criticism into action. “We have long called for a stronger European response to the on-going humanitarian disaster in Gaza and the escalating violence in the West Bank. We once again urge the Commission and Member States to suspend the Association Agreement and impose sanctions on Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich and actors within the violent settler movement.””
• 2026-03-26 “EU-US Turnberry Deal — Today the European Parliament will debate and vote on the mandate to enter into inter-institutional negotiations regarding the EU tariff aspects of the EU-US Turnberry Deal. Bas Eickhout MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments: “Right from the start, our group has criticised the commission’s weak stance towards Trump. We regret that, from the outset, the EU has set aside all tools at its disposal to defend itself. Our group will continue to oppose the creation of a new EU dependency on the US through the import of fossil fuels. We will not accept the EU becoming an accomplice to the US’ fossil fuel based economic model, in a huge boost for Trumpian politics and a massive hit to the climate. EU governments must start seriously building a consistent EU sovereignty and reduce strategic dependencies.” Terry Reintke MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments: “It’s welcome that the European Parliament is asking the US to give formal guarantees that, in spite of the Supreme Court ruling, they will stick to the Turnberry tariff levels. However, it is unacceptable that we could not vote on the more problematic parts of the agreement, including Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. Nevertheless, the Parliament has agreed on a mandate that strengthens the EU’s position vis-à-vis the US. The European Parliament has, in fact, introduced a sunrise clause which requires the US to comply with the 15% tariff levels agreed at Turnberry. Furthermore, it has introduced a time limit. The tariff concessions will indeed lapse in March 2028. The various suspension grounds are also valuable as they allow the EU to pull the plug from the tariff concessions in case of threats to EU or Member States.””
• 2026-03-26 “AI ‘nudifier ban’ will protect women and children in EU — Today, the European Parliament is expected to adopt its position on the updated Artificial Intelligence Act, the AI Omnibus, in the mini plenary session in Brussels. After a Greens/EFA initiative during the negotiations, the text includes a ban on using and introducing apps for “nudifier” purposes, which allow the creation of nude and sexual audiovisual material of a person based on only a photograph. MEP Kim van Sparrentak, Greens/EFA negotiator in the lead Committee for Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), comments: “This ban on ‘nudifier apps’ is a huge win for women’s rights and child protection. Everyday, women across the EU are targeted by deepnude AI tools that strip them of their dignity, intimidate them online and make them vulnerable to blackmail and abuse. We are finally stepping up against every person’s nightmare. We are banning the current easy access to committing sexual crimes within two clicks on anyone - from your classmates, journalists or politicians. Banning this should have been a no-brainer, but we had to push hard against Conservatives. “I am still very concerned by the German Christian Democratic proposal to exempt medical devices, toys, smartwatches and smart glasses from the AI Act. This is not simplification, but complexification. Instead of one standard for high risk AI, EPP now wants twelve. So, in a race to the bottom with the US, both people and European business lose out. The EU should instead start working on the safest, most privacy-friendly and energy-efficient technology in the world – made in Europe.” Greens/EFA and Pirate Party MEP Markéta Gregorová, Greens/EFA negotiator in the second leading Committee on Civil Liberties (LIBE), comments: “We are putting an end to the misuse of AI tools that can undress people without their consent. The spread of these technologies has led to a sharp rise in harassment, blackmail and abuse, including deeply harmful cases involving children. It is unacceptable that providers have so far avoided responsibility. “Our proposal is setting clear rules: if companies develop AI systems capable of generating realistic images or videos, they must take all necessary measures to prevent their misuse. They can no longer turn a blind eye to how their products are used. Technological progress must go hand in hand with responsibility and must never come at the expense of people’s dignity, safety and fundamental rights.” More: In November 2025, the European Commission presented the Artificial Intelligence Omnibus, which aims at updating the only recently implemented Artificial Intelligence Act. For the Greens/EFA Group, these proposed changes are an attempt at de-regulation under the pretext of cutting red tape. Nevertheless, the ban on “nudifier” systems after a Greens/EFA amendment now presents a significant addition to the law before heading into trilogue negotiations.”
• 2026-03-26 “Rerun of vote on ChatControl 1.0: Quote from MEP Markéta Gregorová — Ahead of the European Parliament repeating the vote on its position on the extension of the temporary derogation from the ePrivacy Directive, also called ChatControl 1.0, Pirate Party MEP Markéta Gregorová, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur for the legislation, comments: "Today’s vote on ChatControl 1.0 damages the credibility of the European Parliament. The EPP is using procedural tricks to reopen a position that Parliament had already agreed on. After talks with the Council collapsed, the file should have been removed from the agenda. Instead, Conservatives forced it back in its original form to sideline Parliament’s amendments and keep indiscriminate mass surveillance on the table. "This debate has never been about choosing between privacy and child protection. Parliament had already backed more effective, targeted measures such as monitoring suspects with judicial authorisation, stronger platform moderation and better investigations against perpetrators. Children are protected by smart enforcement, not by scanning the private messages of millions of innocent people. "Reopening the file sends a dangerous signal that democratic decisions can be overturned if governments simply wait long enough. We will keep fighting to stop mass scanning of private communications and to defend both fundamental rights and real child protection in Europe.””
• 2026-03-26 “Returns Regulation vote marks a shameful turn for Europe — Today, Members of the European Parliament have just voted on the Returns Regulation ahead of inter-institutional negotiations with the Council. Thanks to the EPP cooperation with the far-right, the Parliament’s position includes efforts to lock up unaccompanied children, indefinite detention and deportation to offshore camps known as return hubs. The Greens/EFA Group strongly oppose the parliament’s position. Mélissa Camara MEP, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur for the Returns Regulation, comments: “It’s disgraceful to see EPP MEPs celebrating their efforts to lock up children and throw away the key. The same MEPs have shamefully been doing shady backroom deals with the extreme right, namely ECR, Patriots and ESN, just to make life miserable for those seeking safety on our shores. “The EPP have been working hand-in-glove with the far-right to pursue racist and populist migration policies at the EU level. The rapporteur and some liberal MEPs bear some responsibility here for not playing procedural games properly standing up to the EPP and their far-right friends on this draconian turn in migration policy. By refusing to oppose the mandate in order to stay in charge of the file, they are legitimising an inhumane text “Longer and possibly indefinite detention, entry bans, the weakening of legal safeguards and the use of offshore return hubs neglect the EU’s commitment to human rights and international obligations and mark a shameful turn for Europe. The Greens/EFA Group will never stop fighting for people’s rights and a fair and effective European asylum system.””
• 2026-03-26 “Rejected ChatControl 1.0 extension: Quote from MEP Markéta Gregorová — Today, the European Parliament has just rejected the extension of the temporary derogation from the ePrivacy Directive, also called ChatControl 1.0. The European Parliament continues to support effective child protection through its mandate on the permanent CSAM regulation, ChatControl 2.0, which was backed by all major political groups. Pirate Party MEP Markéta Gregorová, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur for the legislation, comments: "We can now finally say with certainty that Chat Control 1.0 will end on April 3 without replacement. The European Parliament has sent a clear signal: it is time to put an end to this ineffective and disproportionate derogation from privacy rules. Under the pretext of protecting children, millions of private messages from innocent citizens were being scanned for years without delivering adequate results. This system simply did not work and had no place in a democratic society. "I am concerned that the end of this temporary regime will now increase pressure to push through a permanent version, Chat Control 2.0. As shadow rapporteur, I will do everything to ensure that any form of mass surveillance of private communication is firmly rejected. We will firmly defend the Parliament’s position, which allows only targeted scanning of individuals who are reasonably suspected, and strictly on the basis of prior judicial authorisation.””
• 2026-03-18 “Greens/EFA victory against AI misuse — Today, the Committees on Internal Market (IMCO) and Civil Liberties (LIBE) have just voted on the European Parliament’s position on the Artificial Intelligence Omnibus, which, thanks to a Greens/EFA initiative, includes a ban on misusing AI tools for nudification purposes. Greens/EFA MEP Kim van Sparrentak, Greens/EFA negotiator in the IMCO Committee, comments: “This is a huge win, especially for women and children in Europe! The Parliament wants to ban AI tools that create deepnudes from the EU market for once and for all. Too many people have already woken up one day in despair after finding deepnudes of themselves, feeling violated, intimidated and hunted. This is often followed by blackmail or bullying, and the gravest harm to mental health. Online AI tools have real consequences. Today, the Parliament clearly says: this should stop.” Greens/EFA and Pirate Party MEP Markéta Gregorová, Greens/EFA negotiator in the LIBE Committee, comments: “We are putting an end to the misuse of AI tools that can undress people without their consent. The spread of these technologies has led to a sharp rise in harassment, blackmail and abuse, including deeply harmful cases involving children. It is unacceptable that providers have so far avoided responsibility. Our proposal is setting clear rules: if companies develop AI systems capable of generating realistic images or videos, they must take all necessary measures to prevent their misuse. They can no longer turn a blind eye to how their products are used. Technological progress must go hand in hand with responsibility and must never come at the expense of people’s dignity, safety and fundamental rights.””
• 2026-03-17 “Negotiations collapsed in best possible outcome: Quote from Markéta Gregorová MEP — On the collapse of inter-institutional negotiations (trilogue) on the Chat Control 1.0, Markéta Gregorová, Pirate Party and Greens/EFA Group MEP responsible for the file, comments: “Yesterday’s trilogue on Chat Control 1.0 ended in the best possible outcome: The Council and the Parliament failed to agree on any compromise version. Our pressure prevented negotiators from the EPP from moving away from the Parliament’s position. This is one of my greatest achievements of the entire mandate. “It is therefore likely that the exemption from the ePrivacy Directive will not be adopted in time, with Chat Control 1.0 expiring at the start of April. Platforms will have to immediately stop the mass scanning of our online communications or the images we send to friends. The practice whereby platforms blocked people’s accounts without justification based on false reports would also come to an end. “This system did not work, it was disproportionate and it treated innocent citizens as suspects. That is why it is a huge success that it will come to an end, and we should also thank citizens who played a major role in persuading their elected representatives. “The fight is far from over, the pressure to adopt Chat Control 2.0, a permanent surveillance regime that could be even broader, will now increase. We will do everything to ensure that we maintain the Parliament’s position, which even under a permanent regime assumes that personal communications may only be monitored on the basis of a judicial warrant and only in cases concerning suspected individuals.””
• 2026-03-11 “Greens/EFA secure huge win for privacy — Today, the European Parliament has just voted to extend the temporary derogation from the ePrivacy Directive, also called ‘ChatControl 1’. A crucial amendment tabled by the Greens/EFA Group was able to implement more privacy-friendly, targeted solutions to protect children online instead of indiscriminatory and ineffective mass scanning of citizens' private communication. The same solutions were previously agreed on in the European Parliament’s mandate for ‘ChatControl 2’, the permanent legislation, which is currently being negotiated between institutions. Greens/EFA and Pirate Party MEP Markéta Gregorová, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur for the legislation, comments: "Until now, this system represented a completely disproportionate intrusion into our privacy. Platforms were scanning millions of private messages of innocent citizens without any reasonable suspicion. Thanks to the amendment we proposed and which the European Parliament supported today, the report now clearly moves toward a targeted approach. Monitoring should only apply to the communications of suspected individuals and only with judicial authorisation. This is an important step forward for protecting Europeans’ fundamental rights. "However, this is not the end of the story. The proposal now goes into trilogue negotiations, and we will have to make sure that these safeguards remain in the final law and that a temporary exception does not turn into a permanent system of mass scanning of Europeans’ private communications."”
• 2026-03-10 “Citizens Energy Package: Time to free communities from fuel autocrats, save money and protect the climate — Ahead of today’s plenary debate on the Citizens Energy Package of the European Commission, the Greens/EFA welcome the initiative for supporting people in producing and selling their own renewable energy, making us independent from fossil autocrats, while keeping our energy bills low. The Greens/EFA are long-time advocates of citizens’ energy as a chance to make the EU less dependent on fossil autocrats and big energy companies and keep more money in our pockets at the end of the month. Nicolae Ștefănuță, Greens/EFA Vice-President of the European Parliament and MEP responsible in the lead Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, comments: “The Citizens Energy Package is a chance to make us less dependent on big energy companies, to keep more money in their pockets at the end of the month, to fight climate change and have cleaner air for us and our children. Producing your own energy undermines fossil fuel autocrats, protects the climate and saves money. The Commission must now make it as easy as possible for everyone to produce their own renewable energy. “Citizens Energy is a chance to help people with their bills. It is a chance to help our people get their own energy, use it, trade it, give it to their family as it is theirs. It is a chance to invest in renewables so that we do not depend on foreign dictators.” Numbers Households participating in energy communities will be able to save up to 930 euros per year, individual households producing their solar energy can save up to 550 euros per year. Up to half of Europe’s population could produce their own renewable energy, covering roughly half of the EU energy demand by 2050. Energy communities can generate up to eight times more local economic value compared to a private developer. Plenary debate Follow the plenary debate live starting at 15:00 today, with an intervention from Nicolae Ștefănuță”
• 2026-03-10 “Housing Homes for people, not greedy corporations — Today, MEPs will vote on the European Parliament’s report on the Housing Crisis in the European Union. MEP Maria Ohisalo, Greens/EFA shadow on the Housing Report, comments: “We have been calling since the beginning for a fair but ambitious report providing solutions to the challenges citizens are facing with housing. The Greens/EFA Group believes that housing is a cornerstone of human dignity and that the housing crisis can be tackled by putting an end to housing speculation, stopping short-term rentals from pushing up rent, and investing in public, green, safe and affordable housing. “Yet this report fails to address the root causes of the housing crisis and to reflect the real issues citizens face in finding decent and affordable homes across the EU. This is an EPP-led report which uses it to pledge its continuing support for greedy landlords, Airbnb tycoons and housing speculators. The conservatives have once again teamed up with the far-right to push an agenda that benefits the rich and does nothing to help those struggling to find an affordable home. “The report fails to even reach the relatively low ambition level of the Commission’s Affordable Housing Plan and does not even aim at eradicating homelessness by 2030, something the Commission is still calling for and that the Parliament had aimed for in the past.The report also makes no reference to the proliferation of short-term rentals. While our cities become increasingly unaffordable for residents, apartments are turned into Airbnbs and neighbours are kicked out, the EPP looks the other way and ensures that the businesses who have been profiting off the housing crisis keep lining their pockets.” Read more: Green/EFA solutions for tackling the housing crisis- homes for people not for profit”
• 2026-03-05 “CMO/Veggie burger trilogue outcome: Quote from MEP Anna Strolenberg — Today, the final trilogue negotiations on the file on Common Organisation of the Markets (CMO) in agricultural products, which included the EPP attempt on a ban on meat-related terms such as "veggie burger", have just been concluded. Volt MEP Anna Strolenberg, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur for the legislation, comments on the outcome: "Fortunately, the conservative word police has failed to ban the ‘veggie burger.’ Unfortunately, a number of other words still end up on the blacklist. That’s a shame, Europe should be backing innovative entrepreneurs, not putting new obstacles in their way. "At the same time, farmers are the ones who lose with this outcome. We should have spent this time strengthening their bargaining power and improving their contracts. Instead, far too little has been done." More: The banned terms include the words "steak“, "liver", "Leberwurst" (German), "foie“ (French) and more. The outcome of the trilogue negotiations must now be confirmed by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) before it will be voted on in a plenary session of the European Parliament.”
• 2026-03-05 “CMO/Veggie burger: Quote from MEP Anna Strolenberg — Ahead of tomorrow's potentially last trilogue negotiations on the file on Common Organisation of the Markets (CMO) in agricultural products, Volt MEP Anna Strolenberg, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur for the legislation, comments: "The goal of this file was simple: to give farmers stronger contracts. Instead, EPP Rapporteur Céline Imart has dragged us into a food culture war over the word 'burger'. Let’s be clear: we will retract our support if the outcome includes a ban on veggie burger or sausages and does not strengthen the position of farmers. No farmer in Europe will see their income rise because a veggie burger was renamed a 'disc.' They will see their income rise with better contracts, and we have only taken a tiny step forward in this regard."”
• 2026-03-04 “We need an industrial booster for European industry, competitiveness and freedom — Today, the European Commission presented the Industrial Accelerator Act, a proposed regulation to decarbonise European industry and promote international competitiveness. The draft legislation had been postponed three times, with the main issue being the definition of “Made in Europe”, the extent to which the quality seal for European production in the EU includes third countries. In the end, the Commission proposes to consider products from countries like the US, Vietnam and Taiwan automatically being labeled as “Made in Europe”. The Greens/EFA call for a European industrial policy with clear “Buy European” rules, lead markets for clean products and the protection of strategic companies from takeovers. Bas Eickhout MEP, Greens/EFA President, comments: "It’s time to reboot our industries and invest in industry, competitiveness and freedom. Europe needs to close the investment gap up to 800 billion to 1,200 billion euros per year. The conservatives turned Mario Draghi's investment booster upside down into a Maga-style simplification and deregulation agenda. The profits of the simplification race to the bottom will be 15 billion Euros which is closing only one per cent of the investment gap. We welcome that the Commission is now focussing on the decisive 99 per cent. “Europe´s dependency on fossil autocrats made it vulnerable to fossil shocks. It is crucial that we reduce our dependence on oil and gas as quickly as possible and accelerate the transition to clean energy and industry. The less we depend on fossil fuels the more we increase our economic resilience and safeguard our industrial sovereignty." Sara Matthieu MEP, Greens/EFA Member responsible for the Industrial Accelerator Act, comments: “The Industrial Accelerator can become the booster and the cornerstone of our European industrial policy. We need a massive investment program, a EU-wide coordinated plan to create lead markets for clean European steel and batteries made in Europe and a preference for clean technologies and strategic sectors, protection against unfair competition and tailor-made programs to invest in people and skills and fair pay. “The Commission has caved to pressure and watered down the very heart of this legislation. Products from countries like the US and Vietnam are automatically considered 'Made in Europe' — even though they are not. Trump is going all-in on 'Made in America', slapping tariffs on European products and threatening us with an economic war, and we are rolling out the red carpet for American companies. “We want to invest in homegrown resilient industries powered by renewables and cut the chains tying Europe to fossil autocrats. With Trump putting tariffs on Europe and China dumping subsidised products on our market, the rules of the game have changed. Europe cannot afford to be naive any longer, we need to play hardball too.´Made in Europe´ can be the global label for quality products and jobs. Stop using taxpayers money to subsidise the Chinese economy. Every euro flowing into the Chinese market is missing in Europe.””
• 2026-03-02 “Greens/EFA urge immediate ceasefire in Iran war — The Greens/EFA Group is deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East resulting from the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran and Iran’s retaliation across the region. This war risks leading to a military escalation in the broader Middle East, wherein civilians will suffer the most. We urge all parties to immediately cease hostilities, de-escalate, respect international law, notably the UN Charter and settle differences diplomatically. MEP Bas Eickhout, Co-President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments: “Trump and Netanyahu's attack on Iran puts us all in danger. Peace and security cannot be brought about by brutal force. The regional escalation has now put millions of lives at risk. “The EU's refusal to stand up against Trump to defend the international rule-based order is a mistake and will only risk being dragged into another illegal war. All parties, including the US, Iran and Israel, should immediately cease hostilities. Europe’s focus should be on enforcement of international law so the rule of law is no longer replaced by the rules of force and brutality.” MEP Hannah Neumann, European Parliament’s Chair of the Delegation for relations with Iran, comments: “We support the people in Iran in and in the diaspora in their wish for a peaceful and democratic transition. Such a transition cannot be imposed from the outside and must reflect the Iranian opposition in all its diversity. “The Iranian regime has consistently violated international law by brutally repressing its population for 47 years, leading proxy wars across the region and insisting on developing a nuclear programme. Yet, past military escalations and violence in the Middle East have rarely led to good outcomes. The current war initiated by the USA and Israel is against international law. The ongoing escalation in the Middle East shows how quickly international law is eroding and how dangerous such erosion can be. “The European Union, together with its partners in the Gulf, must act as the voice of restraint, placing the protection of civilians and the cessation of further violence and retaliatory spirals at the core of its policy.””
• 2026-02-26 “Abortion: decision is victory for women's health but capitals must commit — Today, the European Commission replied to the European Citizens Initiative My Voice My Choice, which demands that everyone in the EU has access to safe abortions. Greens/EFA MEP Alice Bah Kuhnke, Member of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, comments: “Well over a million Europeans have demanded access to free and safe abortion across the EU. Considering the global backlash against women’s rights, the European Commission has taken an important step in the right direction and acknowledged that the EU must support women’s sexual and reproductive health. “Even though the Commission didn’t allocate specific funds for it, today’s decision shows that EU funds can be used to provide subsidised abortions for women from countries where the right is restricted. It is now up to the Member States. Thanks to citizens, women’s rights can no longer be ignored by EU countries. “We welcome that some Member States have said they will support the citizens’ initiative. Now the pressure lies on those capitals who have yet to show support for sexual reproductive health and protect women’s right to choose. The European Commission must commit to facilitating the use of these funds by Member States and to prioritise the support of women’s and abortions rights everywhere in the EU.””
• 2026-02-23 “EU cannot afford to be at the mercy of Putin's puppets Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico — Terry Reintke MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments on tomorrow's anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico blocking the 20th sanctions package and the already agreed loan of € 90 billion to Ukraine: "Orbán‘s strategy of permanent blackmail is unacceptable. Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico are acting as vassals of Putin. The Hungarian Prime Minister is campaigning at the expense of the people of Ukraine, who are paying with their lives in the fight for their freedom and the freedom of Europe .” Bas Eickhout MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments: “The latest sanctions package against Russia is essential to support Ukraine and for European security. The EU cannot afford to be at the mercy of Putin’s puppets Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico. Europe must continue to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression, regardless of the political posturing of Putin’s lackeys around the Council table.””
• 2026-02-20 “Vote on Turnberry agreement should be paused — Today, the US Supreme Court ruled against President Trump’s tariffs, which were enacted under a federal law meant for national emergencies. Greens/EFA MEP Anna Cavazzini, shadow rapporteur on EU-US trade comments: "Now we have proof that Trump’s tariffs were not legal under international or US law. The next steps remain unclear. I worry that Trump will continue to misuse his powers until he finds a way to impose his unjustified tariffs. The vote on the Turnberry agreement in the European Parliament should be paused until we have clarity.” Greens/EFA MEP Sergey Lagodinsky, shadow rapporteur on EU-US relations and Vice-President of Greens/EFA comments: "A lot of us have been saying all along that the current administration has been overstepping its authority. We have been awaiting an institutional response by American democracy. Disappointingly, such a response has not been coming. Lives have been lost, a lot of damage has been caused. But now, the voice of justice is loud and clear. At least in the area of tariffs. I hope this is a first step on the path to restoring separation of powers and democratic accountability in the United States and rules in international relations.””
• 2026-02-12 “Subcontracting: MEPs stand on the side of workers — Today, MEPs voted in favour of the report on addressing gaps in long subcontracting chains. The Greens/EFA Group has long called on the Commission to deliver the promised directive to limit subcontracting layers, ensure joint liability, and protect workers’ rights. MEP Benedetta Scuderi, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur on the file, comments: “ Long subcontracting chains lead to exploitation, social dumping, injuries, and deaths for which no one takes responsibility. With this report, the European Parliament stands firmly on the side of workers. We need clear rules that tell us who is responsible for the health and safety of workers and how. “ Despite right-wing political games that watered down our ambitious demands — weakening calls for strict limits on subcontracting chains and broader liability — today’s vote still sends a clear signal to the Commission. These manoeuvres will not deter us; the Greens/EFA will fight even harder for the strong directive workers desperately need. “ We reject the idea pushed by the rightwing parties that competitiveness justifies low wages and unsafe workplaces. True competitiveness comes with dignity, fair pay, and safety. The Commission must act swiftly and propose a directive — hundreds of thousands of lives depend on it.””
• 2026-02-11 “Europe will only be free when we are fossil-free — Ahead of tomorrow's EU Leaders' Retreat, MEPs will debate how to revive EU competitiveness, deepen the Single Market and reduce the cost of living. This debate intends to refer to Draghi’s report released in September 2024. In his report, Draghi painted a bleak picture of the European economy while proposing solutions including investments of around 800 billion per year to overcome our investment gap needed above all in new technologies and the decarbonisation of our economy. Bas Eickhout MEP, Greens/EFA President, comments: “To date, EU leaders have mainly misused the Draghi report’s simplification to push forward deregulation. This plays exactly into Trump’s hands and deeply dividing Europe one omnibus at a time, instead of regaining autonomy on the international stage. While we have seen little action to close the 1.200 billion euro investment gap Europe faces. “We need an independent Europe, free from reliance on foreign fossil oligarchs and autocrats. With a strong green industry that can compete with China and the US. Europe will only be free when we are fossil-free. “'Made in Europe’ must become the hallmark of the EU as an innovative market leader in green steel and cement, wind turbines, heat pumps, batteries and energy efficiency technologies. “We need to drive innovation with massive common ‘buy European’ investment programmes based on joint debt. We must support European industry that is clean, that provides decent jobs and guarantees our strategic autonomy. European taxpayers' money should support European Industry, not our competitors in the US or China.” Terry Reintke MEP, Greens/EFA President, comments: “Reducing bureaucratic burden and simplification must not become a pretext for dismantling European quality standards, environmental and climate protection, and social rights. The German Chancellor, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Italian Prime Minister, promises to cut red tape but in reality, he is copying Trump’s deregulation agenda, throwing European quality standards overboard and putting jobs in Europe at risk. “Standards and rules provide businesses with planning certainty and make ‘Made in Europe’ a competitive advantage over China.” “The EU has the choice between strategic autonomy or dependence on fossil-fuel autocracies. If Europe wants to regain its competitiveness, we must close the huge investment gap and invest in battery production, green steel or digitalisation. The EU must free itself from fossil autocracies and from the unhealthy data monopolies of American Big Tech companies, whose business model too often thrives on hate speech. ‘Made in Europe’ is the hallmark of Europe’s strategic autonomy and its leadership in global competition, and we finally act accordingly.” New: Letter on competitiveness and the investment gap from Greens/EFA Group Presidents Terry Reintke and Bas Eickhout to President of the Commission von der Leyen, Council President Costa, former chair of the ECB Mario Draghi and former Prime Minister of Italy Enrico Letta.”
• 2026-02-10 “New rules attack fundamental rights at the cost of European values — Today, MEPs voted on changes agreed at trilogue negotiations to the Migration Pact on safe countries of origin and safe third countries concept. These new rules will see greater restrictions on the right to asylum in Europe and asylum seekers being deported to countries, with potentially poor human rights records, where they have no connection. The Greens/EFA Group is opposed to the reckless and short-sighted outsourcing of Member States’ responsibilities to third countries where human rights compliance cannot be guaranteed. Erik Marquardt MEP, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur for the files, comments: “While the EPP celebrated the adoption of the Migration Pact, it is now, even before its implementation, choosing to work with the far right to further weaken the right to asylum and fundamental rights. Major decisions on migration must be carried by broad democratic majorities, not by alliances that undermine Europe’s democratic foundations. “The approach to so-called safe countries has lost any sense of balance. Classifying countries such as Türkiye or Egypt, where there are serious and well-documented human rights concerns, as ‘safe’ puts people at risk and makes it significantly harder for asylum seekers to prove persecution. “These plans also risk creating a two-tier asylum system in Europe. Some member states will find it easier to outsource responsibility through Rwanda-style models, while others are left with no realistic or legally sound alternatives. This is not solidarity, it is burden shifting. “If the EU wants to manage migration in a pragmatic way, solutions must be legally robust and practically workable. Previous attempts in the UK, Denmark or Italy have either been stopped by courts or come at enormous financial cost, without delivering sustainable results. "A truly pragmatic asylum policy cannot detach itself from human rights and the rule of law. Ignoring these constraints will not create order, but legal uncertainty, political chaos and human suffering, and it is once again courts that will be left to clean up the damage.””
• 2026-02-10 “2040 target: Milestone on the road to net-zero CO2 emissions — Members of the European Parliament have just approved the EU's climate target for 2040. The EU is committing to reducing emissions by 90 per cent by 2040. The Greens/EFA were able to push through quality standards for the certificates to help rule out fraud. Bas Eickhout MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments: “We need an independent Europe, free from reliance on foreign fossil oligarchs and autocrats. The EU Climate Law provides a clear way forward: planning security for massive investments in the green economy, industry and high-quality jobs. “The next step is Europe's independence moment, channeling huge investments into innovative European clean industry. Made in Europe must become a seal of quality for jobs in the EU, electric mobility, investment in green technologies and independence.” Lena Schilling, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur in the Environment Committee, comments: “In political times like these: Ninety percent reduction in emissions by 2040 is a hard-won milestone on the road to climate neutrality. But, to make this a reality, we need a change of direction in the EU. If EU standards continue to be thrown under various Omnibus packages of deregulation, then progress on climate neutrality, clean energy, green jobs and a liveable future will be crushed. “International pollution certificates are an expensive downer that will neither create jobs nor bring investment in industrial transition, and will cost taxpayers a lot of money. Thanks to pressure from green groups, there are at least strict quality standards in place. More: The climate target finally agreed today sets a decisive milestone for the next 14 years on the road to net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The downside is the international pollution certificates and the resulting costly outsourcing of climate protection to countries outside the EU. The money will be lacking within the EU for massive investments in the green economy and industry.”
• 2026-02-09 “Homes are for people, not for greedy corporations. — Today, MEPs in the housing committee will vote on European Parliament’s report on the Housing Crises in the European Union. The Housing Report heavily mirrors the EPP’s positions. Greens/EFA MEP Maria Ohisalo, Greens/EFA shadow on the Housing Report, comments: "Housing is one of the biggest crisis facing Europeans today. The housing crisis is not a natural disaster - it is the result of political choices, decades of policies that have treated homes as financial assets rather than places to live. Housing is a fundamental human right, not a luxury. “The Conservative EPP group wants to ensure that the businesses who have been profiting off the housing crisis keep lining their pockets and has teamed up with the far-right to push its agenda. The EPP has no clear vision to tackle the real root causes of the housing crisis and instead uses this report to pledge their continuing their support for greedy landlords, Airbnb tycoons and housing speculators. This is not a message the Greens/EFA can support. Instead, the EU should introduce binding reinvestment obligations and conditionalities to investors to contribute ensuring affordable, sustainable and decent housing.” Greens/EFA MEP Gordan Bosanac, Greens/EFA coordinator of the Housing Committee, comments: "This report needs to be drastically improved to reflect the real issues citizens face in finding decent and affordable homes across the EU. Speculation, short-term rentals, and underinvestment in public housing are driving up costs, leaving millions without affordable, sustainable and decent secure homes. Everyone deserves a decent home to live in. “Putting an end to speculation is essential to tackle the housing crisis. Homes are for people, not for greedy corporations.” Read more about the Greens/EFA solutions to the housing crisis .”
• 2026-01-26 “DSA: European Commission opens investigation against Grok — On the European Commission’s decision to finally open an investigation under the DSA against the generation of sexualised deepfakes of women and children by Grok and their publication on X, Greens/EFA MEP Alexandra Geese comments: “The European Commission finally uses its finest weapon to defend European citizens against tech oligarchs. The investigation comes too late, but can still send a clear signal that platforms have to comply with European law. We expect strong measures to protect women and children against sexualized deepfakes to come soon. Time is of the essence to show that Europe is finally ready to stand up for its values and the safety of its citizens. “This case is clear-cut. The damage to millions of women and many children is irreparable. We hope that the Commission will use this learning to act quicker in the future. Especially in the area of electoral manipulation and the algorithmic suppression of speech of democratic parties while boosting extremist ones, the Commission needs to act before the next elections rather than admiring the problem afterwards. Romania is a case in point. If we want sovereignty, we need to overcome the fear and stand up for ourselves.“ “We must not surrender to Musk’s cruel, far-right vision of ‘free speech’ without upholding our own rules. Free speech doesn’t equate to creating sexualised images of women and children online.” More: Today the European Commission finally opened an investigation under the DSA against the generation of sexualised deepfakes of women and children by Grok and their publication on X. As reported by German media outlet Handelsblatt the investigation had previously been stopped because of tariff threats announced by the US administration. The investigation uses the powerful Articles 34 and 35 of the DSA to investigate the systemic risk and the lack of prior assessment of a new feature. This is exactly what the DSA was made for: Hold platforms accountable rather than focussing on users. Platforms shape the information environment through algorithms, targeting and monetisation. This is what they have to be accountable for. Last week, the European Parliament sent a strong message to the European Commission during the debate, “AI Deepfakes and Sexual Exploitation on Social Media” which was convened in response to the recent Grok scandal. In the mean time, a review by the New York Times conservatively estimated that at least 41 percent of posts, or 1.8 million, most likely contained sexualized imagery of women. A broader analysis by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, using a statistical model, estimated that 65 percent, or just over three million, contained sexualized imagery of men, women or children.”
• 2026-01-22 “The European Parliament stands with the people of Iran — Today, MEPs voted on the resolution on ending the brutal repression against protesters in Iran. The Greens/EFA Group expresses its full solidarity with the brave people of Iran and calls on the Iranian authorities to immediately stop the repression and demands decisive action of the European Union in support of protesters. Greens/EFA MEP Hannah Neumann, Chair of the delegation for relations with Iran and shadow on the resolution, comments: "People in Iran are back on the streets because of poverty, because of repression, because they cannot survive like this. The regime responds with brutality. Thousands have been killed. Many families don't know whether their loved ones returned home, vanished into prisons, or lie unnamed among the dead. The internet has been shut down to keep everything in the dark. “The regime’s violent crackdown of the protests and deliberate killing of protestors needs to stop immediately. Anyone imprisoned for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression should be unconditionally released. We stand in solidarity with the protestors and opposition inside and outside of Iran.” “What more do we need to use the full tool box at our disposal? We call on the Council and the Commission to strictly enforce the sanctions that already exist. We welcome the commitment of the HR/VP to impose additional sanctions on the Iranian regime in response to its brutal repression.The IRGC finally needs to be listed as a terrorist organisation. Iranian diplomats who abuse their diplomatic privileges to spread disinformation and intimidate Iranians in Europe should be expelled. Why should we tolerate their repression on our soil any longer? “The Iranian authorities should immediately restore full internet access. Meanwhile, autocrats are already learning from Iran, Russia, and China how to enforce such brutal internet blackouts. We have to react faster and invest in technologies that allow to bypass internet shutdowns. "”
• 2026-01-21 “Mercosur: European Parliament refers deal to Court of Justice — The European Parliament today adopted a resolution asking the Court of Justice of the EU to verify the compatibility with European law of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and the Interim Trade Agreement. Saskia Bricmont MEP, Greens/EFA Group Member of the International Trade Committee responsible for the file, comments: "By referring the matter to the Court of Justice of the EU, the European Parliament is reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law. The Court will have to assess the extent to which the rebalancing mechanism allowing Mercosur countries to challenge European legislation that they consider harmful to their exports is compatible with European law and the EU's regulatory autonomy. From our point of view, and as seems to be confirmed by signals from several Mercosur countries already criticising the agricultural safeguard, this mechanism could indeed be used to weaken European standards. “The Court will need to examine the extent to which the Agreement is compatible with the precautionary principle laid down in the European Treaties, which is a cornerstone of our approach to ensuring a healthy environment and safe food. “MEPs are asking the Court to rule on the legality of the Commission's decision to split the Agreement into two texts, which has implications in terms of the majority required for the Agreement to be adopted and the involvement of national and even regional parliaments. The adoption of the resolution will freeze the ratification process in the European Parliament until the Court publishes its ruling.””
• 2026-01-21 “European Parliament stands up for air passenger rights against Council’s push to weaken them — Today, MEPs voted on an update of the Air passenger rights regulation, rejecting the Council’s attempt to weaken air travellers’ rights in favour of the corporate interests of major airlines. The Parliament refused to water down already consolidated rights, including compensation for delays of three hours or more and pushed for free cabin luggage, as well as strengthened protections for vulnerable travellers. Vicent Marzà MEP, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur in the leading transport committee, comments: “Today the European Parliament chose to stand with its citizens, not with corporate greed. This vote allows air passenger rights to move forward despite the Council’s attempt to roll them back. The Greens/EFA Group secured real improvements for families, people with reduced mobility and passengers more broadly, especially on compensation, hand luggage, and access to information and assistance during travel. “Thanks to cross-party unity, Parliament is speaking with one clear voice in defence of passengers. Now, we must keep up the pressure on national governments in the Council to deliver a strong final outcome for travellers.” Virginijus Sinkevicius MEP, Greens/EFA First Vice-Chair of the transport committee comments: “When people board a plane, they are not asking for special treatment. They expect fairness and predictability. To arrive within a reasonable time. To sit next to their child without paying extra. To carry a small bag without hidden fees. And for those with disabilities, to receive proper assistance from start to finish. “These are not radical demands. They are basic expectations. Weakening passengers’ rights would mean asking people to accept less than they already have today, and that is not acceptable. Parliament is ready to negotiate constructively, but we will not step back from defending citizens against a race to the bottom in air travel.” More: This vote will bring negotiations into a Conciliation procedure (final legislative step) with the Council for the first time in 12 years. Since Parliament made proposals on air passenger rights reform in 2014, the progress to update these rules has stalled for 11 years in Council.”
• 2026-01-20 “Debate on defence spending shows urgent need to protect EU funding — Today, thanks to the initiative of the Greens/EFA Group, MEPs will debate the possible greenlighting of 16 billion EUR in EU Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence funds plan of Hungary, Daniel Freund MEP, Greens/EFA Member of the Budgetary Control Committee, comments: “The Commission has already frozen 17 billion euros earmarked to Hungary due to concerns over the rule of law and fundamental rights. Now, they want to hand over a similar amount without any conditions attached or guarantee that this money will be used as it's intended. “We are very concerned that SAFE funds, in particular prefinancing, could be used to support the ruling Fidesz party’s campaign ahead of national elections in April. If Hungary’s application is waved through, more than two billion euros will flow to Budapest before the April election. “Instead of that money being used for Europe’s defence, it could end up buying the election in favour of Orbán, a man who undermines the EU at every turn. The Commission and the Council cannot just give condition-free cash to a country with well documented corruption and rule of law issues.” Tineke Strik MEP, Greens/EFA Member & European Parliament Rapporteur on the situation in Hungary, comments: “The Commission is about to send billions of euros to Hungary without any strings attached that could easily end up in the pockets of Orbán, who has already ensured that Hungary’s defence industry is largely in the hands of one of his business allies. This completely undermines the Commission's commitment that EU funding should always be dependent on accordance with EU values. “The Commission cannot give an autocrat who's known to cling to power through state-funded propaganda and dodgy electoral tricks access to an enormous pot of money without any scrutiny ahead of an election. It’s a gift against democracy. “The Commission must carefully assess the SAFE plan to Hungary, given serious outstanding concerns over the application of the rule of law, fundamental rights and the protection of the EU’s budget. The Commission must take measures to avoid any election interference involving this money.” More: The debate can be followed live this evening here.”
• 2026-01-19 “Greens/EFA Presidents call for European unity and a strong response to US President's threats — On Donald Trump´s recent threats to impose sweeping tariffs on Europeans, Green/EFA Presidents Bas Eickhout and Terry Reintke call for European unity and a strong response, including the activation of the Anti-Coercion Instrument. Bas Eickhout, Greens/EFA Co-President, comments: "The EU must now show unity and strength. Greenland is not for sale.It is now time to stand up to the bully - the Commission must immediately start the activation of the Anti-Coercion Instrument. Of course, in the current circumstances it is out of question for the EU to implement the Turnberry deal with the US. Donald Trump's attacks are playing in the hands of the Russian and Chinese autocrats. Europe needs to show it is ready to preserve its territorial integrity." Terry Reintke, Greens/EFA Co-President, comments:: “Europe must stand strong and united against the US President’s threats. You stop a bully only by standing firm and showing strength. For now, a trade deal is off the table. A strong European response means triggering the Anti-Coercion Instrument and targeting US Big Tech and its enormous profits in the EU. Discussions on Europe’s strategic autonomy must now translate into actions. Europe urgently needs to become independent from the US. As the world’s largest single market, the EU has the power to stand up to the US President, it just needs to use it.””
• 2026-01-19 “Grok/AI: 54 MEPs urge VDL to ‘build European social media now’ — Tomorrow, MEPs will debate the urgent need to tackle AI deepfakes and sexual exploitation on social media by fully enforcing the EU’s digital rules. Ahead of the debate, Greens/EFA MEP Alexandra Geese and Renew MEP Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová initiated a joint letter signed by 54 Members of the European Parliament from EPP, S&D, Renew, Greens/EFA, and The Left. The letter, addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urges the Commission to ‘build European social media now’. Greens/EFA MEP Alexandra Geese, Member of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield and the ITRE Committee, comments: “Hundreds of thousands of offensive deepfake images have been generated, with children and women suffering irreparable damages. The European Commission is doing nothing to combat this. We have the DSA and very clear legislation to combat CSAM, but no courage to enforce it. Appalling predators are free to commit crimes and build a business on sexual violence - as long as they‘re tech oligarchs allied with the Trump administration. The Commission President Von der Leyen called this content unacceptable, but doesn‘t lift a finger to protect European women and children.“ More: In our letter, we call on the European Commission to: This appeal is set against a backdrop of intensifying transatlantic tension, increasing concern in Europe over dependence on US tech infrastructure, and mounting pressure on European tech law from US stakeholders, including the current administration and major technology companies. Please find the letter again here: https://extranet.greens-efa-service.eu/public/media/file/1/9172”
• 2026-01-09 “EU-Mercosur — EU-Mercosur: governments push through agreement in defiance of farmers and the European Parliament On Friday 9 January, a majority of Member States* voted in favour of the EU-Mercosur agreement. They thus gave the green light to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to fly to Paraguay, where an official ceremony to celebrate the agreement will take place on 12 January. They also decided to provisionally apply the trade section of the agreement without waiting for the European Parliament to give its opinion, which is contrary to a framework agreement between the institutions and the principle of sincere cooperation enshrined in the European treaties. Furthermore, the Member States adopted the legislation intended to protect farmers from the influx of sensitive products from Mercosur (beef, poultry, soya, rice, ethanol, sugar, etc.), even though farmers have been denouncing the inanity of this safeguard measure for months and continue to do so today. This measure will be all the less effective as the Council and the Commission have deleted the article created by the European Parliament on reciprocity conditions. Finally, farmers are not fooled by the anticipated payment of €45 billion under the Common Agricultural Policy, especially as the overall budget has been cut by 20%. This is a double penalty for European farmers, who are getting neither guarantees against unfair competition nor guarantees on their income. Saskia Bricmont, negotiator of the European Parliament's position on the agreement for the Greens/EFA Group, said: "The vote by our governments shows contempt for our farmers and the European democratic process. It is a denial of democracy that will cost taxpayers dearly, as they will have to bear the costs (losses and compensation related to the negative impacts of the agreement, in terms of jobs or health, for example). I have asked the President of the European Parliament, the Chair of the Committee on International Trade and the European Commission to express their disapproval to the Cypriot Presidency of the Council regarding the provisional entry into force of the agreement before the European Parliament's consent vote. I call on my colleagues from other groups to do the same because, regardless of how the agreement is assessed, Parliament – and through it, the European people – is not being respected. Finally, now that the Council's position is clear, I call on the President of the European Parliament to put to the vote, as she promised, the resolution that I co-signed with 144 other MEPs requesting an opinion from the European Court of Justice on the compatibility of the EU-Mercosur agreement with the European Treaties.” *France, Poland, Ireland, Austria and Hungary voted against; Belgium abstained.”
• 2025-12-17 “Palestinian self-determination central compass for all actions — Last week, an official Greens/EFA Group mission with 7 MEPs travelled to Palestine (West Bank). MEPs Villy Søvndal, Hannah Neumann, Tineke Strik, Catarina Vieira, Nela Riehl, Diana Riba i Giner and Ignazio Marino met with Palestinian civil society, researchers, international organisations and people in the streets of East Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron and Susya, discussed with them and witnessed their situation, which has critically deteriorated over the last two years. Yesterday, MEPs debated the developments in Palestine and Lebanon. Greens/EFA MEP Hannah Neumann, Co-Chair of the Greens/EFA mission, comments: "The ceasefire in Gaza is fragile and it is not delivering for Palestinians, who continue being killed, displaced and suffering the man-made humanitarian crisis. During our stay in the region we witnessed three days of heavy rain and wind. Families in Gaza have had to endure this weather in soaked tents. Israeli authorities continue to curtail aid and block the entry of tents and winter clothing. We need immediate access of international humanitarian organisations, international press and EU institutions to Gaza. “We call on all parties to uphold the ceasefire, stop the killing of innocent civilians, for the withdrawal of the Israeli forces and the disarmament of Hamas. This requires genuine work on a political solution with direct participation of the Palestinian political representatives and civil society. Palestinians in the West Bank are ready and able to facilitate and support the governance, rebuilding and healing of Gaza: it should be the EU´s primary goal to ensure they get to take on that role. Most importantly, we need accountability for the gravest crimes being committed in Gaza, which the current peace plan leaves unaddressed.The Palestinian people need security and genuine self-determination . Only then can Israel and Palestine re-enter into serious dialogue about their future coexistence.” Greens/EFA MEP Villy Søvndal, Co-Chair of the Greens/EFA mission, comments: “In the shadows of the horrific happenings in Gaza, the Israeli far-right government and the Israeli army in collaboration with the settler movement are annexing the West Bank. Intensified military operations are causing death and displacement of Palestinians and unlawful appropriation of land, together with construction and expansion of illegal Israeli settlements are ensuring they have nowhere to go back to. “A new alarming development we witnessed is the explosion of settler violence all across the occupied West Bank. The settlers are not individual perpetrators but a well organised movement who strategically and repeatedly attack Palestinians, their towns and villages, kill or steal cattle of Palestinian farmers and prevent them from harvesting their olives. Where in the past the Israeli military stood idly by settler violence , they now operate in collaboration with them to make life for Palestinians in the West Bank too dangerous, humiliating and costly to endure. “We reiterate our urgent call on the Commission and Council to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement , to impose a ban on European investments into illegal settlements and to prohibit the import of settler goods and services. This is not only required by international law , is the only consequential response to the creeping annexation of the West Bank. Palestinian self-determination and cohesion need to be the central compass for all EU action in and with Palestine in Gaza and the West Bank. “”