EU Policymakers · ATLAS

The Left group in the European Parliament - GUE/NGL

Political group · European Parliament · The Left

Policy topics The Left group in the European Parliament - GUE/NGL is active on

Trade relations with MercosurClimate effortsAgricultural fundingDue diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights)Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)EU policy on farmer–buyer relations in the agri-food supply chainFree trade agreements (FTAs)Digital euroEU-China relationsDirect payments to farmers (pillar 1)Nature protection and restoration in the EUEU-Russia relations (from March 2022)Digital platforms liability for harmful and illegal contentEU law enforcement cooperation in criminal mattersEU policy on disability inclusion & accessibilityTrade relations with ChinaEU policy on aging workforce and pensionsEU and national cultural identitiesPublic and private sectors role in healthcare servicesSourcing of critical raw materialsDigitalization of public governance & administrationEU policy on victims' compensation rightsEU foreign policy approachEU competences on health (internal-competence axis, sharpened)Carbon leakage supportEU restrictions on unfair commercial practicesMeans of payment (cash vs digital)Child poverty policyEU volunteering programs

What The Left group in the European Parliament - GUE/NGL has said (60)

2026-06-18 “Let Cuba Breathe — EPP resolution supports Trump’s strangulation of Cuban economy As conservatives and the far-right joined Trump’s attacks on Cuba today, The Left in the European Parliament stands in solidarity with the Cuban people as they face the worst year of over six decades of blockade by the United States. In a counter-Resolution tabled today, The Left strongly condemned the blockade of Cuba as illegal, extraterritorial, inhumane, and in direct violation of international law. The executive measures and additional sanctions issued by President Trump constitute an escalation of economic warfare against the Cuban people. The Resolution put forward by EPP, Renew and the far-right meanwhile aligned European foreign policy with Trump’s attacks on Havana. The resolution shockingly never once mentions the US embargo which has suffocated the Cuban people for decades. The new measures imposed by Trump go equally unmentioned. MEP Danilo della Valle (Movimento 5 Stelle, Italy) “The EPP resolution demonstrates once again that the EU is on the wrong side of history. Cuba is facing a severe humanitarian emergency that has been strangling the island for years, with the US economic blockade as its primary cause. In this moment of profound difficulty, the European Parliament does not even recognise it. The Left group has tabled a resolution that acknowledges a fact too often ignored: despite decades of an illegal and comprehensive blockade, Cuba has achieved remarkable results in human development, a testament to a social model that has consistently prioritised education, health, and dignity.””
2026-06-18 “New GMOs hidden from view — EU removes risk assessments for ‘new genomic technique’ crops The European Parliament today supported a proposal to remove safeguards from newer genetically manipulated crops, known as ‘New Genomic Techniques’ or NGTs, in a win for agri-business and chemical lobbies. Previously, EU law authorised GMO crops on a case by case basis after a risk assessment. The measures supported today will remove risk assessments, labelling, traceability and organic protections from NGT crops and will allow agri-business giants to patent seeds. The result was supported by conservatives together with the far-right. It was opposed by The Left. The Left’s shadow MEP Anja Hazekamp (Partij voor de Dieren, Netherlands) said: “This law permits the sale and cultivation of genetically manipulated food without labelling it as such, thereby depriving consumers of the opportunity to choose GMO-free food. Furthermore it jeopardises our environment, by scrapping risk assessments for new GMOs. Another huge concern is the patentability of plants which gives multinationals more power over farmers’ access to seeds and our food production.” While thanks to efforts of the Left, some plants such as those which produce insecticides will still require risk assessments, the overall result is a massive blow for farmers across Europe who will see a shift towards American-style patenting of seeds and the exploitation of NGT crop strains without consumer protections. With this legislation, you will no longer be able to tell if your food is GMO-free.”
2026-06-17 “ICE-Style raids in Europe — The return regulation dictated by the heirs of Nazism has been approved by the unholy coalition of the EPP and the far right, with the complicity of the liberals “ The era of deportation has begun ,” said a fascist official before taking families and children to detention camps. It sounds familiar but actually it is not 1939 but 2026, according to an ECR MEP, and they do not even hide it. This is exactly how history will remember those who, driven by hatred and primitive racism, destroyed the fundamental rights of the European Union. The return regulation, or the deportation law, will not only undermine all the values that the EU claims to defend, but will also violate human dignity. This regulation will allow children and families to be detained in camps outside the EU, in countries they have never even set foot in, and could also lead to workplace raids like those seen in the United States recently. Left MEP Estrella Galan (Sumar, Spain): “Both the Parliament and the European Commission have normalised agreements with governments that do not respect human rights. They have outsourced responsibilities and borders. This Regulation allows the construction of centers in third countries outside the territory of the Union that do not respect human rights, European Guantánamos where people can be deported beyond any effective judicial oversight. And they are even reaching the point of sitting down with the Taliban so that they can become part of this system that has been built here, with the Taliban, who are terrorists. Where have our values gone? And EPP have been ideologically hijacked by the far right, and this Regulation is the result: a European ICE designed to identify, detain, and expel people in the style of Trump.” The Left will always resist those racist and xenophobic policies and call on civil society to join the resistance.”
2026-06-16 “Don’t deregulate AI before the rules even apply — The European Parliament adopted the AI Act in plenary. While the final text contains some positive elements, including a ban on AI systems used to create non-consensual sexualised content, the overall agreement weakens the AI Act by delaying key obligations, expanding exemptions for companies, and broadening the use of sensitive personal data. Left MEP Leila Chaibi (La France Insoumise, France) in plenary : “This weekend, Trump once again demonstrated that, on a whim, he can deprive part of the world of access to artificial intelligence systems. When will we finally understand? Understand that AI and its infrastructure are a matter of sovereignty, a question of power, with one fundamental issue at its core: who gets to flip the switch? So let us ask ourselves: was this really the right moment for the European Commission to go cap in hand to US Big Tech by unravelling our AI regulation? While there are some positive elements in this proposal, what you are ultimately organising is a broader rollback. And that rollback has a face: the President of Siemens, a Google adviser and a declared opponent of the AI Act, whom the European Commission has appointed as its Special Envoy for Artificial Intelligence. Ms von der Leyen is no longer merely listening to lobbyists, she is now hiring them. This is unacceptable.” The Left remains committed to an AI framework that protects workers, consumers and citizens, and ensures that innovation serves the public interest rather than corporate interests.”
2026-06-16 “Parliament falls for Trump Tariffs — Even Iran gets better deal than the EU in trade talks with Trump The European Parliament today finalised its appeasement of Donald Trump’s erratic trade policy by voting in favour of the EU-US trade ‘deal’. In reality, the political agreement commits to tariffs on EU exports to the US, while US companies are allowed to access the EU market tariff-free. As the European Commission ramps up its rhetoric against economic competition from China and other world powers, the double standards are more evident than ever as US companies and oligarchs are given free reign over the European market. Even Iran has got a more favourable outcome than Ursula von der Leyen in its negotiations with Trump. Co-Chair of The Left and shadow rapporteur on the file, Martin Schirdewan (Die Linke, Germany) spoke before the European Parliament in Strasbourg: “Ursula von der Leyen should never have agreed to this deal. Just one day after all the statesmanlike speeches and a vote in the European Parliament’s Trade Committee, the US government announced further arbitrary tariffs on European products. In Germany, steelworkers are taking to the streets. They are resisting this misguided trade policy because they fear for their jobs. But the parliamentary majority here is effectively legislating its own disempowerment. All the important safeguard clauses and trade policy instruments, such as the anti-coercive measures instrument, lose their effectiveness if we place them solely in the hands of the Commission, which has long since subservient to Trump.” Having just lost yet another war, the USA continues to threaten the European Union with invasion, coercion and even new tariffs. Other groups in the European Parliament were today convinced appeasement is the only route to deal with Trump, The Left opposes such blackmail.”
2026-06-12 “Pact on Migration and Asylum: the implementation of shame — On 12 June 2026, indifference and inhumanity became enshrined in law across the European Union. The EU’s pact on Migration and asylum falsely promises a historic change in EU migration policies. In reality, the Pact reinforces current failed policies and practices by focusing on deterrence, containment of people fleeing third countries, strengthening external borders, detention, and acceleration of procedures at the expense of the individual right to asylum. The Left was the political group most strongly opposed to this shameful pact, which effectively brought an end to the right to seek asylum on European soil. Left MEP Damien Carême (La France Insoumise, France): “ The Migration and Asylum Pact is the most serious setback for human rights ever enshrined in European law. Europe is funding walls, barbed wire, and agreements with authoritarian regimes so that people seeking asylum are stopped before they even reach our soil. We pay Tunisia. We pay Egypt. Tomorrow, there may be return hubs in Rwanda, Uganda, and elsewhere. We are outsourcing human rights violations. This is not the balance between firmness and humanity praised by Ursula von der Leyen. It is the ideological victory of the far right, legitimised and voted for by a majority of conservatives, center-right parties, and social democrats who have chosen fear as their compass.” The European institutions have decided to not stop there. Led by the heirs of Nazism and followed by conservatives and liberals, they are now pushing forward the Return Regulation, which we will vote on next week in plenary session. The Left refuses this kind of Europe. We refuse to see human dignity, solidarity, sacrificed on the altar of electoral calculation. That is why we will continue to fight, to speak out, and to resist.”
2026-06-11 “Patients over Patents: The Left alternative for a Public EU Pharma Industry — Medicine shortages and rising prices are increasingly undermining patients’ access to essential treatments across Europe. At The Left event bringing together elected representatives, trade unionists, health advocates and healthcare workers, one message was clear: medicines must be treated as a public good, not a source of private profit. Participants highlighted how decades of outsourcing, market concentration and financialisation have left Europe dependent on a handful of pharmaceutical companies whose priorities are driven by business and money rather than public health. A worker from Sanofi summed it up perfectly: the company cared about business first, healthcare second. The discussions also focused on the patent system, which too often allows monopolies to drive up prices and restrict access to life-saving treatments. When public money funds research and innovation, the benefits should belong to the public, not be captured by private corporations. Recent geopolitical developments have made the need for pharmaceutical sovereignty even more urgent. The threats from the Trump administration against abortion pills produced in Europe, showed how access to essential medicines can become vulnerable to political pressure from outside the EU. Europe cannot rely on foreign powers or multinational corporations for medicines that millions depend on. For The Left, the conclusion is clear: Europe needs a public pharmaceutical industry that puts patients before patents, health before profit and public interest before shareholder value. No one should be denied treatment because medicines are too expensive, unavailable or controlled by private interests. Here the webstream link to our event”
2026-06-10 “Internationalism in an Age of War — Gaza Flotilla and Let Cuba Breathe demonstrate the way forward against fascism and militarism The Left in the European Parliament brought together activists, researchers and organisers today to plot out the way forward for internationalism in the context of rising militarism and the growing crisis of democracy. The gathering heard directly from activists from the Ga za Flotilla, the Let Cuba Breathe campaign, the Flamingo Revolution in Albania and others who linked their common struggles under the banner of a new internationalism. The event could not be more timely, given the normalisation of fascistic policies in the heart of Europe and the cannibalisation of the economy by a capitalism increasingly in crisis. Speaking from the podium, MEP Ilaria Salis (AVS, Italy) said: “The challenge before us is to invent new forms of internationalism, forms of solidarity capable of transcending geopolitical alignments. We must always learn from practice, from concrete experiences, from struggles already taking place. That is precisely why we have invited grassroots organizations and activists to speak today. We are here to listen, to be inspired, and to learn from the insights generated through their work and experience.” MEP Isa Serra (Podemos, Spain) said: “Capital today is seeking out new markets and profitability in housing, arms and our private data in order to bolster the hegemony of the USA. The attacks on Palestine, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela are all a part of this. Building a new internationalism is so important because we are now approaching a point of no return.” In the face of the rise of fascism in Europe, destructive policies such as the Return Regulation, and increased militarism, The Left is now the only force of opposition in the European Parliament.”
2026-06-01 “Return regulation – the ICE Doctrine — After the latest round of negotiations with the European Commission and the Council, The Left condemns and rejects this return regulation, which violates the fundamental rights and values that the European Union claims to defend. Deportation of people, including families with children, to third countries they have never been to. Creation of so-called “Return hubs”. The possibility to detain “to the extent possible” people alongside ordinary prisoners in prisons. The possibility to deport unaccompanied minors. Additional barriers for lawyers, family members and NGOs to visit detention facilities and communicate with people etc… AfD dreamed of it; Ursula von der Leyen and her Commission proposed it, the Council and the European Parliament are executing it. This return regulation, dictated by the heirs of Nazism to deport people and children to countries they do not know, or imprison them in camps, has been approved. Collaboration with the far right means abandoning the very essence of the creation of the European Union. MEP Estrella Galan (Sumar, Spain), rapporteur for The Left group: “ The latest version of the EU’s Return Regulation is set to be one of the cruelest of the entire legislative term. Parliament and the Council agreed to most inhumane positions, with no meaningful improvements. From The Left, we outright reject this legislation: it enables child deportations, expands detention and coercive ICE-style police powers, strips safeguards, and entrenches the systematic criminalisation and violation of the fundamental rights of people on the move.” The EU is at a turning point, soon we can expect mass raids and mass detention. The Left will always be the first group to resist and call on the other groups to take their responsibilities and not be complicit in this atrocity, because no one is illegal. The final vote in the LIBE Committee will be late June.”
2026-05-21 “EU meeting the Taliban. EU meeting the Taliban. EU meeting the Taliban. — The European Commission invited the Taliban to discussions on deportation policies at the very moment the Return Regulation remains blocked by the EPP. The Left has opposed this inhumane regulation from the beginning, but also the only political group openly condemning this meeting. The European Parliament yesterday held a debate on the “ Situation of women and girls in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s adoption of the Criminal Procedure Code for Courts ,” accompanied by a resolution. Maybe the Taliban should simply create a WhatsApp group with the EPP and AfD to unblock the Return Regulation, since this now seems to be how conservatives conduct migration policy. Ironic? Maybe a shameful reality at some point. It is disgraceful. This is shocking. If we genuinely want to defend fundamental rights on European soil, this meeting must not only be cancelled, but the European Commission must also be held accountable for legitimising the Taliban. Left MEP Hanna Gedin (Vänsterpartiet, Sweden) said in plenary: “ Five million mothers and children are starving in Afghanistan. Women and girls are being stripped of their freedom, their education, and their future. The Taliban execute, torture, and silence all criticism. And in the midst of this hell, what is the EU doing? Inviting the Taliban to Brussels. This is not migration policy. This is complicity, and it is a massive betrayal of the women and girls, the ethnic minorities, and the journalists whom you claim to protect, but whom you are now so clearly, so clearly, abandoning. What a disgrace!” Left MEP Özlem Demirel (Die Linke, Germany) said: “One thing is the Taliban and their unacceptable criminal procedure code; the other is our supposedly value-driven EU Commission. And now the Commission is inviting the Taliban directly to Brussels. But of course, this is supposedly not tantamount to recognizing this inhumane, reactionary regime. After all, they claim it is not about diplomacy, but about deportation. In the past year alone, the Taliban publicly executed six people in stadiums, and these are the people the Commission seriously wants to talk to.There must be no cooperation with the Taliban. No one should be deported to Afghanistan.””
2026-05-21 “Victims’ rights advance despite conservative pushback — The European Parliament has just adopted the Directive establishing minimum standards on the rights, support, and protection of victims of crime. Although necessary, once again it is not ambitious enough. The Left voted in favour of this highly important directive to strengthen the protection of victims, particularly women, children, persons with disabilities, and victims of sexual violence. The mention of intersectional discrimination is a key element, including gender identity as a factor to be taken into account in the individual assessment of victims’ needs. In line with the directive on violence against women adopted in 2024, the text calls for ensuring access to and information about sexual and reproductive healthcare services for victims of sexual violence. One of the most important victories in this directive is the mention of abortion, as this is the first time it has been included in a directive. The Left regrets that the EPP did not see “ reporting crimes committed by public officials ” as a priority, but one might suspect that they wanted to protect members of their own group (hello Angelika Niebler) from investigations, while preferring instead to investigate NGO funding. This is the very definition of conservative hypocrisy. Left MEP Elena Kountoura (Syriza, Greece) said: “Today’s vote marks a decisive step forward for victims’ rights across Europe, especially for women, children and vulnerable victims of violence. Following hard-fought negotiations, the new Directive delivers stronger safeguards for privacy and personal data, safer and more accessible reporting mechanisms, reinforced legal and psychological support, and stronger rights for victims throughout criminal proceedings. We managed to introduced child-friendly procedures and specialised support services to reduce secondary victimisation, while strengthening training requirements for police officers, judges and professionals working with victims, alongside fairer compensation mechanisms. Τhis Directive sends a clear political message: victims’ rights are not negotiable. Europe must stand firmly on the side of protection, dignity, equality and justice “”
2026-05-21 “Stop Killing Games — Literally Unplayable: The Left backs stricter regulation of game developers who remotely kill games or shut down active servers Following a massively successful online petition that gathered over one million signatures across the European Union, the Stop Killing Games project reached the European Parliament today with a debate on the chamber floor. The debate can be watched back here. The European Citizens’ Initiative officially titled ‘Stop Destroying Videogames’ calls for legislation to stop game developers from remotely disabling or rendering videogames unplayable in order to maximise profits. The Left’s leading MEP on the matter, Leila Chaibi (La France Insoumise, France) took to the floor today to champion the initiative, saying “ The Left Group, of course, supports the Stop Destroying Videogames citizens’ initiative. Every game that disappears due to publishers’ greed means thousands of hours of creativity and passion going to waste, but it also means our cultural heritage is being erased. That is why it is important that abandoned games can be kept alive by those who love them so much.” This initiative comes under the wider context of the European Commission’s deregulation drive that has increasingly favoured corporations over consumers. The European Commission is expected to reply to the petition by the end of July when it can propose new regulations or issue advice to EU Member State governments. For The Left, digital purchases should not come with hidden expiry dates controlled by corporations. What’s more, videogames are now part of our cultural and creative heritage and should not disappear when servers shut down. After all, some of our colleagues are still playing Worms 2 on Linux.”
2026-05-20 “Canada to join EU militarisation loan instrument — More SAFE, less safety Following a vote in the European Parliament today, Canada will become the first non-EU country to participate in SAFE, a €150 billion loan instrument for joint procurement of weapons. Yet SAFE will not make Europeans safer, and this decision further reduces the strategic autonomy of the European Union by allowing access to Canadian entities and aligning European foreign policy with NATO objectives, as NATO faces its own internal crisis. At a time when the EU has failed to provide any new funding for its own Anti-Poverty Strategy and is allocating less supports for social objectives and basic infrastructure, it is unacceptable that funds are being made available for weapons procurement by non-EU countries. Left MEP and shadow rapporteur on the SEDE Committee Marc Botenga (PTB/PVDA, Belgium) spoke today following the vote: “SAFE allocates 150 billion euros for joint arms purchases. That’s 150 billion euros that will not finance solutions to the real crisis faced by the European industry: skyrocketing energy prices and delocalisation to produce ever more cheaply. The instrument also requires strengthening cooperation with NATO, when the United States explicitly threatens us. Canada’s participation to SAFE will not solve any of these problems.” Left MEP and shadow rapporteur on the ITRE committee Dario Tamburrano (Movimento 5 Stelle, Italy) said: “We support deepening relations with Canada in scientific research, strategic raw materials, and the green and energy transition. However, this report is centered on defense and rearmament, marking another step toward the militarization of the European Union, a direction we cannot endorse. If we truly want to bring peace, security and prosperity to our continent, our foreign policy must change course. We reject this prevailing zeitgeist, which once again casts a long shadow over a landscape we know all too well.” The Left opposes this decision on the basis that it further misdirects EU funds to militarisation, is counter-productive to supporting European industry, and is simply bad economics. The defence sector has a very low economic multiplier, with every 1 euro spent returning less than 1 euro to the economy. In times of difficult financial situations, this instrument will further increase sovereign debt levels, without solving the problems industry currently faces, such as high energy prices and corporate offshoring.”
2026-05-20 “EU decides to trust Trump — Safeguards dropped in overnight negotiations over EU-US trade ‘deal’ A deal was reached in Strasbourg in the early hours of this morning that will see the European Union accept Donald Trump’s tariffs on exports to the US with little to show in return. The Left sees this agreement as an act of political surrender to the blackmail tactics of an unpredictable US President following poor negotiating by the European Commission. With threats still hanging over Greenland, Spain and the presence of US troops in Europe used as a bargaining chip, the EU-US deal will see 15% tariffs on EU exports and 0% tariffs on US imports. Meanwhile Europe will be forced to buy over €1tn in US oil, liquid natural gas and defence products. In negotiations last night attended by Left Co-Chair Martin Schirdewan (Die Linke, Germany), the European Parliament dropped all automatic safeguard mechanisms it had proposed for the deal while all countermeasures were also watered down, meaning that only the Commission will have the power to step in if, or when, Trump reneges on the agreement. The current legislative text reveals a lack of political will to apply the Anti-Coercion Instrument consistently. Worse still, the provision allowing for a possible suspension of the deal in cases of violations of the rule of law or territorial integrity has been removed entirely. Not even on steel tariffs does the compromise provide sufficient planning certainty for our industry. The Left remains one of the only political forces to oppose this deal outright, and it deserves a clear rejection in the European Parliament’s final vote.”
2026-05-19 “Right-wing struggles to find answers to cost of living — You can’t eat ‘competitiveness’ The European Parliament’s plenary agenda is dominated this week by discussions about the cost of living crisis that has engulfed the continent, from the impact of the war on Iran to the price of fertilisers. Yet the right-wing in the European Parliament is struggling to provide solutions. During this plenary week, Left MEPs set out rational policies that protect working people, not corporations. While Europe’s alliance with Israel and the USA has backfired spectacularly, workers are feeling the brunt. Yet the response from the European Commission and the European right is to double down: less funds for social causes and infrastructure, less regulations for big business, more money for weapons. Left MEP Marc Botenga (PTB/PVDA, Belgium) spoke from the chamber of the Parliament this week on the failure to respond to energy costs or save European industry: “The price of energy is a real concern. We replaced Russian gas with American gas and now we have enormous costs on the shoulders of industry. If we don’t deal publicly with energy we will never climb out of this hole, there will be no future for the steel industry in Europe. And we can’t do it with this militarisation project. It takes three days to produce 1000 tanks, that’s not going to save our industry either.” Speaking on the Commission’s paltry response to fighting poverty, MEP Joao Oliveira (PCP, Portugal) said: “The European Commission’s proposal for an Anti-Poverty Strategy lacks a coherent, integrated and ambitious set of measures to fight the various causes of poverty, which are continuously aggravated by the rising cost of living. There are no real and credible political and budgetary commitments to support the necessary investment in essential areas such as housing, public services, wages and pensions. Instead, the Commission is leaving the solutions up to private funding and the limited resources of Member States under a shrinking EU budget in terms of social policy. The comprehensive strategy we need requires a shift of priorities towards the social and economic needs of the people.” Speaking on agriculture and the price of foodstuffs, MEP Luke Ming Flanagan (Ireland) said: “The Commissions words today on a fertiliser strategy directly contradict their cumulative actions over the last three years. Under the guise of simplification, environmental actions that would have created a more resilient agriculture were gutted to appease the agri giants in successive mini reforms of CAP since 2022. The current model of intensive agriculture has locked farmers into dependencies on imported inputs over which they have no control, mainly feed, fuel and fertiliser. Other options exist that include organic farming, crop rotation and incorporating clover into grasslands, that we should be incentivising and transitioning to in order to protect our food sovereignty.” The Left’s response is the only rational solution to this crisis: extricate ourselves from American adventurism, urgently redistribute wealth from the ultra-rich, and halt the ‘competitiveness’ madness that has seized the European institutions.”
2026-05-12 “Taliban today. ISIS tomorrow? — The European Commission is going to meet with the Taliban to discuss the deportation of Afghan people out of Europe. Yes, this is a real headline. “ The European Union has consistently condemned the increasing restrictions imposed by the Taliban… ” but that was before. Since then, the European Commission, in seeking to follow a racist agenda imposed by the far right, is legitimising the Taliban regime by meeting them in Brussels to “discuss” the deportation of Afghan refugees. Do we really need to be reminded who the Taliban are? Those who have organised and intensified a system of gender apartheid by reducing the rights of women and girls. As recently as October 2025, the European Parliament held a debate to support Afghan women and girls who are banned from education. Left co-Chair Manon Aubry (La France Insoumise, France) said : “The European Commission is so obsessed with deportations and pursuing the far right’s anti-asylum agenda that it now seems ready to negotiate directly with the Taliban. Inviting a regime that systematically crushes women’s rights and basic freedoms to Brussels is a moral and political disgrace. How can they claim to defend human rights while legitimising one of the most brutal regimes in the world in the name of migration control?” Left co-Chair Martin Schirdewan (Die Linke, Germany) said : “ Given the situation facing regime opponents, women, and minorities, deportations to Afghanistan are irresponsible. I consider the fact that the EU is now even holding talks with the Taliban, in order to negotiate “safe” deportations, to be a grave error and a completely wrong signal. In doing so, the EU adopts the migration policy agenda of the far Right, and is even willing to negotiate with terrorists it has itself sanctioned in order to enforce deportations. Terrorists must not be legitimised through political negotiations.” How far is the European Union willing to turn a blind eye in order to please the far right? This meeting is unacceptable and must not take place if the European Union wants to claim it is fighting for democracy and human rights.”
2026-05-11 “Sanctions: EU bows to public pressure — Sanctions against state-sponsored settlers the ‘bare minimum’ – The Left After years of pressure from the public and political parties of The Left, the European Union is finally set to sanction more Israeli settlers who have terrorised Palestinian communities for decades. While the move is welcome, the agreed sanctions are a pitiful fraction of what is required to rein in Israel’s constant breaches of international law. The decision today is emblematic of the weakness and reluctance of conservative leaders who have failed to take action against the genocide of the Palestinian people thus far. All Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal and extremist by their very nature, and must be treated as such by the EU with a full ban on trade. Left MEP and Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Palestine Lynn Boylan (Sinn Féin, Ireland) said: “The sanctions announced today are only happening because of the pressure put on EU leaders by the public and political groups such as our own. We must be clear however that they do not nearly go far enough and are not a substitute for action to comply with international law, including the ICJ Advisory Opinion. We need to see a Union-wide ban on illegal settlement goods. We need to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement. We need a two-way arms embargo. We also need much more comprehensive sanctions that target the Israeli state and companies aiding the illegal occupation. We are now at a point where Israel has shown that it will continue to act with impunity because it believes the EU will do nothing. An end to impunity will only happen when the EU stands up and delivers real consequences for Israel’s illegal actions.” The Left continues to call for sanctions against Israel, for the implementation of the ICC arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu and his accomplices, and for the complete and immediate suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.”
2026-05-11 “Sea-Watch under attack. The EU must act to protect them. — Sea-Watch 5, sailing under German flag, has been shot at by the EU-funded so-called Libyan coastguard. Following a rescue operation in which the NGO Sea-Watch saved 90 people, the Libyan coast guard reportedly opened fire on the vessel Sea-Watch 5 while survivors were still on board. It is a violent assault on civilian lives, on humanitarian rescue missions, and on the very foundations of international maritime law. Such actions cannot be tolerated or ignored. The European Union must stop looking away. It must act urgently and decisively to protect people, hold those responsible accountable, and end any cooperation that enables such abuses. Left MEP Özlem Demirel (Die Linke, Germany) said: “ The fact that Sea-Watch 5 was fired upon by the so-called Libyan coast guard is a scandalous attack on civilian sea rescue operations and on human rights. Anyone who shoots at rescuers saving people in distress at sea is committing a criminal act. The European Commission cannot remain silent on this. The attacks on the Sea-Watch 5 must cease immediately. The lives of the German crew and all passengers on board must be protected. The European Commission and the German government also bear responsibility for this”. The Left calls for: – the immediate protection of M/V Sea-Watch 5 and all persons on board; – the urgent intervention by European authorities to prevent further escalation; – transparency and accountability regarding the conduct of the Libyan Coast Guard; – full respect for the rights and safety of rescued individuals at sea.”
2026-05-07 “Left MEPs in Greece: people seeking safety must be protected, not treated as criminals — Under EU law, asylum applications should be examined as an absolute priority. Instead, those accused of smuggling are remanded in custody and enter a vicious cycle in which they are unable to apply for asylum while awaiting trial. This amounts to a complete instrumentalisation of criminal law for the purposes of the new migration policy, rendering migrants invisible to procedural safeguards. In the courts of Crete in particular, amid continuous migration flows from Libya, everyone appearing before a judge is treated as guilty, automatically equated with traffickers through summary procedures. The state of necessity that may drive someone to steer a boat is not recognised, nor is the presumption of post-adolescent age for sentence mitigation. Left MEP Estrella Galán (Sumar, Spain): "We could not have imagined such degradation by the Greek state. We saw a system with major deficiencies, people arrested for a minor administrative offense and imprisoned. This level of total distortion of the rule of law must lead us to action. Harshness in prisons leads to overcrowding and a reduction in the rights of the most vulnerable. As for refugees, their human rights are being violated." Left MEP Pernando Barrena (EH Bildu, Basque Country): "We are deeply concerned about the regression in civil liberties and what we saw in prisons. We heard about refugees who did not receive a fair trial; we saw overcrowding. The number of inmates is doubling without a corresponding increase in provision. Minors are held together with adults. None of this is accidental but stems from very conservative, far-right beliefs. Some believe that isolating these people from society will help, but it will not." Left MEP Kostas Arvanitis (SYRIZA-PA): "Greece is the second country in the EU where prisons do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice but under the Ministry of Citizen Protection. The result is overcrowding, burnout for staff, and warehouses of souls for inmates. Right-wing policy produces poverty, and poverty produces crime. Without social infrastructure, the criminalisation of poverty and harsher sentencing bring problems and suffering to the most vulnerable members of society."”
2026-05-06 “Enough is enough. Suspend the EU-Israel agreement now — For the first time in a very long time, the INTA Committee in the European Parliament discussed the EU-Israel agreement and its suspension thanks to continued pressure from The Left. More than 70,360 Palestinians killed, including 18,400 children. More than 500 humanitarian workers killed. More than 269 journalists killed. 1.9 million Palestinians displaced. 2.1 million Palestinians in need of humanitarian aid. This is the reality that no one wants to talk about anymore. The suspension of the EU-Israel agreement is the absolute minimum, despite a ceasefire that ultimately existed only on paper, not in reality. The European Union cannot remain complicit with Netanyahu's genocidal regime, and we must use all the tools we have to stop this genocide Left co-Chair and Vice-Chair of INTA Committee Manon Aubry (La France Insoumise, France) said in Committee: "The EU-Israel Association Agreement is the cornerstone of the relationship between the EU and Israel. It is this agreement that organises economic, scientific, and technological cooperation. And it is this agreement that makes the European Union Israel's leading trading partner. It is therefore obvious: through it, the European Union finances, facilitates, and legitimises the heinous crimes of the State of Israel. Yet there would be a very simple way to put an end to this complicity: to suspend the Association Agreement by invoking its Article 2, which makes cooperation conditional on respect for human rights." Left Chair of the Palestine Delegation Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein, Ireland) said in Committee: "Profits from trade with illegal settlements are the proceeds of crime. So my first question to the Commission is when can we have a legislative proposal to ban the sale of settlements goods to the EU. The credibility of the EU in on the floor"”
2026-05-06 “A toothless Anti-Poverty Strategy — European Commission announces Anti-Poverty Strategy without any funding Today the European Commission announced a new social package, including the long-awaited Anti-Poverty Strategy and measures on disability rights. While the Commission shifts priorities to so-called 'competitiveness' and defence, social spending will see little to no increase in EU support. Instead of concrete legislative measures, the proposal put forward multiple 'toolkits', 'consultations', and a new 'Coalition Against Poverty'. A call by the Parliament to eradicate poverty by 2035 was ignored. Left MEP and Chair of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs Li Andersson (Vasemmistoliitto, Finland) responded to the announcements: "These strategies and targets fall short because the Commission is unwilling to push for more concrete proposals and financing to support them. The fight against poverty and high rents in the EU will not progress when social funding is simultaneously proposed to be slashed in the next EU budget. The Commission should put their money where their mouth is." The Left's lead on anti-poverty, MEP João Oliveira (PCP, Portugal) said: "The Anti-Poverty Strategy announced by the European Commission falls completely short of what is needed. It is a fragmented, partial proposal, lacking effective political commitments and associated funding. There is no real commitment to policies promoting employment and increasing wages, universal access to quality public services, addressing acute situations of exclusion and discrimination, or strengthening political participation. In combating child poverty, it avoids the commitment to financially strengthening the Child Guarantee. Energy, transport, communications, and other sectoral policies continue to be considered in a fragmented way instead of having the required cross-cutting and integrated approach." The Left's lead on housing MEP Leïla Chaibi (La France Insoumise, France) said: "The Commission claims it wants to fight poverty but without spending a single euro. When it comes to funding defence or supporting large corporations, the money is always there. But when it comes to putting food on people's tables or ensuring a roof over their heads, suddenly there is nothing. Even worse, by no longer ring-fencing the European Social Fund Plus in its proposal for the 2028-2034 EU budget, the Commission is turning its back on the social emergency. If it is to be credible, the fight against poverty must directly involve those affected in European decision-making and deliver concrete measures: tackling austerity, strengthening public services, and ensuring real access to housing and food."”
2026-05-04 “EU-Mercosur trade deal: A democratic failure — The implementation of the provisional EU-Mercosur agreement on May 1st is an absolute disgrace and an unprecedented denial of democracy. France, Ireland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Poland are opposed to it. Poland has even announced it will refer the matter to the European Court of Justice, in line with the position of the European Parliament, which adopted The Left's request to determine whether this agreement complies with the treaties. Proceeding before the European Court of Justice has delivered its opinion risks forcing a renegotiation if the agreement is found incompatible with EU Treaties. At the same time, allowing the deal to take effect before Parliament gives its consent would create a political fait accompli. At a time when the EU claims to defend the rule of law, and democratic standards globally it should not weaken its own safeguards. Provisional application without prior parliamentary consent, represents a serious breach of democratic procedure, and should therefore be rejected. Left co-Chair and shadow rapporteur Manon Aubry (La France Insoumise, France): "One can hardly imagine a most outrageous scenario : The biggest trade agreement ever entries into force without any Parliament voting on it and prior to the opinion of the Court of Justice of the EU. This is a huge blow to democracy that shows yet again how in Von der Leyen's Europe dogmas such as free trade always prevail over the democracy, people and the planet. We will continue to stand on the way of this toxic agreement and fight until it falls !" Left coordinator INTA Committee Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein, Ireland): "The provisional application of Mercosur is a profoundly undemocratic decision that undercuts the European Parliament and our role in the scrutiny of this Agreement. We referred it to the Court of Justice because profound legal concerns exist about Mercosur and the Commission's decision to go ahead with provisional application is a direct attack on the principle of parliamentary oversight and scrutiny. Mercosur is a rotten trade deal for people and the planet. European farmers cannot afford this deal and our environment will suffer because of the provisional application. Ursula von der Leyen and her Commission have proved time and again that they do not care about safeguarding farmers, protecting our planet or even respecting basic democratic norms." The Left will continue to oppose trade agreements negotiated behind closed doors, imposed by the European Commission without democratic consent and only profitable to corporate interests over people, the environment and public health.”
2026-04-30 “International Worker's Day: Solidarity is our strength — The Left takes to the streets for International Worker's Day with a strong message against militarisation Today, The Left in the European Parliament joins trade unions, cultural organisations, and activist movements at Place Albertine and across Europe to celebrate May 1st as a day of defiance and hope. Amidst a climate of rising militarisation and the erosion of social standards, our message is clear: the future of Europe belongs to the workers, not the billionaires. Our MEPs will also be out in their home countries standing for the struggle for social justice, equality and economic liberation. Martin Schirdewan said: "Given the march of fascist forces in Europe today, 1 May is an important day for The Left to remember those who have come before us in the struggle for workers' rights, equality, and the fight against fascism. It is also a time to reconnect with our friends, allies and comrades in the struggle and set out a vision for another kind of Europe than the one we see today. Heraus zum 1. Mai!" The struggle for social justice has never been more urgent. Working people are the engine of our society. Yet, this engine is being milked to fuel a crisis of greed. Across the continent, we are witnessing a coordinated simplification agenda - a strategic attempt by the far-right and the EU Commission to dismantle complex labour protections and strip away workers' rights under the guise of "efficiency." The Left Group stands for secure jobs and wages that let workers and their families live in dignity during their entire lifetime. We do fight for economic rules which put people and planet first. We uphold and defend solidarity, equality, democracy, social justice and cohesion. A few super rich men own more wealth than half the world's population. Taxing the rich is not just a matter of social justice. Fighting inequality is also essential to preserving democracy and addressing the climate crisis.”
2026-04-30 “Workers & Economic Justice — The movement for worker's rights has always been at the heart of our values. Today, EU's austerity, privatisation and deregulatory policies in favour of big businesses are devastating for workers. Our challenge to prevailing economic doctrine and growing inequality involves coordination across several policy areas, from demanding better employment and social rights to highlighting the devastating impact of tax dodging. The economy must serve the people, and we must ensure the fair distribution of wealth throughout societies, countries and regions.”
2026-04-30 “Gaza Flotilla attacked — Dozens of boats assaulted off the coast of Greece in act of state-sponsored piracy by IDF Last night, the Israeli military attacked the Global Sumud Flotilla in Greece's search and rescue zone as the flotilla attempted to carry humanitarian aid to the coast of Gaza, over a thousand kilometers from where the attack took place. At 21:30 local time an SOS signal was sent to the Greek Coast Guard as armed Israeli soldiers violently boarded the flotilla ships in international waters. Contact has not been re-established with many of the boats involved. The Left stands in solidarity with the flotilla crew and all those talking action against the genocide in Gaza and calls for immediate action against State-sponsored piracy in the Mediterranean. At this time, there has been no reaction or statement from European leaders for this breach of international law. Speaking from Strasbourg this morning, Left MEP and Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Palestine, Lynn Boylan (Sinn Féin, Ireland), said "Israel's attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla is a flagrant breach of international law and the latest act of international piracy by the Israeli Government. These boats are civilian ships on a humanitarian mission, crewed by ordinary people who cannot stay silent as Israel illegally blockades Gaza and as Western governments do nothing to end the siege. EU leaders cannot ignore Israel's illegal actions and must demand an end to the illegal interceptions at sea. Condemnation is not enough, we need suspension of the Association Agreement and sanctions on Israel now." MEP Rima Hassan (La France Insoumise, France), who was illegally detained and kept in solitary confinement in an Israeli prison for taking part in the October 2025 flotilla, said: "This interception, like all the previous ones, is illegal. The flotilla's action, in addition to being lawful, responds to political and humanitarian imperatives of the highest priority: breaking the blockade of Gaza, opening a humanitarian corridor, and denouncing the genocide and the international community's inaction regarding the crimes committed by Israel. Hundreds of citizens are carrying out this action at the risk of their lives, in response to the passivity, or even complicity, of European leaders. On land as at sea, Israel's impunity must end and justice must be delivered for the Palestinian people." Left MEP Emma Fourreau (La France Insoumise, France) who was illegally detained by Israeli forces on board the flotilla in October 2025 said: "Once again, Israel is abducting peaceful citizens. This time off the coast of Greece. Does the Mediterranean Sea now belong to them? Will the EU remain cowardly silent once more? Free our comrades who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people." The Left calls for sanctions, the immediate suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the enforcement of the orders from the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court.”
2026-04-29 “The Left leading the fight to defend to rule of law in EU — The European Parliament has adopted The Left report led by Left MEP Kostas Arvanitis: The Commission's 2025 Rule of Law Report - Annual Report 2025. For the first time, The Left group had the rapporteurship of the European Commission's 2025 annual report on the rule of law in the European Parliament, which gave us an opportunity to underline that assessments of the rule of law in Member States must fully include fundamental rights and remain objective, free from political influence. The rule of law is in decline across the European Union. It is the direct result of the rise of the far-right in several Member States and a far right agenda being pushed by so-called pro-European forces and the European Commission, systematically undermining our fundamental rights. In Hungary, attacks against women, antifascists, minorities, and queer people have become systemic. We cannot turn a blind eye and let this happen again. Orbàn might be gone but we need assurance that the rule of law in Hungary will be respected, especially after the EU court found the anti-LGBTQI+ law against the EU values. In the face of this, we can no longer afford inaction. Left MEP Kostas Arvanitis (Syriza, Greece) rapporteur said: Today's vote on the report has produced a report of broad consensus. We speak openly about the unacceptable nature of political interference and illegal surveillance. We call for the full implementation of the Media Freedom Act and the Anti-SLAPP Directive, and for greater transparency and accountability on digital platforms. We support fundamental social freedoms and human rights defenders, legislative transparency, sustainable funding, and the protection of academic freedom and democratic participation. We need stronger safeguards for fundamental rights in both the real and digital worlds, with emphasis on equality, combating discrimination, and protecting minorities and vulnerable groups. Our report should not follow the Commission's report. Ours should come first, and we should succeed in producing a joint report. The adoption of this report, by MEP Kostas Arvanitis (Syriza, Greece), marks a decisive step. It brings a fundamental fight back to the forefront : there can be no rule of law without social justice. By fully integrating economic and social rights, and by denouncing the normalisation of racist speech, this text calls for a political response equal to the challenges we face. Defending the rule of law is defending democracy. And The Left will continue to lead this fight.”
2026-04-29 “They want us pretty while we die — Chemical Omnibus legislation allows carcinogens and PFAS to remain in cosmetic products In the latest episode of the EU's damaging deregulation drive, the Omnibus VI on certain requirements and procedures for chemical products, the Parliament today supported measures that will allow companies to continue to make cosmetic products even when they are aware the ingredients are carcinogenic or harmful. The move has been aggressively driven by chemical and cosmetic lobbies, with the support of conservatives and the far-right in the European Parliament. The deregulation of labelling legislation (the CLP Regulation) will permit companies additional years before packaging has to state if an ingredient is carcinogenic. More strikingly, under the revision of the Cosmetic Products Regulation (CMR), even when chemicals in cosmetic products have been deemed dangerous and even banned, they will be allowed to remain on the market for more than five years after that decision. Speaking from Strasbourg today, The Left's shadow rapporteur on the legislation Per Clausen (Enhedslisten, Denmark) said: "The craziest thing about this, is that it literally means leaving substances that have been discovered to cause cancer for years on the market, where they can continue to cause harm. This clearly shows it is not really about simplifying the rules, but rather about diluting them at the cost of consumer protection." Trade Unions have raised serious concerns about the Chemical Omnibus, warning that "factory workers, farmers and hairdressers will be among workers put at higher risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals." Objecting to the approach of the European Parliament, The Left tabled a rejection amendment in plenary, as well as submitted amendments to ban the use of PFAS and endocrine disrupting chemicals in cosmetics, and to drastically shorten the time harmful products remain on the shelves.”
2026-04-29 “Stop protecting the tech bros — The European Parliament debated the implementation of the DMA and will vote on a resolution in plenary on April 30. Why are we still debating this text after having voted for and adopted it during the previous mandate? Because the European Commission is bending to Trump's threats and to his friends the tech bros. Trump insults. Trump threatens. Trump sanctions. Trump starts wars. And the European Commission congratulates itself: "It is the best deal we could get with the United States." Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, TikTok and others do not want to comply with European rules, and we are supposed to listen to them at the expense of Europe's digital independence. Left MEP Leila Chaibi (La France Insoumise, France) said in plenary: "I'm fed up with the European Commission bowing down to the United States. The DSA and the DMA are laws that we voted for here, in this chamber, and every time it's the same performance. To avoid irritating Uncle Sam, the Commission always follows the same strategy: dragging out investigations, delaying the announcement of sanctions, and reducing fines to the bare minimum. Big Tech complains, Washington gives the orders, and Brussels obeys. The Commission calls this diplomatic caution, but in reality it is regulatory submission, because a law that one refuses to enforce is a dead law. European digital sovereignty is not something that can simply be declared, it must be built. And it is built first and foremost by enforcing our laws, without hesitation, without special treatment; all of our laws, for everyone, including Donald Trump's friends." Left MEP Mario Furore (M5S, Italy) said in plenary: "The Digital Markets Act was created to limit the power of large platforms and ensure fairer markets. But nearly four years after its adoption, little or nothing has changed. The proceedings that have been launched have not produced the hoped-for results, and today we are facing a new and even more dangerous threat: the attack, as I mentioned, on the world of publishing and journalism. In this way, our democracy risks sinking. We call on the European Commission to apply the Digital Markets Act also to these new dangerous tools, which must be regulated, because the Commission must understand that if it does not keep pace with artificial intelligence, it risks arriving too late." The Left protects citizen interests. The Left will tax the rich. The Left will continue to fight”
2026-04-28 “No one should not come back from work — Today is the International Workers' Memorial Day. As usual, the European Parliament is content with holding a plenary debate instead of implementing concrete policies to protect workers' lives. According to the ILO, 3 million workers die every year. In Europe, although the 2025 figures are not yet public, in 2023 the EU recorded 3,298 workplace deaths and 2.83 million non-fatal accidents. European solutions to tackle this scourge are lacking. Our European leaders are focused on productivity and competitiveness, and on pleasing their favorite multinationals at the expense of workers' health. In 2013, when Rana Plaza collapsed in Bangladesh, causing the deaths of between 1,135 and 1,138 people and injuring more than 2,000 others, the worst tragedy in the textile industry. We had the opportunity to prevent such a tragedy from happening again through the "Due Diligence" directive. But apparently this was too complicated for the friends of the European Commission, so it decided to "simplify" things by stripping away the very essence of the directive: protecting workers. Not only should employers be held accountable in the event of tragedies like this, moreover with climate change, construction workers for example are also exposed to extreme heat waves that we could prevent. What is lacking is the political will to address the problem. The European Commission has published guidelines and recommendations. The European Parliament organises debates, but in concrete terms, what we want are political decisions to prevent these accidents, which can be avoided if we stop sacrificing workers on the altar of competitiveness.”
2026-04-28 “The EU's migration blackmail strategy — Low tariffs for developing countries who play ball on Fortress Europe policies In a vote today, the European Parliament backed a disgraceful proposal to punish developing countries with higher tariffs if they are deemed to be 'uncooperative' with Europe's draconian migration laws, conveniently just as the EU plans new Deportation Regulation. Since 2022, the EU has been negotiating a reform of the 'Generalised Scheme of Preferences' (GSP) a 50 year old program that enables developing countries to export goods to the EU at lower tariff rates. A deal reached in December 2025 included a cruel 'readmission conditionality' to allow the EU to withdraw trade preferences from countries deemed to be uncooperative on accepting deported citizens from Europe. The inclusion of the migrant readmission clause reflects a shift towards using trade as a tool to reinforce Fortress Europe. Back in July 2024 already, the EP Legal services wrote that the inclusion of the readmission conditionality would not be compatible with WTO rules. The negotiations were blocked in the previous mandate, but the Parliament's lurch to the right has today resulted in a vote in favour of this migration blackmail strategy. The Left's Shadow Rapporteur on the file Lynn Boylan (Sinn Féin, Ireland) spoke from Strasbourg today, saying: "The Parliament's vote on GSP is a step back for human rights and a step back for sustainable development. Throughout this process The Left has tried to remove the incredibly problematic clauses on the readmission of migrants to GSP beneficiary countries. This clause is not compatible with World Trade Organization rules and is a moral wrong which contradicts the entire spirit of the GSP as a tool for development. The EPP and other right-wing groups have highjacked the GSP file in an effort to serve their dehumanising anti-migrant agenda. We need sustainable development to tackle the root causes of displacement and build a more equal world and the GSP should play a part in that, not be weaponised to attack migrants."”
2026-04-28 “The von der Leyen militarisation budget — MFF prioritises military spending over the needs of working people A report outlining the European Parliament's position on the EU's budget for the 2028-2034 today caved to the Commission's demands to funnel EU funds away from social and environmental causes and into militarisation. Although the report defends a standalone European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the reinforcement of programmes like Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, the Parliament's position maintains a significant reduction in the relative weight of 'Heading 1' spending on cohesion, CAP and ESF+, decreasing from around 65% to approximately 45% of the total budget. Meanwhile 'Heading 2', von der Leyen's priorities of so-called 'competitiveness' and military spending, is more than doubled compared to the current MFF. What's worse, the report calls for over €38 billion to be spent on Fortress Europe policies under the guise of 'border management and security.' Speaking in Strasbourg today, The Left's shadow rapporteur on the report João Oliveira (PCP, Portugal) said: "Parliament's position, despite some positive elements, does not change the fundamentally negative direction already set by the Commission. Cohesion, agriculture and fisheries are being sidelined, while funding for militarisation and so-called "competitiveness" -- which largely benefits big economic groups -- is significantly increased. We need a budget that responds to people's needs. This is not that budget." The Left insists that increases in defence spending must never come at the expense of social, environmental, and cohesion funding. MEPs from The Left tabled amendments calling for better funding for climate action and biodiversity targets, a dedicated funding instrument for public housing, and for exploitative companies to be excluded from accessing EU funds, among others.”
2026-04-28 “Only yes, means yes — The Left demands immediate action from the European Commission after the adoption of the report "Importance of consent-based rape legislation in the EU". In 2024, the Council blocked the inclusion of a consent-based definition of rape in the combatting violence against women directive. This political failure left millions without equal protection. Two years later, we cannot wait any longer. Across the EU, outdated laws still fail survivors. A fragmented legal framework denies equal justice, undermines fundamental rights, and leaves victims unprotected. This must end now. The EU must align with the Istanbul Convention and guarantee a single, clear standard: only yes means yes. Consent must be explicit, and freely given. Silence is not consent. Fear is not consent. Marriage is not consent. Left Vice-Chair of Femm Committee and co-shadow rapporteur Irene Montero (Podemos, Spain) said: "The European Parliament has approved a definition of sexual violence based on the absence of consent. Basically, the European Parliament is saying that without consent, it is assault; if you want to have a sexual relationship with someone, you have to be sure that person also wants it before doing so. And there is still more. We have asked the European Commission to identify gender-based violence as a crime and to recognise sexual violence as a problem for the whole of society. We are going to keep fighting to go much further, specifically until all women have lives free from gender-based violence." Left MEP Isa Serra (Podemos, Spain) co-shadow: For centuries, women's bodies have been treated as objects at the disposal of men, and on the basis of that idea a culture was built in which women were considered assaulted, considered raped, only when they resisted; otherwise, it was assumed that we wanted it, that we were asking for it, or that we were lying. And although reactionary forces want to subordinate women again, want to push us back into the private sphere, they will not be able to stop the force of feminism, because today there is a consensus among younger generations: sexual relationships must be based on care, consent, equality, and respect. The European Commission must also act to recognise gender-based violence as an EU crime. Rape is rooted in patriarchal systems, inequality, and oppression, our response must be feminist, intersectional, and uncompromising. No more delays. No more excuses. Act now.”
2026-04-24 “Fighting Trumpism — The Left puts forward an alternative vision for taking down the right In an event today in the European Parliament The Left brought together civil society, grassroots organisers, and political leaders for a conversation about one of the defining political struggles of our time: how to confront the rise of authoritarian populism and defend democratic space on both sides of the Atlantic. The Left was joined by allies from across the Atlantic including the Democratic Socialists of America, and co-founder of the Amazon Labor Union Christian Smalls. Left MEP Estrella Galán (Sumar, Spain) said: "It is an important moment to organise together because this is not a simple five-year election cycle for the far-right. We are facing a global offensive attacking democracy directly and this attack is incarnated by one political leader in particular: Donald Trump. Trump is an international project of hatred which aims to substitute international law with that of the jungle and it is accompanied by a perverse alliance between political and technological power." MEP Kostas Arvanitis (Syriza, Greece) said "We are seeing a new tactic and strategy of encouraging fear from the far-right. We must tackle this by battling on the account of working people. The international far-right symbolised by the Bolsonaros and Trumps, are in a period where they can seemingly do as they please. They are creating alliances with tech and capital. And today is an opportunity for analysis but also to put forward the European experience of workers' resistance." MEP Pasquale Tridico (Movimento 5 Stelle, Italy) added "Fascism in Italy began like this: strongly protecting nationalism, defending the capitalist order because the working class was organising itself against the liberal order. Mussolini was a way to 'fix' the liberal order of industrial capitalism of the time. Similarly today, Trump is trying to 'fix' the ailing capitalism of today. We must dismantle the narrative of Trump today that he somehow stands for the working and middle classes."”
2026-04-24 “Advancing a European progressive industrial policy fit for the challenges of our time — In the European Parliament, the Left brought together experts, policymakers, and workers from the steel, automotive, and chemical sectors to confront the critical challenges facing European industry. At a time marked by mounting job insecurity and a shifting geopolitical landscape shaped by intensifying bloc rivalries, the event aimed to explore concrete policy alternatives and outline a viable industrial future for Europe. Discussions focused on how to preserve quality jobs, reorganise work, reduce working time, and develop digital commons that serve workers and citizens. They also highlighted the urgent need to build a broad alliance uniting labour, climate, and youth movements around demands for nationalisation, socialisation. Europe is at a turning point for its industry. Yet current policies, driven by competitiveness and austerity, are failing to protect workers or prepare for the future. Across the European Union, job losses are rising, while the proposed responses, ranging from a shift toward the arms industry to free trade agreements, do not offer a sustainable strategy. The green transition is essential, but it cannot come at the expense of workers. Without democratic planning and strong social guarantees, it risks deepening inequalities. Companies receiving public funding must be held accountable: no subsidies without clear commitments on jobs and working conditions. As economist Clara Mattei argues, austerity is not an accident but a structural feature of capitalism, reducing social resources to protect capital and limiting real alternatives. In this system, even unemployment can serve as a tool to maintain competitive pressure. Instead, new paths must be pursued: developing digital commons, as proposed by Cecilia Rikap, reducing working time, and strengthening economic democracy. Europe must change course and stop following an agenda dictated by big corporation. A credible industrial policy must serve workers, social justice, and the green transition.”
2026-04-23 “4 days of quality work a week — The Left's playbook for a better world of work presented to the European Parliament In the age of Elon Musk, Peter Thiel and the broligarchy, corporate powers are eroding workers rights at an alarming pace, with the help of the European right. Today in an urgent hearing in the European Parliament, The Left put forward an alternative vision for the world of work. A 4 day work week, the end of unpaid internships, and the protection of labour organisation were the topics at the heart of this vision presented by The Left and guests from Trade Unions, workers' organisations and activists. Left MEP Per Clausen (Enhedslisten, Denmark) said: "We live in dark times when most news is bad news and it's as if we spend all of our time fighting backsliding by the right wing. Employers and capitalists are demanding this backsliding but still there are examples to be found that trade unions and left-wing parties can achieve results which lead to better wages and better conditions. A better world is possible and in some places steps have already been taken in that direction. Today we present real examples that show a more inclusive and progressive approach to legislation is an opportunity." Chair of the EMPL Committee and Left MEP Li Andersson (Vasemmistoliitto, Finland) said: "Job intensity is getting worse for Europe. People are working more, with more stress with more emotional demands than previous. Another negative trend is how workers can participate in decision-making in the workplace. An increasing number of the lower middle class are now struggling to make ends meet. This shows that there is a need for transformative policies in the world of work."”
2026-04-23 “A turning point for women's health in Europe — Thursday 23 april, the Committee on Public Health (SANT) adopted the opinion "Gender inequalities in health, specifically as regards gender-specific conditions" by the Left rapporteur Catarina Martins (Bloco de Esquerda, Portugal). For the first time, a European Parliament file expressly calls for the creation of a strategy for women's health, an unprecedented political recognition of a gap that science has been highlighting. Here the reaction of Left MEP Catarina Martins: "This opinion marks a historic moment for women's health in Europe. We are calling for more EU funding for women's health, in particular for women's particular conditions that are underfunded and under researched, like menopause, endometriosis, PCOS, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, mental and neurological health, etc. We want the Commission and the Member States to formally recognize and prevent gynaecologic and obstetric violence, including non-consensual procedures, verbal abuse, and the dismissal of reproductive health concerns, as a violation of bodily autonomy and a systemic form of gender-based violence. However, the implications of this decision are far-reaching and wide-ranging. This means that European policies will have to ensure that scientific research effectively includes women, that clinical trials no longer systematically exclude them, and that the training of healthcare professionals considers the specific characteristics of the female body. The scientific community's warnings have been clear: women's bodies are under-represented in research, medical education and clinical practice, with extremely serious consequences for their health, their lives and lots of times, literally, their survival. Just take the example of the cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among women. Despite this, there is strong evidence that healthcare professionals are often unaware of or fail to recognise the cardiac symptoms experienced by women, which differ from the clinical presentations in men that are traditionally taught. Also, the introduction of artificial intelligence in healthcare adds a new risk that needs to be prevented. If AI is trained using data in which women are under-represented, it will perpetuate and amplify existing biases, making diagnosis and treatment even less appropriate. That's why we are calling for the collection of gender, sex and age disaggregated data for all the new technologies and medical devices, including AI. This a decisive step towards rectifying a historical injustice. It's about time to protect the health of half of Europe's population."”
2026-04-21 “The Left can Meme — The Left builds its own internet counter-culture in the age of the manosphere In an event hosted by The Left in the European Parliament today, social media gurus, influencers and online visionaries met to brainstorm on the way forward for Leftist online culture and strategy. With significantly less means than increasingly powerful fascist online movements, Leftist content creators have carved out an impressive presence online, and today was a chance for influencers from across Europe to plan the way forward. Martin Schirdewan (Die Linke, Germany) said: "We know what it's like when people stand shoulder to shoulder and draw a clear line against fascism. But today we must also ask what does that mean in an age when political power is not only decided in public squares but also on timelines, feeds and by algorithms. The battle for democracy and against fascism has moved online." Giorgos Georgiou (AKEL, Cyprus) said: "We need to adapt to the new reality of online content without losing our political essence or trying to emulate existing influencers. People are facing difficult circumstances in real life; losing their homes, struggling to get by, we need to be able to reach people facing real problems. And we need to remember that the internet can bring dialogue too."”
2026-04-21 “Four common sense measures against war profiteering — Your heating costs are going up (oil company profits are too) Oil giants are on track to make €24 billion in excess profits from motorists across Europe this year as a result of the Trump regime's attacks on Iran. The Left in the European Parliament today calls for immediate action against the war profiteering and price gouging of the fossil fuel industry. Speaking in the European Parliament today, Co-chair of The Left Manon Aubry (La France Insoumise, France) said: "The principle is simple: those who profit from the crisis must pay for it. This is not only basic economic policy - it is social justice, democratic responsibility, and collective resilience. And the long-term lesson is even clearer. A rapid transition to a climate-neutral, independent, and resilient energy system is not optional. It is the only durable protection against recurring crises." In order to tackle the opportunist capitalism of the oil executives, The Left proposes the following measures to be implemented urgently: Tax Excess Profits: The first and immediate step is to tax excess profits to ensure that crisis costs are not borne by workers while fossil fuel corporations cash in. This is an urgent corrective mechanism that stops crisis capitalism from deepening inequality and redirects resources toward the energy transition. According to analysis by the campaign group Transport and Environment, sustained high prices and ongoing volatility could generate up to €51 billion. A co-ordinated price cap: A coordinated price cap on oil and gas would prevent crisis-driven spikes from being passed directly onto households and small businesses. Essential energy must not become a luxury good because of geopolitical volatility. A cap stabilises expectations, reduces panic pricing, and shields society from speculative surges, while ensuring that public intervention, not market chaos, determines access to basic energy. Climate Neutrality: There must be no retreat from climate commitments. Instead, the EU must accelerate the path to climate neutrality: faster renewable deployment, expanded grids, storage capacity, and electrification. Crucially, the entire energy supply must be public and under democratic control. Invest in public infrastructure: As during the Covid pandemic, fiscal rules must be abolished to allow large-scale public investment in public infrastructure, social protection, and a just ecological transition. Austerity constraints are incompatible with the scale of transformation required for resilience and energy independence. So far the European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen has been hurtling in the opposite direction, proposing regulation cuts for corporations, the destruction of the European Green Deal, and a fixation on channelling social funds to weapons manufacturers in the name of 'defence'. For The Left in the European Parliament, another Europe is possible.”
2026-04-20 “Opportunity to suspend the EU-Israel Association now — European leaders must listen to the call of the public, or face the consequences come election time Ahead of an EU foreign ministers' meeting to discuss 'the situation in the Middle East' at the Foreign Affairs Council tomorrow, The Left in the European Parliament calls on European leaders to answer the call of European citizens and immediately suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Following the opening of a conference on the two state solution today by EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, The Left calls for more. Real economic and political pressure on the Netanyahu regime is needed as Israel continues to kill Palestinians and Lebanese despite claims of a ceasefire. This comes as over 1 million Europeans signed a record-breaking European Citizens' Initiative to end trade relations with Israel, and as the Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail for the shores of Gaza. Left MEP and Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Palestine Lynn Boylan (Sinn Féin, Ireland) said: "Suspending the Association Agreement is not a sanction, it is a decision to correctly apply the provisions of that Agreement which clearly predicates the beneficial trading arrangements that Israel enjoys on respect for human rights. EU leaders must stop pretending that they are dealing with a normal government. Their leader is wanted by the International Criminal Court and their ministers have championed hanging based on ethnicity. For Member States such as Germany and Italy, tomorrow's Foreign Affairs Council represents a test of whether these countries can finally stand up to Israel and uphold the EU's own agreements.”
2026-04-17 “A workers' cooperative, a factory, a dream — A modern story of workers taking control of their workplace for the common good In 2021, the workers of the GKN driveline factory in Campi Bisenzio in Italy took over their workplace and they have held it ever since. This came in response to an abrupt email from the new owners of the factory, Melrose Industries, informing employees that over 400 workers were to be laid off in yet another aggressive asset stripping exercise by the notorious firm. Since then, the factory has been transformed by a workers' cooperative rebranded as GFF (GKN For Future) and green conversion plans in order to produce low carbon, socially useful products like photovoltaic panels and cargo bikes. Workers have opened cooperative shares to the public while workers retain majority control, and have started a campaign to procure new machinery. More details about this campaign can be found here. Speaking in support of the ex-GKN workers, MEP and Chair of the FISC Committee Pasquale Tridico (Movimento 5 Stelle, Italy) said "Our solidarity and support goes to the workers of the former GKN company, where a new reindustrialisation project has emerged from the ashes of a bankrupt company. The EU must open funding channels to revive our ailing industry, particularly in the key sectors of ecological transition, light mobility, and renewable energy. Jobs are saved through action." Left MEP and Chair of the EMPL Committee Li Andersson (Vasemmistoliitto, Finland) said: "The GFF cooperative demonstrates the transformative potential of social movements capable of rethinking societies and making that vision a reality. By creating socially integrated and ecologically advanced business models based on democratic ownership by workers, they are setting an inspiring example that shows that another world is possible. That's why I stand in solidarity with the people of GFF." The Left in the European Parliament is proud to support the GFF cooperative, who have shown that Another Europe is Possible, built on mutual aid and working peoples' control of the means of production.”
2026-04-14 “Defending the rule of law in the European Union — LIBE Committee in the European Parliament has adopted The Left report led by Left MEP Kostas Arvanitis: The Commission's 2025 Rule of Law Report - Annual Report 2025. For the first time, The Left group had the rapporteurship of the European Commission's 2025 annual report on the rule of law in the European Parliament, which gave us an opportunity to underline that assessments of the rule of law in Member States must fully include fundamental rights and remain objective, free from political influence. The rule of law is in decline across the European Union. It is the direct result of the rise of the far-right in several Member States and a far right agenda being pushed by so-called pro-European forces and the European Commission, systematically undermining our fundamental rights. In Hungary, attacks against women, antifascists, minorities, and queer people have become systemic. We cannot turn a blind eye and let this happen again. Orbàn might be gone but we need assurance that the rule of law in Hungary will be respected. In the face of this, we can no longer afford inaction. The report reinforces the protection of journalists and civil society, tackles corruption, particularly at the highest political levels, and addresses the misuse of EU funds in ways that undermine fundamental rights. It also underlines that EU institutions themselves must be held to the same standards in order to maintain credibility and legitimacy. In addition, it incorporates economic and social rights, highlighting how housing insecurity, inequality, and limited access to essential services weaken genuine equality before the law. Left MEP Kostas Arvanitis (Syriza, Greece) rapporteur said: "Today, the annual INI report on the Commission's 2025 Rule of Law Report was approved by vote in the LIBE Committee. Having the honour to serve as the initiative rapporteur, I am delighted to ascertain that the collaboration of the progressive EP forces succeeded in delivering a strong report that reinforces the safeguarding of fundamental rights, democratic institutions, journalism, and public participation, confronts corruption, while addressing the misuse of EU funds and challenges in the separation of powers as key threats to the rule of law." The adoption of this report, by MEP Kostas Arvanitis (Syriza, Greece), marks a decisive step. It brings a fundamental fight back to the forefront : there can be no rule of law without social justice. By fully integrating economic and social rights, and by denouncing the normalisation of racist speech, this text calls for a political response equal to the challenges we face. Defending the rule of law is defending democracy. And this is a fight we must continue.”
2026-04-08 “A ceasefire is good, a lasting peace is better. — The Left welcomes the ceasefire between Trump and Iran announced last night. Although this news is a positive step, the agreement does not include Lebanon, and to move toward a just and lasting peace we must stop capitulating to the agendas of Trump and Netanyahu. Weeks after the launch of an illegal war by Trump, weeks marked by the bombing of schools and civilian infrastructure, and by threats to wipe out an entire civilization, a ceasefire has been announced. Good. But a just and lasting peace is better and the silence of European leaders such as Ursula von der Leyen, Kaja Kallas reveals their complicity with authoritarian leaders. This agreement must be strictly upheld by the United States. But it is outrageous that this ceasefire does not include Lebanon, which Israel continues to bomb. This illegal war must come to an end. Europe must stop acting as a pawn in the game of two dangerous men who believe they are entitled to anything. Not only do we expect a firm condemnation and actions from the European Union, but the pursuit of a just and lasting peace must be the priority, before more lives are sacrificed on the altar of delusional men.”
2026-03-26 “Suspend Israel's Most-Favoured-Nation status at the WTO — Israel cannot continue to enjoy preferential trading arrangements As the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization gets underway in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Left MEPs and civil society organisations called on WTO members to suspend Israel from enjoying Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) treatment until Israel ends its illegal occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) and fulfils its obligations under international law. MFN treatment is a core principle of the WTO whereby a WTO Member must give any advantage, favour or privilege granted to one trading partner to all other WTO Members, with some allowed exceptions. Article XXI of the 1947 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade allows countries to take measures in pursuance of its obligations under the United Nations Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security and was used as the basis for suspending Russia's MFN treatment. The Left calls for the same standards to be applied to all. Speaking from Yaoundé, MEP Lynn Boylan (Sinn Féin, Ireland) said: "Today we are making a clear call to all WTO members. Israel cannot continue to enjoy MFN treatment while they engage in a genocide against the Palestinian people and illegally occupy their land, while also breaching international law in Lebanon and Iran. When Russia illegally invaded Ukraine, the EU and G7 members rightly ended Russia's MFN treatment in recognition of the severe violations of the UN Charter and international law. The International Court of Justice have confirmed that the occupation of Palestine is illegal and a violation of the UN Charter and yet we do not see anything near the same level of action. I'm joining other MEPs and civil society organisations here in Yaoundé to demand that WTO members take real action for Israel's flagrant and repeated violations of the UN Charter. We can no longer tolerate double standards and hypocrisy as Israel escalates its occupation and annexation and is the source of huge regional and global instability. Suspending MFN is a concrete measure WTO members, including the EU, can take to demonstrate that Israel's violations of international law and destabilising influence will not be met with business as usual and continued trade benefits." MEP Rudi Kennes (Independent, Belgium) said "Israel has committed unspeakable atrocities on the Palestinians and Lebanese, in Syria, in Iran; illegal attacks on ambulances, hospitals, UNESCO sites, schools, temples. Any other country would have been ostracised by all by now. Instead, Israel still enjoys its Most-Favoured-Nation status in the WTO. This is unacceptable: it must be removed until Israel ends the occupation and abides to international law." MEP Rima Hassan (La France Insoumis, France) said: ""We cannot continue business as usual with a state that is committing genocide, that has been ordered by the International Court of Justice to end its unlawful occupation, and that maintains an apartheid system against the Palestinian population while carrying out military strikes across the region.The same standards the European Union applied when sanctioning Russia to defend the rules-based international order must also apply to Israel. Preferential trade and political cooperation cannot continue while serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law persist." The call accompanies a campaign by 27 national, regional and international civil society coalitions and trade justice activists known as the "Our World Is Not For Sale" (OWINFS) network. More info on the call can be found here.”
2026-03-26 “EU Parliament capitulates to Trump — The Left the only political group to table objection to trade deal, as Trump threatens to embargo Spain The European Parliament today surrendered to Trump's threats against Spain, Greenland and the European Union and voted for the EU-US 'Trade Deal'. The EU-US deal will see 15% tariffs on EU exports and 0% tariffs on US imports. Meanwhile Europe will be forced to buy over €1tn in US oil, liquid natural gas and defence products. The Left in the European Parliament was the only political group to have led any resistance to the deal, tabling an Objection Amendment to kill the deal and putting forward a request for adjournment of the vote. Speaking in the European Parliament today, MEP and Co-Chair of The Left Martin Schirdewan (Die Linke, Germany) said: "This trade deal enshrines the EU's subjugation to US economic interests. In addition, European states are to be obligated to purchase massive quantities of liquefied natural gas and fossil fuels from the US. Instead of European energy independence, we now have a new dependence on the US. This is utter madness. Even the US Supreme Court has ruled that this trade agreement has no valid legal basis." With annexation threats still hanging over Greenland, a 'full trade embargo' threatened against Spain, a US Supreme Court ruling striking down Trump's tariffs. and the global economy thrown into chaos by Trump's war on Iran, the EU cannot enter into any agreement in good faith with the United States. The Left calls for a braver, more ambitious response to Trump's economic coercion by killing the deal once and for all.”
2026-03-26 “Trump-ICE militia, a reality in Europe — The Left challenged the mandate of the Return Regulation after an anti-democratic process and racist content dictated directly by the heirs of nazism. The return regulation has been a democratic farce since the beginning of the legislative process, and recently the leak of WhatsApp groups has revealed what was long suspected: the EPP is working hand-in-hand with far-right groups to make Trump-style mass deportations a reality in Europe. What was once dismissed as extreme rhetoric is rapidly becoming codified law: mass detentions and deportations, including children, permanent re-entry bans for third-country nationals, invasive medical tests to "verify" age, Cooperation with the Taliban to facilitate deportations... Left MEP Estrella Galan (Sumar, Spain) said: "While the EU should be preparing a humanitarian plan for potential displacement caused by the war in Iran, Europe's right and far-right are pushing mass deportations. The disgraceful Return Regulation enables Guantánamos outside the EU and moves toward a European ICE, encouraging raids and expulsions. Europe is abandoning the banner of human rights, prioritising detention, normalising persecution, and externalising violence and institutionalised cruelty." By seeking to challenge this mandate, The Left, together with S&D and the Greens/EFA, are demonstrating our resistance not only to this democratic scandal but also to this racist regulation, which has no place in Europe, where human rights are fundamental. Please find here an explainer on the content of this regulation.”
2026-03-25 “Nothing to heal. Ban conversion practices in the European Union — The European Citizens' Initiative 'Ban on conversion practices in the European Union' has collected more than one million signatures across Europe. Today we are holding a debate in plenary session at the European Parliament, but it is not enough. Conversion therapy is a harmful and discredited practice that falsely treats LGBTIQ+ identities as illnesses to be "cured.", but this is simply a violation of fundamental human rights. LGBTIQ+ people are not sick, and they do not need to be fixed. Despite progress in several EU member states, conversion practices remain legal in some countries, and even promoted, like in Poland or Hungary, putting thousands of people at risk of psychological trauma, social rejection, and physical abuse. Left MEP Carolina Morace (Movimento 5 Stelle, Italy), Vice-Chair of the LGBTIQ+ Intergroup in the European Parliament: "Conversion practices are a brutal medieval legacy, incompatible with European values of freedom and equality. We support the European Citizens' Initiative and call on the European Commission to propose a Europe-wide ban on these practices. End discrimination against the LGBTIQ+ community."”
2026-03-25 “A lose-lose trade deal — The Left leads the charge against tariff 'agreement' with Trump The Left in the European Parliament has tabled an objection to the EU-US 'Trade Deal' which MEPs will vote on tomorrow. The EU-US deal embodies European capitulation to Trump, with 15% tariffs on EU exports and 0% tariffs on US imports. Meanwhile Europe will be forced to buy over €1tn in US oil, liquid natural gas and defence products. In accepting this deal, the European Union has failed to understand that transatlantic relations have collapsed and Trump cannot be held to his word. With annexation threats still hanging over Greenland, a 'full trade embargo' threatened against Spain, a US Supreme Court ruling striking down Trump's tariffs. and the global economy thrown into chaos by Trump's war on Iran, the EU cannot enter into any agreement in good faith with the United States. MEP and Co-Chair of The Left Martin Schirdewan (Die Linke, Germany) said: "This trade deal primarily benefits large U.S. corporations and will weaken our own industry which secures jobs across Europe. Moreover, the agreement no longer rests on any solid legal foundation. What we are currently witnessing is legal and political chaos. Trump is proving not to be a reliable partner, but rather a constant source of risk. This deal is therefore no basis for economic stability in Europe and, on the contrary, it undermines it." The Left in the European Parliament is the only political group to have tabled amendments against the report on the plenary agenda this week. The Left calls for a braver, more ambitious response to Trump's economic coercion by killing the deal once and for all.”
2026-03-19 “Workers' rights must not be undermined by the 28th Regime — The Left will not stand by while ambiguity puts workers' rights at risk. We will be the watchdog of this process, and we will make sure that nothing in the so-called "28th regime" opens the door to undermining labour protections. The legal base does not allow the European Commission to interfere with labour law. And yet, the proposal leaves grey zones that could force courts to decide between corporate interests and workers' rights. That is not a technical issue, it is a political choice, and a dangerous one. We stand with the concerns raised by the European Trade Union Confederation. Their call to include explicit safeguards in the regulation is not excessive, it is necessary. Ursula von der Leyen has said, repeatedly, that labour law will not be touched. Then there should be no hesitation in putting this commitment in black and white. We will hold her and the Commission to their word. Left Chair of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee Li Andersson (Vasemmistoliitto, Finland) said: "Ursula von der Leyen has publicly stated, multiple times, that labor law would not be touched in the 28th regime proposal. This intention is not reflected in the proposal. This intention, which is in line with the chosen legal base, must be clarified with added safeguards. The principle must not change: labour, employment and social rights of workers are based on where the work happens. This needs to be clear and we cannot accept workers rights being weakened, unintentionally or intentionally." Workers' rights are non-negotiable, this must be crystal clear in the text. Because ambiguity is never neutral, it can slowly, quietly erode protections that took decades to build. The Left will make sure that workers' rights are not weakened, not today, not through the back door, and not under the cover of legal uncertainty.”
2026-03-11 “Defend against US sanctions — European Commission thinks 'outreach' will stop Trump, The Left demands the blocking statute The blocking statute, or EU Blocking Regulation, is a legal shield for individuals against US sanctions, making it illegal for EU firms such as banks to comply with sanctions. In a resolution of 9 July 2025, Parliament called on the Commission to activate the blocking statute to protect sanctioned International Criminal Court (ICC) judges. It repeated this in a resolution on the 11th of September and added that European operators should be protected from the effects of US sanctions in line with Member States' binding commitments to the Rome Statute. The European Commission so far has done nothing. In his address to the Parliament today, EU Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič again refused to implement the blocking statute to protect Europeans from Trump's sanctions. Instead, the Commission 'regrets' sanctions against ICC judges, but relies only on 'outreach' in order to try and convince Trump not to sanction Europeans. The Left is not convinced of the merits of such a strategy. Speaking today, Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Palestine Lynn Boylan (Sinn Féin, Ireland) said "The EU has done nothing as the ICC has been attacked and as judges have been sanctioned for doing their jobs. The EU has failed to defend the UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese as she has been attacked and sanctioned for telling the truth about the genocidal Israeli regime. Their work must be respected and the arrest warrants for war criminals like Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant must be executed." MEP Marc Botenga (PTB/PVDA, Belgium) said: "The US sanctioned the ICC judges because they didn't do exactly what the USA wanted. They sanctioned the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories because she wrote a report they didn't like. And they sanctioned an entire country; they suffocate the island of Cuba because they want a different economic policy. This is the gangster politics of a rogue state. Europe has the tools but it chooses to do nothing. When Trump acts, the EU sleeps." The Left in the European Parliament has long called for the European Union to implement the Blocking Statute to defend international law from the worst reflexes of the Trump regime. The Left recalls that human rights defenders such as Francesca Albanese and others should also benefit from the Blocking Statute in order to continue their vital work and indeed to survive.”
2026-03-11 “Iran: The Cowardice of EU Leadership — Ursula von der Leyen tries the old bait-and-switch trick in address to Parliament today In her address to the European Parliament this morning, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen once again failed to condemn US and Israeli massacres of civilians from Tehran to Beirut, including the US bombing of Minab Girls' School which killed over 150 people, most of them schoolchildren. Bizarrely instead, the President used the majority of the speech to discuss energy markets, the Emissions Trading System and her obsession with 'competitiveness', in what was seemingly an effort to deflect from European Union leaders' utter failure to play a constructive role in resolving world conflict. Responding to von der Leyen from the floor of the European Parliament today, Co-chair of The Left Manon Aubry (La France Insoumise, France) said: "The war waged by the United States and Israel in Iran and Lebanon is completely illegal under international law. No one will mourn Ayatollah Khamenei but who seriously believes that democracy can be restored with bombs? Have you learned nothing from Iraq and Afghanistan? These bombs kill indiscriminately, as in the Minab school, where 150 young Iranian women were murdered. If you love war so much, Ms. Von der Leyen, send your children to fight, but don't count on us. We say no to war and its profiteers!" MEP Giorgos Georgiou (AKEL, Cyprus) said: "Mr Trump and the war criminal Netanyahu have opened the gates of hell. For all of our talk about democracy, it does not exist in Iran, it doesn't exist in the Gulf countries and it cannot be enforced by bombs. Let's be honest, this is about oil. The consequences of this war will be huge: the loss of life for which Ms von der Leyen has been very selective, the higher prices and refugee flows. We must leave space for diplomacy, peace and respect for international law." The Left stands with the people of Iran against Mullahs, Ayatollahs, would-be-Shahs and American Presidents. Only the Iranian people have the right to determine their own future. Regarding the attacks on British bases on the island of Cyprus, The Left together with its partners in the AKEL party call for the dismantling of British bases on the island and the end of the use of the island's strategic position to escalate conflicts around the world. Cyprus, and indeed Europe, must not tie itself to the aimless military strategy of the US-Israeli war machine.”
2026-03-10 “The eviction report — Rapporteur met with construction and tech lobbyists 25 times over course of drafting European Parliament's response to the housing crisis The European Parliament today adopted its final report on "tackling the Housing Crisis in the European Union" by 367 votes to 166, with 84 abstentions. The Left voted against the text which exploits a major social crisis to promote deregulation, weaken social and environmental standards, and criminalise the poorly housed. In the debate over the report this morning The Left's rapporteur Leila Chaibi warned of the influence of construction and tech lobbyists such as Airbnb in the formation of the report, noting that the conservative rapporteur met with such lobbyists 25 times over the course of negotiations, meeting with tenants rights' groups just once. Meanwhile housing rights groups such as the European Action Coalition have raised the alarm about the failings of the report. Despite the scale of the housing crisis in Europe, this report refuses to address its root causes: speculation, the financialisation of housing, and vacant properties. Instead, it paves the way for policies that penalise the most vulnerable, calls for 'timely' evictions and offers a 'super tax cut' for property developers without any requirements for social and affordable housing. Speaking from the floor of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, The Left's shadow rapporteur on the report Leila Chaibi (La France Insoumise, France) today said: "The housing crisis demands political courage to confront real estate and financial interests. Instead, this report protects investors, blames tenants, exploits the crisis to justify deregulation, and worst of all, criminalises the most vulnerable. Those who claim to be on the left and voted for this text will have to explain how they can endorse such measures." The Left will continue to fight to defend those most directly impacted: making housing a fundamental right, taxing investment funds that speculate on housing, regulating short-term rental platforms, strengthening tenants' rights, filling vacant housing, and setting a binding target of zero homelessness in Europe.”
2026-03-05 “From Washington to Brussels: Trump-ICE militia — The "Return Regulation" will be voted on Monday, 9 March in the LIBE Committee of the European Parliament. After a deeply undemocratic process, the European Union mirrors inspiration from Donald Trump and his ICE militia in the United States to build a system of mass deportations. While Europe rightly expresses outrage at the actions of ICE in the U.S., our leaders claim that such practices do not happen in Europe. Yet with this Return Regulation, it will be a reality here as well. This file amounts to nothing less than the creation of a mass deportation machine. And yet many parliamentary forces in the European Parliament seem increasingly unconcerned with the protection of fundamental human rights. The process surrounding this file has been a joke from the very beginning, culminating in the cancellation of the final negotiation meeting before the committee vote. The new alliance between the EPP and the far right has washed its hands of the matter, prioritising democratic chaos over human lives to push for their racist agenda. This is unacceptable. Left MEP Estrella Galan (Sumar, Spain), rapporteur for The Left on the "return regulation" said: "As a hostage of the far right, the EPP places the expulsion of human beings without rights or guarantees at the center of EU migration policies, without respecting the principle of non-refoulement. But they do not want this to be known, and so they are stealing the parliamentary debate and forcing us into a chaotic vote on a regulation whose content we still do not know after months of negotiations." The Left and the Greens will table a minority report and on behalf of the Left Estrella Galan will challenge the mandate next plenary session. If they expect silence, they will find resistance.”
2026-03-03 “Menopausal Transition - It's time for an EU strategic Plan! — The Left Group has organised an event "Menopausal Transition - It's Time for an EU Strategic Plan!" in the European Parliament to break the taboo surrounding menopause. Together with researchers and civil society representatives, our Left MEPs Catarina Martins (Bloco de Esquerda, Portugal) and Sebastian Everding (Partei Mensch Umwelt Tierschutz, Germany) have shed light on an issue that has for too long remained invisible and unspoken in public debate. Menopause has been treated for too long as a private issue or a "lifestyle" matter. When half of the population goes through a biological transition with significant health, social and economic consequences, it is not a lifestyle matter, it is a public health priority and a fundamental health right. The gender health gap in the EU is reflected in the chronic underfunding of research on women's bodies, the persistent misdiagnosis of menopausal symptoms, and the lack of coordinated public policies. The menopause transition is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological diseases, yet EU prevention strategies rarely address these connections in a systematic way. This neglect has real consequences for women's health, economic security and participation in the labour market. We need an EU strategy on menopause, backed by dedicated funding. This must include investment in research and innovation, integration of menopause into EU public health programmes, common standards to prevent discrimination in the workplace, and better data collection to close the gender health gap. If the European Union is serious about equality, it must recognise menopause as a structural health issue and commit the political will and financial resources necessary to ensure that all women, across all Member States, have access to the care, information and protection they deserve.”
2026-03-03 “EU embraces violent regime change in Iran — Few lessons learned from 2003 invasion of Iraq Following indiscriminate US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory strikes across the region, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has thrown the weight of the European Union behind regime change in Iran, in a move that will exacerbate tensions in the Middle East. MEPs from The Left in the European Parliament have warned that recent statements at the highest levels in the European Union refusing to condemn the bombing of Iran constitute an abandonment of international law, which will see the world become a much more dangerous place for all. Left MEP Marc Botenga (PTB/PVDA, Belgium) said: "The US-Israeli attack on Iran flagrantly violates international law and the UN Charter. Yet shockingly Commission President Von der Leyen and HRVP Kaja Kallas refuse to condemn it. They rightly denounce Russia's violations in Ukraine but excuse violations by the US and Israel. This war is not about democracy or human rights. Throughout the region, Western military intervention has brought destruction, not democracy. Who could believe Trump and war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu care about Iranian lives? This war must stop now. Iranians must have the right to decide on their future for themselves" The Left recalls that only the people of Iran can decide on their future beyond the Islamic regime, free from international interference and the illusion that countries can be bombed into democracy. Europe's failure to stand up for the basic principles of international law legitimises a world order where power and violence rules supreme, endangering lives throughout the world.”
2026-02-27 “Von der Leyen's Push to provisionally apply the EU-Mercosur deal is a democratic bypass — Following the overnight ratification of the EU-MERCOSUR agreement by Argentina and Uruguay, Ursula von der Leyen is accelerating the process to impose her deal by announcing: it will be provisionally apply the agreement before the European Parliament votes on it. Proceeding before the European Court of Justice has delivered its opinion risks forcing a renegotiation if the agreement is found incompatible with EU Treaties. At the same time, allowing the deal to take effect before Parliament gives its consent would create a political fait accompli. Once market access is opened and economic interests are engaged, rejecting the agreement becomes politically and diplomatically far more difficult. This would severely weaken Parliament's role as a democratic check. It would also set a dangerous precedent. It would signal that parliamentary consent can be side-stepped whenever politically convenient, progressively eroding European Parliament's prerogatives in future trade policy. At a time when the EU claims to defend the rule of law, and democratic standards globally it should not weaken its own safeguards. Provisional application without prior parliamentary consent, represents a serious breach of democratic procedure, and should therefore be rejected. Left Vice-Chair of the Committee on International Trade Manon Aubry (La France Insoumise, France) said: "Ursula von der Leyen's triggering of provisional application is an absolute democratic scandal. Having the largest free trade agreement in history implemented without any elected official voting on it and before the Court of Justice of the European Union verifies its legality is just insane. This is a grave move that sets a dangerous precedent, showing how far the Commission is willing to go to impose free trade at the expense of people and the planet." Left Coordinator for the Committee on International Trade Lynn Boylan (Sinn Féin, Ireland): "This is a shameful and undemocratic decision by Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commission. The European Parliament has made clear that we are not satisfied about the legality of the Agreement and yet the Commission have decided to ignore the democratically elected Members of the European Parliament." The Left will continue to oppose trade agreements negotiated behind closed doors, imposed by the European Commission without democratic consent and only profitable to corporate interests over people, the environment and public health.”
2026-02-26 “My voice, my choice: a bittersweet response — The European Commission has delivered its decision on the "My Voice, My Choice" initiative, and yes, the European Commission has delivered a response, but it does not deliver rights. The European Citizens' Initiative "My Voice, My Choice" gathered more than 1.2 million signatures to guarantee the right to a safe and legal access to abortion across Europe. Despite attacks from the right and far right, as well as intense lobbying from extremist groups, the initiative received the green light from the European Parliament. The European Commission will allow the use of ESF+ funds, which represents a positive step forward, however, no additional funding will be specifically allocated. They also decided not to propose any legislative action, arguing that it is unnecessary. Meanwhile, a polish woman named Lela, who is 15 weeks pregnant and seriously ill, is unable to access a life-saving abortion and could die from it. This is the reality of the fight for abortion rights. It is imperative that we stand up for women rights not to turn a blind eye and let lobbyists controlling women's bodies. Left MEP Emma Fourreau (La France Insoumise, France) said: "1.2 million citizens had a clear demand: to guarantee legal and safe abortion for the more than 20 million people in Europe who still do not have access. The response from the European Commission is hypocritical: it will not propose new legislation on the issue, nor additional funding, claiming that a fund already exists... which is, however, already used to finance food aid, inclusion, and youth employment! We must do better, let's demand truly universal access to abortion in Europe with a dedicated fund." This war against women's bodies must end now. We refuse to accept a future where women rights are bargained away or denied by patriarchy. We will organise, mobilise, and fight relentlessly until safe and legal abortion is guaranteed for every woman, everywhere in Europe.”
2026-02-26 “Israeli Apartheid Intensifies — EU buries head in the sand as Knesset legislates for death penalty for Palestinians The European Commission must stop hiding behind the Council's inability to reach unanimity, and immediately suspend trade relations with Israel following the decision of the Israeli government to proceed with legislation that will see the death penalty introduced, effectively targeting Palestinians only. In an urgent press conference today, Ahmed Abofoula of Palestinian NGO Al Haq and Yoav Shemer-Kunz of Israel's B'Tselem gave background on the legislation. Even in its supposedly 'watered-down' form, the Death Penalty for Terrorists Bill implements capital punishment with different applications in Israel's civil courts for Israeli citizens and military courts for Palestinians. This is apartheid. Left MEP and Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Palestine Lynn Boylan (Sinn Féin, Ireland) said: "One of the great achievements of the European Union and the Council of Europe has been the abolition of the death penalty in Europe. We need to see much stronger actions from the EU on the death penalty bills. Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement states that the agreement is predicated on respect for human rights. The EU must ask itself whether they can stand by and watch such blatant violations of human rights by the Israeli Government and do nothing. These bills will further normalise the everyday dehumanisation of Palestinians, they will further entrench the cruelties and international law violations of the occupation and ultimately they demonstrate that the Israeli Government has no respect for human rights or international law." MEPs Cecilia Strada and Mounir Satouri of the S&D and Greens/EFA groups also participated in the press conference and in the call for Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas to act against apartheid.”
2026-02-23 “Don't postpone the EU-US deal, kill it — Constant prevarication will not help EU survive the Trump presidency In response to the decision this week by the Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade to put the EU-US tariff deal 'on hold', The Left calls for a braver, more ambitious response to Trump's economic coercion by killing the deal once and for all. Co-Chair of the Left and shadow rapporteur on the EU-US deal Martin Schirdewan (Die Linke, Germany) said: "Instead of clinging to an obviously failed agreement, we should bury this agreement and renegotiate on equal terms. It's barely comprehensible that conservatives still wanted to hold onto this deal. Trump proves almost daily that he is not a reliable trading partner. Even when he tries to construct new legal bases for his punitive tariffs, none of them create long-term legal certainty or predictability. Commission President von der Leyen and the EU heads of government have caved in, and the US Supreme Court has overturned the tariffs. This is a trade policy disaster. The EU's concessions must now be withdrawn, and the Anti-Coercion Instrument must finally be applied. The EU-US agreement was supposed to create stability and reliability - instead, it has produced uncertainty and chaos. Our steel exports to the US have already plummeted by around 30 percent while US government threats against European digital legislation are intensifying."”
2026-02-19 “Von der Leyen, Viceroy of Gaza — Decision to send Commissioner to Board of Peace makes EU an active participant in dismantling international law The Left in the European Parliament abhors the decision of the European Commission to send Commissioner Dubravka Šuica to take part in Trump's so-called 'Board of Peace' which will establish a new colonial regime for Gaza. No Palestinians will be included on the Board, though ICC fugitive Benjamin Netanyahu will be. The move is yet another pathetic act of bending the knee to Trump and his plans to build beachfront property on the graveyard of a genocide. While Trump dismantles the UN piece by piece, this decision by the European Commission gives assent to the project to undermine international law. Left MEP and Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Palestine Lynn Boylan (Sinn Féin, Ireland): "The decision of Ursula von der Leyen to send Commissioner Dubravka Šuica to the Board of Peace is a reckless attempt to normalise a neocolonial governance framework for Gaza which undermines the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people. It seems this decision was taken without consulting Member States and is another instance of Von der Leyen acting without a mandate. The EU should never normalise an entity like the Board of Peace and sending a Commissioner sends a clear signal that the Commission is unconcerned with the rights of the Palestinian people to decide their own future."”
2026-02-12 “Subcontracting Homesick Blues — Subcontracting has become the new normal in labour exploitation The European Parliament today passed a key report urging the European Commission to take on exploitative subcontracting practices that have now become a familiar experience for millions of workers in Europe. From hospitality to agriculture, construction to public administration, exploitative subcontracting practices where companies engage chains of intermediaries to reduce social security and hiring costs often leave workers with precarious short term contracts and limited rights. At its worst, subcontracting can kill. Workers face unsafe conditions, wage theft and violent exploitation. Workers are often recruited in one country, subcontracted through a second, and exploited in a third. Many deaths and injuries due to hazardous conditions have exposed the human and social cost of subcontracting. The report passed in Parliament today is a positive step forward. It calls on the Commission to put forward a framework limiting subcontracting chains and stresses the need for public registers for subcontractors. It also urges a drastic increase in labour inspections. However it fell short of calling explicitly for a Directive, banning subcontracting of core activities or setting limits to the ridiculous situation of multilevel subcontracting. Speaking on the Parliament floor today, Left MEP and shadow rapporteur Leïla Chaibi (La France Insoumise, France) said: "At the end of these long subcontracting chains are workers in precarious conditions risking their health and even their lives. But for many companies these are 'just subcontractors'. This is exploitation, not competitiveness, and we can turn a blind eye to it no longer. Companies must be made to take responsibility for the welfare of employees. It's time for the Commission to act." On Tuesday, hundreds of trade unionists gathered outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg to mobilise support ahead of the vote and to call on MEPs to do the right thing. The Left is the only group in the European Parliament that stands unanimously with workers against corporate lobbying.”

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