MEPs have called for the EU to increase its emission reductions to be in line with the Paris Agreement. They also want the bloc to phase out fossil fuels as soon as possible and to scale up finance for climate adaptation, as well as to support communities experiencing devastating climate impacts in developing countries. The…
The people of Ukraine are the winners of the 2022 Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought. The decision, made on Wednesday, was broadly welcomed. S&D members said the European Parliament’s choice of this year’s final laureate. “reaffirms our wholehearted support to Ukrainians in the war waged by Russia, the most brutal attack on peace in…
The European Commission has presented a new emergency package aimed at combating the sharp increase in gas prices. The package was published ahead of the energy summit on Thursday and Friday this week. The Greens/EFA Group says it welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a joint gas purchase tool, but it’s uncertain if this will be enough…
Senior MEP Carlo Fidanza has warned that while alternative fuel infrastructure plays an important role in the decarbonisation of transport, locking the industry more and more into electromobility “will not solve Europe’s future mobility problems.” The member spoke out after the adoption of a revised fuels infrastructure by the majority of the European Parliament. He…
Members of the European Parliament have adopted its position on the General Budget of the European Union for the financial year of 2023. On the overall budget, the plenary backed MEP negotiation achievements on more money for energy-related issues, health, education, culture, humanitarian aid and migration. Energy-related money was increased by 300 million euros to…
On World Mental Health day this year (10 October), Mental Health Europe hosted an event at the European Parliament focusing on refugees, migration and mental health. World Mental Health day comes and goes every year, complete largely with perfunctory nods from politicians towards “delivering”, “stakeholders” and “comprehensive solutions”. The proceedings organised by the European Parliament…
Greens/EFA MEPs have elected Terry Reintke MEP as the new leader of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament. The former Vice-President of the Group shares the Group Presidency with Philippe Lamberts. She takes over from Ska Keller MEP, who announced last month she was stepping aside from her role as President. Reintke said, “I am…
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has issued a strongly worded mmessage to those who threaten peace in the world. She spoke about the importance to always defend our European way of democracy, rights and liberties. Her comments came in Brussels at a conference of EU ambassadors. The Maltese MEP said, “We are facing challenges on…
The President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola has condemned the “brutal invasion” of Ukraine Addressing ‘Night of European Ideas’ in Berlin, she called for further support to Ukraine. She said, “Tanks are needed. We must be able to take that next step.” The MEP said, “Europe is facing new times. We are tasked with…
Socialists and Democrats in the EU parliament have urged member states to “remain united, increase their assistance to Ukraine, including military, and swiftly impose a new package of economic sanctions against Russia to cut its ability to continue the war.” At the request of the S&Ds, the EP debated Russia’s serious escalation of its aggression…
