MEPs will this week vote on the recommendations of the Special Inquiry Committee for Animal Transport (ANIT), which was launched on the initiative of the Greens/EFA group. The recommendations will be the basis for the Commission’s new legislation on transporting animals in the EU, with proposals expected by 2023. The Greens/EFA group say they have…
Parliament
Digital Single Market Needs Clear Rules
The EPP group has welcomed what it calls “new and strong” rules for online platforms. “The European Parliament will send a strong signal that we want a Digital Single Market with clear rules, strong consumer protection and a business-friendly environment”, said Arba Kokalari, speaking during plenary debate on the Digital Services Act (DSA) in the…
Making the EU a True Health Union
The EPP Group wants the European Union to become what it calls a true Health Union with more health powers. To this end, the EPP Group will vote this week for more resources for the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to prevent shortages of critical medicines and medicinal devices. Furthermore, clinical trials will be made more…
Roberts Zile Elected EP Vice President
ECR MEP Roberts Zīle has been elected as Vice-President of the European Parliament. The announcement came with the results of the second ballot of votes to elect the 14 Vice-Presidents, whereby MEP Zīle received a majority of 403 votes from his colleagues from across the chamber. Following Mr Zīle’s election, Co-Chairman of the ECR Group Ryszard…
Greens to Support Newly Elected EP President Metsola
The Greens/EFA Group have congratulated Roberta Metsola on her election as President of the European Parliament and offer “critical and constructive” cooperation. The Greens/EFA Group called on all political groups in the European Parliament to ensure proportional representation of the democratic groups of the European Parliament when electing the European Parliament Vice-Presidents. The Greens/EFA Group…
EP Approves Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
ECR MEP Zbigniew Kuzmiuk’s Opinion pertaining to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has been adopted by the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee (AGRI). The Opinion voices firm support for the introduction of the new mechanism, but also expresses some concerns of Committee members’ surrounding the potential consequences of its implementation. “I am very pleased with…
Parliament to Honour Memory of President David Sassoli.
European Parliament President David Sassoli passed away in Aviano (Italy) on 11 January. A Member of the European Parliament since 2009, he was elected President in July 2019 for the first half of the legislature. President Sassoli adopted extraordinary measures enabling the European Parliament to carry out its duties and exercise its prerogatives under the…
Is Investment in Gas Green?
The EPP group says gas “can bridge the gap” and reduce CO2 emissions faster. In a statement, it said, “To reduce Europe’s CO2 emissions, we also need gas. Not for ever and everywhere, but for a transitional period and in certain situations.” It goes on, “Gas is the cleanest fossil energy source and gas infrastructure…
Green Deal Needs Nuclear Power to Work
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) has signalled support for the European Commission’s proposal to include nuclear energy and fossil gas in the so-called “Taxonomy Regulation”, which sets out the criteria for green investments. “Without the promotion of nuclear energy, the scenario of high energy prices could worsen in the future. When it comes…
Court Rules Closure of Respected Russian NGO “Memorial”
“By liquidating Memorial, the Kremlin wants to liquidate the history of thousands of millions of victims of the political terror of the Soviet Union. It also wants to liquidate the records about hundreds of political prisoners in present day Russia.” “We demand that the Russian authorities reverse this decision and stop the ongoing crackdown on…










