Plenary18. November 2008

EU responses to the world financial crisis

Council and Comission Statement

Speech by Monica Frassoni

Greens/EFA Co-President Monica Frassoni emphasised that with the financial crisis spreading to the real economy, we urgently need a stronger system of regulation and bank supervision worthy of the name. Barroso and his Commission played a key part in the causes of the crisis. When talking about solutions, he should hold his hand up and accept his share of responsibility if he hopes to keep any credibility.

Press Conference19. November 2008

Press briefing

Strasbourg 18.11.2008

Speech by

Greens/EFA Co-Presidents Daniel Cohn-Bendit and Monica Frassoni strongly criticised the European Commission of Barroso and McCreevy for its part in the financial crisis. Greens will consider proposing a vote of censure and will oppose the return of Barroso as Commission President in 2009. Cohn-Bendit also raised the possible delay of the EP debate of the climate package in December. "Europe is missing a chance to be at the avant-garde of climate protection", he warned. Monica Frassoni protested against the exclusion of the Greens in the inter-institutional working group on lobbying. Some of the EP nominees "are no champions of trasnaprency", she declared. Audio in French, German and English.

Press Conference11. November 2008

A Global Contract Based on Climate Justice

The Need for a New Approach Concerning International Relations

Speech by Caroline Lucas

The Ecosocial Forum Europe, together with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and several other partners organized a high-level conference with many important speakers, among them Lord Nicholas Stern, Hans Joachim Schellnhuber CBE, Gunilla Carlsson, Franz Fischler, Ashok Khosla.

other05. November 2008

Working time

Employment committee calls time on excessive working hours

Speech by Jean Lambert

"I am very pleased that MEPs have today shown their commitment to ending opt-outs from the Working Time Directive, meaning there would be no exception for the UK, which has been pressing for an indefinite opt-out to an average 48 hour working week."

other04. November 2008

Blue card vote

Migrant Blue Card heads for Tuesday vote

Speech by Jean Lambert

The proposed European Blue Card directive for skilled immigrants has passed a crucial vote in the Civil Liberties Committee this week.

Plenary21. October 2008

Workers rights

Fundamental rights first

Speech by Elisabeth Schroedter

Green MEP Elisabeth Schroedter says negative rulings from the European Court of Justice have undermined the credentials of "Social Europe". Fundamental rights, such as to strike and to enjoy job mobility must take priority over economic concerns. She calls for revision of the Posting Directive.

Plenary21. October 2008

EU-Russia relations

Slipping towards another Cold War?

Speech by Rebecca Harms

Green MEP Rebecca Harms points to the importance of the South Caucasus, saying that the EU must be more willing to engage in this region than it has in the past. She warns that a Cold War would only harm both the West as well as Russia and calls for the West to adopt the right tone in its statements towards Russia.

other23. September 2008

Greens back open source declaration

The Greens support efforts to promote open source software and oppose monopolies in the IT-sector.

other19. September 2008

Telecom package: what impact on data protection?

A Greens/EFA Hearing

Green MEPs Rebecca Harms and European Data protection adviser Peter Hustinx gave their views

Plenary04. September 2008

Situation in Georgia

Speech by Daniel Cohn-Bendit

Russia's intervention and the Georgian president's decision to attack a town are unacceptable. And NATO or NATO membership is not the answer, according to Daniel Cohn-Bendit. The EU should propose a privileged partnership that is more than just social and economic in nature, it should offer a first step towards possible integration. Nationalism can only lead to war.

Plenary04. September 2008

Electronic communications and services

Speech by Rebecca Harms

Speaking on the Trautman and Harbour reports, Rebecca Harms says that the "digital dividend" from opening up new frequencies has been hugely overestimated. The Harbour report offers positive aspects such as consumer rights and access to services for people with disabilities. But the Greens oppose any move to allow internet service providers to restrict people's access on the basis of their use.