Implementation of the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI)

Green/EFA Group position paper

The European Citizens' Initiative is one of the innovations introduced by the Lisbon Treaty. The ECI is the very first step towards a more participatory model of democracy in Europe and will for the first time give people the possibility to raise issues and to bring them on the agenda of their political institutions.

Barroso II Commission

Greens/EFA motion for resolution

Greens/EFA reiterate that the procedure for nomination and election of the Commissioners remains unsatisfactory and plead for a new procedure. They believe that the incoming Commission must be measured against the challenges of overcoming this triple crisis, as well as defining the role of the EU on global level and they regret that President Barroso's work program does not give convincing guarantees.

Access to documents

Greens/EFA motion for a resolution

This motion for a resolution is about improvements needed to the legal framework for access to documents following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty

Greens/EFA Group demands for the next EU Commission

Towards a Green New Deal

This autumn will see the launch of a new five-year mandate for the European Commission and its chosen President. Europe needs the Commission to play a vital role as it responds to the triple economic, social and environmental crisis. The Greens/EFA Group have outlined essential considerations for the new Commission.

Introduction of an EU-wide financial transactions tax

Written question by MEP Ulrike Lunacek to the Commission

The EU Commission says they are critical towards the introduction of such a tax due to economic as well as legal considerations, according to the answer by EU Commissioner László Kovács to a written question by Green MEP Ulrike Lunacek.

2009 European elections results

Overview of Greens/EFA performance across Europe

Between 4 and 7 June, European citizens voted in order to elect the Members of the European Parliament. You will find here the Greens/EFA performance across Europe in these elections, from exit polls to provisional and definitive results.

The Greens in the European Parliament 2004-2009

A 10 page article outlining Green policy and action over the last five years

From the services directive to chemical regulation, from animal protection to human rights, from climate change to arms control, the Greens have had a busy five years in the European Parliament. This article outlines some of the positions and achievements.

Green Global Europe

Co-operating in the World to become the most sustainable economy

We now urgently need to replace the goal of global competition with one of global co-operation, and to investigate how best to adapt our economic models in order to seriously address climate change and environmental degradation, as well as the need for a more equitable balancing of poor and rich.

Stop Barroso

Resolution of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament

Top politicians should not be reappointed without taking stock of their performance. The record of José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, does not stand up to scrutiny. Too often he has abdicated his responsibilities. To the attention of all who wish to change European politics for the better, here are 25 reasons to oppose Barroso's candidacy.

MEP's allowances and assistants

Greens/EFA key demands for improvements

EP internal audit on the parliamentary assistance allowances

A summary audit report by MEP Paul van Buitenen

Paul van Buitenen MEP published a summary of the secret internal audit report of the Parliament on payments by MEPs to their assistants, revealing appalling cases of misuse of the funds of the Parliament. The Greens called for a quick reform of the payment system and the introduction of a transparent assistants statute.

Lisbon Treaty

Some comments on the IGC outcome as agreed by the informal Lisbon European Council

After more than 6 years of constitutional discussion, an agreement on the Reform Treaty was achieved on 19th of October night. The agreement on the EU amending treaty has been pretty much consolidated, however a couple of political points were kept open for discussion in the European Council.

Green Security Strategy for Europe

A Greens/EFA position paper

The Greens are taking on responsibility for conflict prevention and disarmament. Only when European security policy tackles the causes of conflicts and deals with security issues as cross-cutting tasks in all policy areas can a contribution be made towards stability and lasting peace in the world.

Spring Council 2007 in relation to the Lisbon Strategy

Greens/EFA motion for a resolution

Energy will again be high on the agenda of this year’s Spring Summit, as it was last year. The major difference is that climate change is now a majorpriority in the context of energy policy. The Greens want to ensure that climate protection is central to the proposed energy package to be discussed.

European Funding for Local Authorities

New programmes 2007 to 2013

This document commissioned by MEP Heide Rühle provides with an overview of structural funds and EU programmes which will start next year under the new 2007-2013 financial framework.

Future enlargement of the European Union

Greens/EFA common position paper

We consider the countries of the Western Balkans as part of the European family, their eventual EU-accession would therefore be a natural completion of this reunification (pdf)

South East Europe - from crisis zone to peaceful European region

Report on panel III of the Vienna summit

The title of this panel sets out an objective; 'from crisis zone to peaceful European region'. The panel defined the major challenges faced by the region - economic, social and others - and suggested possible approaches to the issue.

The future of the European Constitution

Report of the discussion on the European Constitution in Vienna

The European Constitution has to be improved, and this goal is unrealistic without the cooperation of national parliaments with the European Parliament. This task demands the definition of fundamental principles without neglecting the concerns of European citizens.

A roadmap to the European constitution

Briefing note by Johannes Voggenhuber and Andrew Duff

EU Parliament launches Initiative to revive Europe's Constitutional Process (pdf)

The European Dream – America's nightmare?

Panel discussion with the US-author Jeremy Rifkin scrutinizes the big visions

Are some Europeans creating a radical new dream? Is the EU really a new beacon of light in a troubled world, as Jeremy Rifkin suggests? Or is European culture too pessimistic, as EU-commissioner Pascal Lamy replies? Read the reports on the panel discussion with these and other exciting participants!

Evaluations of Hearings of Commissioners Designate

Top or flop? Working document checks coming EU-Commissioners for you

Do you know Dalia Grybauskaité? No? You should. The Lithuanian lady will be the next EU-commissioner responsible for EU-Finances and Budget. But will she and her 24 colleagues make a good job? Our advisers have carefully listened to their presentations. Read how they rate the new EU-crew! (pdf)

Yes to the European Constitution

Resolution on the ratification process and necessary modifications

The new Constitution sets the basis for a European democracy. This is why we call for its adoption and ratification. Yet, we need to fix its shortcomings in the social field. This resolution demands a First Amendment creating a European an area of social security, justice and solidarity. (pdf)

On the Recommendation of the European Commission on Turkey’s progress towards accession

How should Turkey be treated? A Green review of the Commission statement

The Commission clearly recommends to open accession negotiations with Turkey. But there is still much work to be done regarding freedom of expression or the situation of women. On the other hand the "open end" approach exaggerates the institutional and political impact of Turkey's membership. (pdf)

Green/EFA group successes in the European Parliament 1999-2004

Overview of initiatives and achievements in the committees

Despite our relatively modest size – with 45 MEPs out of a total of 626 – we have had considerable input in all legislative areas. Let it be the labelling of genetically modified products or the fight against software patents - the Greens/EFA group often was a key player. (pdf)

A Green contract for Europe

44 proposals for the next European Parliament 2004-2009

We want Europe to become a real power for environmental protection, peace and social justice. It has to stand up for a fair globalisation and has to fight for human rights. Check out our 44 proposals on how we want to shape this kind of Europe.(pdf)

Green light for the European Constitution

Co-president Frassoni asks for a positive vote in plenary debate

It is true, the Constitution still has many shortcomings. But what are the alternatives? In her plenary speech Monica Frassoni makes clear that a rejection won’t lead to a better constitution. Yet, the present text is at least a first major step towards a stronger European democracy.

Open-Source-Software im EU-Parlament

Die Grünen im EP unterstützen Schriftliche Erklärung zur Verwendung von Open-Source-Software im EU-Parlament sowie in den anderen EU-Institutionen und wenden sich damit klar gegen Monopolisten auf dem IT-Sektor.