Catalan independence declaration

Press release from EFA MEPs J-M Terricabras & Jordi Solé (ERC)

Commenting on today's declaration of Catalan independence, Josep-Maria Terricabras MEP, President of the European Free Alliance Group in the European Parliament, said: "Today marks an exciting new chapter in European history as Catalonia declares its independence. And following our perma...

European Parliament debate on Catalonia

Comment from EFA MEP Jordi Solé (Catalonia)

Commmenting on the debate in the European Parliament on the situation in Catalonia following the police violence at last Sunday's independence referendum, EFA MEP Jordi Solé (Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya) said: "The debate and the response of Mr Timmerman's to the situati...

'We must see more seriousness from the UK'

Quote on Brexit from EFA MEP Alyn Smith (Scotland)

Speaking in today's debate in the European Parliament on the state of play in the Brexit negotiations, SNP MEP Alyn Smith said: "I am struck as ever by the unity of purpose across the Council and the Member States, and indeed across this House, amongst the EU 27. I commend our coord...

MEPs call for dialogue in Catalan situation

Press release from EFA MEPs J-M Terricabras & Jordi Solé

Nearly 50 MEPs from across the political spectrum have today signed a letter to Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy 'to express our deep concern regarding the situation in Catalonia, which has reached a critical point.' The MEPs are critical of the 'repressive actions' of the Spa...

Catalonia is under siege

Press release from EFA MEPs J-M Terricabras & Jordi Solé (Catalonia)

Catalan MEPs have written to all members of the European Commission and MEPs following today's attack on Catalan democracy by Spanish armed police. Spain's Guardia Civil raided several Catalan ministries, arresting members of the government, ahead of Catalonia's independence referendu...

Spain must comply with EU fundamental rights charter

Press release from EFA MEPs J-M Terricabras & Jordi Solé

Catalan Greens/EFA MEPs Josep-Maria Terricabras and Jordi Solé have written to the Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs to protest the political and judicial persecution by Spanish authorities against politicians, media, civil servants ...

Defending democratic rights in Catalonia

Press release from EFA MEP Jill Evans

Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans has co-signed a question to the European Commission condemning the actions of the Spanish government in trying to prevent Catalonia's forthcoming independence referendum. It follows reports that Spain's prosecutor general has threatened 712 democratically electe...

EU must recognise the potential of green jobs

Press release from EFA MEP Jill Evans (Wales)

Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans has proposed in parliament that the new EU skills strategy should take account of the vast potential to develop green technologies and acknowledge their importance in creating high skilled jobs in the future. She also called for action to ensure that migrants to Europe ...

EU must defend freedom of expression in Spain

Press release from EFA MEP J-M Terricabras (Catalunya)

Catalan MEP Josep-Maria Terricabras has called upon the European Commission to defend the right to freedom of expression in Spain and to mediate with the Spanish Government in respect of Catalonia's forthcoming referendum on independence. He addressed his remarks directly to European Commissi...

Stronger measures to tackle violence against women

Press release from EFA MEP Jill Evans (Wales)

The European Parliament today voted in favour of ratifying the Istanbul Convention, which is the first legally binding instrument on preventing and combating violence against women and girls at international level. The move was welcomed by Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans, a long standing campaigner fo...