MEPs demand peaceful resolution of Kurdish issue

Press release from N-VA MEP Mark Demesmaeker

An MEP from the European Parliament's European Free Alliance group has urged the European Commission to take an active role in bringing about a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue in Turkey. Turkey's Kurdish people have long been involved in a campaign for self-determination and respect for the...

New MEP joins EFA Group

Press release from the EFA Group

The European Free Alliance Group in the European Parliament has welcomed Mark Demesmaeker from Flemish nationalist party Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA) as its newest MEP. The N-VA is the largest party in Flanders, and in Belgium, and works for an independent Flanders in a strong European Union. Mark...

MEPs welcome Catalan Sovereignty Declaration

A number of MEPs from the European Parliament's EFA Group have welcomed yesterday's vote in the Catalan Parliament to approve a declaration of sovereignty.   The vote is significant in that it begins the process of negotiation by which a majority of Catalonia's elected representatives aim...

MEPs set to investigate language diversity

The European Parliament is set to examine in detail the issue of language diversity and protecting endangered languages in Europe, for the first time in a number of years. There has been no major, in-depth international study into endangered languages since the 1990s. Leading the work is the Europea...

EU must act to prevent job losses, says MEP

Press release from Plaid MEP Jill Evans

Plaid MEP Jill Evans has welcomed the European Parliament's support for new legislation to help workers whose jobs are put at risk when companies restructure. The new laws could force companies to properly inform and consult with their workers in the event of any restructuring taking place. This cou...

Strong national control for fisheries

SNP press release from Ian Hudghton MEP

SNP President Ian Hudghton MEP has today (Tuesday) welcomed backing from the European Parliament's Fisheries Committee for substantial controls over fisheries to be returned to Europe's fishing nations. The support came in a major vote on the Common Fisheries Policy reform package.  MEPs backed...

Strong backing for Fundamental Rights Agency

"Important work must not be watered down" - Ždanoka (Rapporteur)

The European Parliament has given its strong backing to the work of the EU's Fundamental Rights Agency. MEPs voted by a large majority to support the work programme of the agency for the next five years - known as the 'multi-annual framework'. The move was welcomed by MEP Tatjana Ždanoka who was th...

Disappointment at ECJ Strasbourg Ruling

"We will keep campaigning until this pointless practice ends" - MEP

MEPs from the European Free Alliance (EFA) Group in the European Parliament have expressed disappointment at today's court decision which favours the European Parliament's wasteful monthly visits to Strasbourg. The decision by the European Court of Justice to uphold a complaint brought by France was...

Basque politicians' letter on EU institutions and Basque peace

More than a year since the signing of the historic Gernika agreement that brought peace to the Basque Country, and in the light of recent elections, Basque politicians visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg at the invitation of MEPs from the parliament's Basque Friendship Group. They publishe...

New EU Rights for Victims of Crime

Press release from SNP MEP Alyn Smith

Scots MEP Alyn Smith has this week [Monday] hosted a conference in the European Parliament in Brussels highlighting the importance of Victims’ rights. The conference comes on the back of a new directive to Member States from the EU – which was published week and set on best practise in...

Plaid MEP backs moratorium on 'fracking'

Press release from Plaid MEP Jill Evans

Plaid MEP and party President Jill Evans called for a moratorium on the controversial process known as 'fracking' for shale gas. Ms Evans joined forces with other MEPs in a cross party bid to halt the practice. 'Fracking' or hydraulic fracturing is a process where companies drill underground, i...

EU Fracking Vote

Press release from SNP MEP Alyn Smith

SNP Member of the European Parliament's Energy Committee Alyn Smith has today (Wednesday) expressed his concerns on two votes in the European Parliament which seek to regulate the controversial practice of 'fracking', despite the fact that the EU has no direct competence over energy policy. He has w...

EFA Calls for Gaza ceasefire

Press release from EFA MEPs Jill Evans, Frieda Brepoels and François Alfonsi

MEPs from the European Free Alliance (EFA) group in the European Parliament have backed demands for a ceasefire in Gaza. The MEPs including Jill Evans, Frieda Brepoels and François Alfonsi are supporting a resolution on Thursday in the European Parliament calling for an end to all aggression. They ...

Unanimous backing for 12 mile fishing limit

Press release by SNP MEP Ian Hudghton

SNP President Ian Hudghton MEP has welcomed the European Parliament's unanimous backing today (Thursday) for legislation renewing the twelve mile limit for fishing in coastal waters. In a rare display of political harmony, MEPs voted with total unanimity in favour of the legislation, 658 votes in fa...

EU Budget must protect Welsh funding

Press release from Plaid MEP Jill Evans

Plaid MEP Jill Evans has insisted that vital funding for Wales must be protected in crucial decisions being taken this week on the future EU budget.   MEPs meeting in Strasbourg are voting on the EU's budget for 2013 and for the longer term budget in the period 2014 - 2020. The decisions have...