Press
Green MEPs have criticised the EU's failure to reconsider its financial commitment to the ITER nuclear fusion project in spite of ballooning costs.
Green MEPs welcomed an address by EU energy commissioner Günther Oettinger in the European Parliament in which he acknowledged the need for stronger rules on on offshore oil and gas drilling and urged a moratorium on new...
The European parliament has adopted new rules banning illegally-logged timber from the EU market. The vote was welcomed by Green MEPs, who have fought hard to secure a ban.
Green MEPs have criticised the decision of the Finnish parliament to push ahead with the development of two nuclear reactors, in spite of the major problems encountered in the ongoing development of the Olkiluoto 3 reactor.
Greens criticise vote by MEPs to water down proposed rules on van emissions.
The European Commission has begun considering a proposal to revise the energy taxation directive, including a carbon tax component. Green MEPs support the revision but call for the proposal to set the rate at the right level and...
Green MEPs have highlighted the lack of EU regulation on offshore oil drilling, notably on safety and liability. In addition to calling for stronger and more coherent EU rules, the Greens have called for a moratorium on offshore...
Pressure from the European Parliament has succeeded in ensuring new EU rules on the trade in illegal timber will include a prohibition on the placing on the EU market of illegally harvested timber or timber products. Green MEPs...
The EU Commission has set out proposals on how so-called 'sustainability criteria' should apply to biofuels. Greens have criticised the proposals, which would allow damaging agrofuels to get the all clear in Europe...
Green MEPs have criticised revelations that the EU is trying to backtrack on its climate aid commitments.
Green MEPs welcomed the EU Commission communication on how to increase the EU emissions target. The Greens criticised the tired and unfounded arguments used by dirty industries and their political supporters.
The Greens/EFA group has launched a new study that makes clear how claims about carbon leakage have been seriously exaggerated. The study, by independent research organisation Climate Strategies, also highlights the flaws with...
MEPs adopted a compromise on revising the EU energy label. While the end result is not ideal, MEPs prevented the introduction of a new complex and confusing system, which the industry wanted.
MEPs adopt revised rules on energy performance of buildings. The new rules create strong standards for new buildings but fail to address the energy inefficiency of existing buildings.
Green politicians have called for a proposed European Energy Community to focus on promoting a European economy based on 100% renewable power.
The EU parliament environment committee voted to strengthen proposed legislation on the trade in illegal timber. The EP draftswoman, Green MEP Caroline Lucas, welcomed the vote.
European Greens have condemned the decision by the Finnish government to build two new nuclear reactors.
A new study has demonstrated that the shift to a power supply system based on renewable energy is possible and would bring comprehensive benefits for the EU.
Green MEPs have called on the EU Commission to ensure that renewable energy technologies get their fair share of a new support mechanism for new low carbon technologies.
A new independent study, commissioned by the Greens/EFA group makes the case for the EU to increase its emissions reduction targets. The launch coincided with a meeting of EU environment ministers on the reductions targets.
The EU Commission has presented its strategy for reinvigorating the UN climate talks. Green MEPs added their weight to calls for the Commission to be given a stronger role in the negotiations.
Green MEPs have criticised the EU 2020 strategy, proposed by the European Commission, as myopic.
Greens condemn proposals by EU governments to water down rules on the illegal trade in timber and wood products.
The Greens have expressed their regret at the resignation of UNFCCC chief Yvo de Boer and called for the right person to be chosen to succeed him as soon as possible.
Green MEPs welcomed a resolution adopted by the European Parliament calling for the EU to take a stronger position in the UN climate talks, after the failure in Copenhagen.
EU governments have decided that damaging agro-fuels and risky carbon capture and storage projects will get the lion's share of subsidies available for new technologies under the emissions trading scheme.
Following the decision of the EU to submit its outdated 20-30% emissions target to the UNFCCC, the Greens announced they had made an alternative submission on behalf of the EU: a 40% target.
The Greens have given a positive reaction to the designated candidate for the new post of EU climate commissioner.
Ahead of a meeting of EU environment and energy ministers, Green MEPs have called on the EU to restore its credibility in international climate politics.
Two years of arduous UN negotiations to produce a binding global climate deal look to have ended in failure. Greens have commented on the outcome.
With EU leaders arriving to Copenhagen, there are worrying reports that the EU is scaling back its negotiating position in the climate talks. The Greens have called on the EU not abandon its ambition.
The December summit of EU leaders failed to make much progress on the EU's climate pledges, despite the key UN summit in Copenhagen being underway. Green MEPs criticised the missed opportunity.
A study by the Ecofys Institute, commissioned by the Greens/EFA group and launched in European Parliament, has revealed the EU's claims to be the leader in international climate policy to be a myth.
Information on Greens/EFA MEPs participating in the UN climate summit in Copenhagen.
Less than two weeks before the start of the crucial UN climate summit in Copenhagen, the European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling on the EU to strengthen its negotiating position.
An agreement reached on revising EU legislation on energy efficiency standards for buildings represents some progress. However, it is also a missed opportunity for the necessary changes.
An agreement on revising the EU's energy labeling scheme fell short of preserving the current successful scheme as is. The result, if endorsed, will make the energy label more confusing for consumers.
The European Parliament environment committee decided not to object to a proposal by the European Commission, which would lead to serious exemptions for non-power sector industries under the EU emissions trading scheme (ETS) from...
The Swedish EU presidency has backed a controversial proposal that would make the EU energy labeling system more complicated. Green negotiators have criticsed this hypocritical move.
EU leaders have yet again failed to agree on the level of climate financing for developing countries the EU would contribute as part of a UN climate deal...
Green MEPs have called on the European Council to step up the EU negotiating position for the UN climate talks.
The council EU environment ministers continued to prevaricate on the EU's position for the UN climate negotiations. On the key political issues, progress remains elusive...
EU finance ministers again failed to adopt an EU position on climate financing at their Council meeting in Luxembourg.
Ahead of crucial meetings of EU finance and environment ministers, the EP environment committee adopted a strong resolution on the UN climate negotiations and the EU position...
The Commission presented a financing plan for R&D in low carbon technologies. Green MEPs criticised the plan for putting unproven or dangerous technologies like CCS and nuclear on the same footing as renewables and energy...
The European Commission published its proposals setting out a framework for financing of international climate efforts, including the role of the EU. The proposals fall far short of what is necessary and shifts the burden to...
G8 leaders have agreed to a vague declaration on climate change at this week's summit (8-10 July) in Italy. Green MEPs criticised the failure to commit to any meaningful action in the medium-term
With reports suggesting this week's G8 summit will fail to progress key issues in the UN climate talks as previously expected, the Greens have called for redoubled efforts under the UN framework.
Green MEPs have criticised the programme of the new Swedish presidency of the EU for lacking substance on climate change policies, despite climate change supposedly being a priority for the Swedes.
EU environment ministers endorsed a meaningless legislative proposal on nuclear safety. The Greens have criticised the proposal for failing to make any improvements on nuclear safety in the EU.
EU leaders yet again failed to make progress in outlining their negotiating position for the international climate change talks in Copenhagen following a summit in Brussels. The Greens have criticised the EU's continued refusal...
France and the UK are reportedly pushing to change the planned location of the new International Renewable Energy Agency. Greens have criticised the move and called for other Member States to block the location switch.
The EU Commission is proposing to allocate the equivalent of billions of Euros to coal power plants.
Environmental NGOs Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and Sortir du nucléaire walked out of the European Nuclear Energy Forum (ENEF) at a meeting in Prague. Green MEPs backed the decision and criticised the ENEF as a sham.
EU enterprise and industry ministers, meeting at the Competitiveness Council in Brussels, agreed conclusions calling for EU environment and climate legislation to be scaled back. The call was made in the context of the economic...
A meeting of major economies aimed at preparing forthcoming UN climate negotiations has failed to yield any progress. Greens have criticised the serious lack of urgency in the talks.
Energy utility EDF has announced a twin deal with UK-based firm Centrica that would lead to further concentration of ownership in the UK and Belgian markets. The Greens have called on the EU Commission to investigate these deals,...
The European Parliament voted to reject a proposal by the European Commission to change and complicate the EU energy labeling system for TVs. A vote to reject a similar proposal for fridges narrowly failed.
The European Parliament today voted to approve the €5 billion recovery package, first proposed by the European Commission in January. The package includes over €4 billion for energy projects in the EU.
The European Parliament voted to improve and adopt legislation guiding energy efficiency labelling on household appliances. The vote aims to uphold the EU's current energy labelling system.
MEPs voted to improve EU legislation on the energy performance of buildings. While the outcome represents an important step forward, Green MEPs regretted that the parliament was not more ambitious.
MEPs voted in favour of a new legislative proposal, which would outlaw the import of illegal timber to the EU. The legislation, which has been steered through the EP by Green draftswoman Caroline Lucas, must now be approved by...
Green MEPs voted against legislation supposedly aimed at 'liberalising' the EU energy market. The failure of the legislation to provide for an unbundling of ownership between energy production and supply is a fundamental flaw,...
MEPs voted to endorse a weak legislative proposal on nuclear safety standards. The legislation, as approved, would do nothing to improve safety standards in Europe.
Green MEPs criticised the failure of the EP industry and energy committee to vote for a proposal to ensure the highest safety standards apply to nuclear installations in Europe.
The spring EU summit with disappointing results for both energy and climate policies in Europe. Non-commitment on climate change and funding for business-as-usual energy was the order of the day.
With EU leaders meeting at a key summit to determine the EU plan for an economic recovery and its position for the international climate talks, Green MEPs have fired a warning shot.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the EU position for the post-2012 climate negotiations aimed at influencing EU leaders, who will decide on the EU negotiating position at next week's summit (19-20 March).
The European Parliament adopted a legislative report to revise the current EU rules on charges for heavy goods vehicles. The charging system aims to address the environmental and other external costs of road freight.
Green MEPs have criticised the jaded European Commission for coming up with a flawed economic recovery plan.
The European Parliament voted to revise legislation on industrial emissions - Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive. However EPP MEPs conspired to weaken the proposals.
The European Parliament has adopted new legislation on tyres introducing stronger safety and environmental standards. This will help reduce emissions from cars.
The European Parliament environment committee today rejected an attempt by German EPP and Liberal MEPs to block a proposed phase-out of the most energy inefficient light bulbs in the EU. This means the phase-out is set to go...
The EP environment committee has adopted an important legislative report on illegally-sourced timber. This legislation will hopefully address the environmental and climate damage of illegal logging.
The current colour-coded A to G labelling scheme for energy efficiency, used for certain household appliances, is under threat. Greens have criticised a European Commission proposal would see the current scheme replaced by a more...
MEPs today voted to revise the Eurovignette directive, which sets out common EU rules on how to charge heavy goods vehicles for using the road network. The vote represents a small step towards strengthening the application of the...
The Covenant of Mayors initiative brings 400 city representatives to Brussels to sign up to energy and transport commitments in favour of climate protection. Commission President Barroso will be there, but not with the 500...
The Greens have criticised a decision by the Swedish government to overturn a ban on the construction of new nuclear reactors.
MEPs adopted a report on the EU's future energy strategy, which forsees coal and nuclear playing a central role. Green MEPs hit out at the report, which fails to deal with the energy security and climate challenges we face.
Proposals by the European Commission for the EU position in the international climate negotiations in Copenhagen have come under fire from Green MEPs for leaving out important details.
A €3.5 billion investment package for energy projects, proposed by the European Commission, would give the lions share to outdated fossil fuel-based technologies.
On the occasion of the launch of the new International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Green MEPs called for a European counterpart to be created to promote a sustainable, renewable energy economy.
The European Parliament's industry and energy committee voted to adopt a short-sighted report on the the EU's future energy policy strategy, which will be decided by EU leaders in March this year.
With gas supplies from Russia to the EU still heavily disrupted, the Greens have called on the EU Council and Commission to step up their efforts to resolve the dispute.
The Slovak government has given permission to restart the Bohunice-2 nuclear reactor unit, which was taken off the grid on 31 December 2008. Rebecca Harms, Vice-President of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament...
Even once Russian supplier Gazprom resumes full gas supplies to Europe, the situation may not return to normal for days, ensuring a coordinated EU response will still be needed.
The European Parliament voted to adopt the climate package of legislation, after it had been watered-down by national governments in the Council.
EU heads of state and government today reached agreement to seriously weaken the proposed ‘climate package’ of legislation.
EU leaders, meeting today and tomorrow (11-12 December) at a summit in Brussels, are considering proposals to drastically undermine the EU’s climate package of legislation.
Current proposals on EU emissions reduction - to be considered by EU heads of state and government at this week's summit - smack of neo-colonialism, according to Green MEPs.
The EU has reached agreement on new rules that will ensure renewables account for at least 20% of EU energy by 2020.
The latest round of negotiations between the European Parliament and Council on new legislation under which 20% of EU energy will come from renewable sources by 2020 ended without a final result.
New proposals for EU legislation on an emissions trading scheme (ETS) that are being discussed in Council risk completely undermining the viability of the scheme.
A study – commissioned by the Greens/EFA Group – has revealed some home truths behind the glossy image marketed by the French nuclear industry.
Proposed EU rules to limit CO2 emissions from cars have been seriously watered down as part of a compromise between European Parliament and Council negotiators.
Final negotiations between the European Parliament and Council on legislation aimed at ensuring 20% of EU energy comes from renewable sources by 2020 are being held up by the French presidency.
The EU's main car producing countries today reached an agreement that would reduce penalties on car manufacturers that fail to comply with EU CO2 emissions limits. Green MEPs have criticised this soft touch as a cop out for...
Green MEPs have criticised the 2nd 'Strategic Energy Review', presented by the EU Commission. The review fails to recognise peak oil and ignores EU energy efficiency commitments.
Greens have criticised an EU proposal to give a €40bn bailout to the same polluting car industry that is trying to undermine proposed EU rules on car emissions.
The European Commission has belatedly presented proposed legislation to deal with the problem of illegal timber. With deforestation one of the major drivers of climate change, it is high time the EU regulated the trade.
The outcome of the EU Summit was less than positive for the EU's climate package. The French EU presidency now seems bent on rushing through an agreement based on the lowest common denominator.
The EP Environment Committee has seen off attempts by industry to completely derail the Emissions Trading Scheme. The committee voted for a full auctioning of carbon credits under the scheme by 2020, with all auction revenues to...
MEPs on the EP Environment Committee voted to strengthen proposed EU rules for delivering emissions reductions. The so-called 'effort sharing' decision sets out reductions targets in the different member states for all sectors...
Green MEPs have criticised amendments proposed by German MEP Florenz and drafted by the steel industry, which would seriously weaken legislation on the EU's emissions trading scheme.
MEPs have voted to introduce meaningful rules for tackling the damaging climate impact of cars: average emissions should be reduced to 130 g/km by 2012 through vehicle improvements with an extra 10 g/km reduction through...
The EP's industry committee voted for a strong emissions trading scheme despite serious pressure from industry to weaken the package.
The EP industry today voted in favour of strong EU legislation aimed at ensuring that 20% of Europe's energy comes from renewable sources in 2020. Green draftsman Claude Turmes welcome the vote on the renewables directive, which...
Yesterday evening, the European Parliament's industry committee voted on the opinion drafted by the German conservative Werner Langen on CO2 emissions from passenger cars. Rebecca Harms, vice president of the Green group in the...
Green MEPs have called on EU environment ministers to scrap a proposed EU target for biofuels. Instead, the should focus on reducing the CO2 emissions from cars.
A safety incident at the Krško nuclear plant raised fears across the EU, once again highlighting the unresolved issues surrounding nuclear power.
Luxembourg Green and EP draftsman Claude Turmes today presented his draft report on the renewables directive to the EP industry committee.
The EP environment committee today voted on proposals to include aviation in the EU's emissions trading scheme. The Greens welcomed the vote, which would help tackle the climate impact of aviation.
Green MEPs have criticised an alliance between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Euratom, following the issuing of a potentially far-reaching joint statement between the two.
Green MEPs have called for an EU moratorium on biofuels, amidst fears about the damaging effects of a rush to biofuels.
The Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly has called for all Euromed countries to set targets for renewable energy production.
Green MEPs have criticised French and UK plans to expand nuclear power production, following a call by French president Nicolas Sarkozy on a state visit to the UK.
Two years after the entry into force of the Kyoto protocol, it is clear that time is running out for the targets to be achieved.
The European Parliament today adopted a report on energy efficiency, which criticised EU efforts to meets its commitments. Green MEPs called on EU leaders at the spring summit to address the gap between rhetoric and action on...
The climate and energy package of legislation, proposed by the European Commission, has been criticised by Green MEPs for negatively prejudging the outcome of international climate negotiations.
A report adopted by the European Parliament on future EU policy in the automobile sector should be ignored, according to Green MEPs. The report on the so-called CARS 21 strategy ignores current challenges and fails to promote the...
EU environment ministers have voted to weaken a legislative proposal aimed at reducing climate damaging emission from airlines.
The European Commission today presented its long awaited proposal for legislation to reduce CO2 emissions from cars. According to the Greens, the proposals fall far short of what is necessary to meet the EU's climate objectives.
The UN conference on climate change (UNFCCC COP13) in Bali concluded today with the adoption of a roadmap for future climate talks. Greens have highlighted the urgent need to reach a global climate deal.
Green MEPs have condemned the European Commission's favourable opinion on the proposal to build a new nuclear power plant at Belene in Bulgaria by Natsionalna Elektricheska Kompania (NEK).
At the outset of the international climate negotiations (UNFCCC COP13) in Bali, Green MEPs called on world leaders to treat the problem of climate change with the serious it deserves.
The role of nuclear energy is in decline, according to a report 'World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2007' presented by the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament today.
The European Parliament today adopted a legislative proposal to include airlines in the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme. The vote, which marks the first step to tackle the climate impact of airlines, was welcomed by Green MEPs.
UK prime minister Tony Blair today presented his government's energy review, which included proposals for a new generation of nuclear power stations to be built.
The Greens have launched a campaign to ban incandescent light bulbs, highlighting the massive energy saving potential of more energy efficient bulbs.
The Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament today presented an independent study outlining how to tackle the damaging CO2emissions from cars.
The Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament today presented a new study on accidents in nuclear power plants since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.
A new independent study, launched in the European Parliament today, has highlighted the climate damage caused by the EP having two main places of operation - in Brussels and Strasbourg.
In the coming weeks the Italian electricity company ENEL is expected to take a final formal decision on whether to develop an old nuclear reactor in Mochovce, Slovakia, by constructing an additional two outdated blocks.
On the eve of the second anniversary of the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on climate change and future climate policies. Commenting on the resolution, UK Green MEP Caroline...
On the occasion of the presentation by the European Commission of its proposals for legislation to tackle CO2 emissions from cars, which includes a scaled back binding limit of 130g/km to be met by 2012 (1), Green MEP Claude...
The UN's expert body on climate change, the IPCC, today published a report outlining the urgent need for action to prevent dangerous climate change. The IPCC report highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked climate...
Fuels directive diverts attention from the cars that guzzle the gas
Two-staged approach on geographical scope "environmentally damaging and legally unnecessary."
Green MEP and energy spokesperson Rebecca Harms has submitted 5 written questions to the European Commission on the clean-up of the severe accident at the Hungarian nuclear power plant Paks, which is to be started in the first...
The Greens in the European Parliament today launched a new campaign on 'soft mobility', aimed at encouraging a shift from environmentally damaging modes of transport to a more sustainable way of getting around.
Following the adoption by the European Parliament today of a report proposing an EU passenger car tax scheme, which would take account of CO2 emissions (1), Green MEP Claude Turmes said:
Welcoming the adoption by the European Parliament today of the report on the climate change impact of aviation by the European Parliament, Rapporteur Caroline Lucas, UK Green MEP, today said:
In advance of today's debate in the European Parliament on the report on shipments of radioactive waste and nuclear spent fuel (1), Green energy spokesperson Rebecca Harms MEP said:
Following the vote in the European Parliament on the financing for the 7th research framework programme (FP7), with two different votes on energy research (1), Green MEPs Claude Turmes and Rebecca Harms said:
Speaking at today's debate in the European Parliament on the financing for the 7th research framework programme (FP7), Green MEP David Hammerstein, Green/EFA spokesperson for the FP7 said:
On the occasion of a debate in the European Parliament, marking the 20th anniversary of disaster at Chernobyl today, 26 April, Green energy spokespersons Claude Turmes MEP and Rebecca Harms MEP said:
