OUR PUBLICATIONS
A selection of our latest publications outlining the work ECR MEPs are doing
Members of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament
20 July 2021
The countries associated with the term “Western Balkans”, i.e. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo, are widely acknowledged as the next batch for EU enlargement. The mass enlargement of 2004 and the subsequent ones of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007 and Croatia in 2013 cooled off the aspirations within the Union for further rapid enlargement. Despite the fact that the Western Balkans has long been on the agenda for the European Union, the integration of the region is slow and burdensome. The Western Balkan countries, geopolitically and historically, belong to Europe, and their accession to the European Union is a natural process that will unite Europe and make the Union complete.
6 July 2021
From 2014-2019 the ECR Group have worked hard to ensure that the European Union goes back to basics and delivers results on the core reasons why Member States joined the EU.Our efforts have delivered results, results that improve people's lives everyday. For a new group often swimming against the federalist tide, we have a strong record of delivering in Brussels and for the people of Europe. In this brochure are examples of those achievements of making the EU a better place.
25 February 2021
ECR Working Group on Demography, Intergenerational and Family Policies.
3 March 2020
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group have nominated Czech MEP Jan Zahradil as their candidate for the presidency of the European Parliament for the period July 2019 - December 2021. Zahradil, who recently ran as a ‘lead candidate’ during the European elections, is ready to take up the challenge and bring more balance to the EU’s institutions. Read his programme here.
25 June 2019
Challenges face the countries that surround the Baltic Sea, such as pollution from munitions, the need to improve harbour and landing infrastructures for fisheries as well as the damage of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The ECR Group have developed a strategy to tackle these issues that affect the Baltic Sea and the Member States that border it.
5 April 2019
We believe in the nations of Europe. Our countries are the source of identity of our peoples and the focal point of their loyalty. National sovereignty is the foundation of democracy and nation states are the main pillars of our civilisation, without which there can be no Europe.Yet many challenges can only be addressed effectively by European partners working together in cooperation within shared institutions.
28 February 2019
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws prescribe harsh sentences for ‘defiling’ the Quran and insulting the prophet Muhammed. The laws also forbid Ahmadis from calling themselves Muslim. The laws discriminate and stifle religious minorities but threaten majority Muslims as well due to widespread misuse. In this paper Peter van Dalen and Tomasz Poręba offer their proposals for reform of the blasphemy laws.
9 October 2018
Timothy Kirkhope MEP discusses the direction in which the Dublin regulation should reform.
4 October 2018
Europe is in a global race in which only competitive economies will be able to create jobs and raise the living standards of their citizens.
4 October 2018
Reduced bureaucracy,competitive energy market and lower taxes as just a few components that companies in Europe need to have in order to reestablish the job market.
4 October 2018
Angel Dzhambazski, along with a number of other ECR Members, have set out their priorities, reflections, and recommendations in policy paper that considers what more needs to be done to advance cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans, and in some countries’ cases continue on the path to EU membership.
20 September 2018
This policy paper written by Anthea McIntyre MEP sets out how the Annual Burden Survey could be used to draw comparisons, on an annual basis, on the way individual pieces of legislation have been transposed at the national level by each Member State. It
23 May 2018
When the Small Business Act (SBA) was launched in 2008 by the European Commision, it had four main priorities: promoting entrepreneurship; reducing regulatory burden; better access to nance; and access to markets and internationalisation.
9 June 2017
The Future of the European Union - ECR Statment български Download the brochure below.
8 March 2017
The Future of the European Union - ECR Statement Polskie Download the brochure below.
8 March 2017
The Future of the European Union- ECR Statement Italiano Download the brochure below.
8 March 2017
The European Union has overreached. It has become too centralised, too ambitious, and too out of touch with ordinary citizens. Only this eurorealist agenda offered by the ECR and presented in this paper will achieve positive results and meet the expectations of the peoples of Europe.
8 March 2017
To mark the ECR’s Autumn University meeting in Rome, a selection of ECR MEPs have drafted their thoughts on how the EU can face up to the challenges of the future.
20 September 2016
Better regulation is now at the centre of the political agenda, particularly the need to reduce the administrative burden on business and to cut ‘red tape’. Not only is it essential for creat- ing and maintaining jobs, it is intrinsically linked to the concept of re-shoring - bringing jobs back to Europe.
3 August 2016
Efficiency and Subsidiarity - Guideline on Reforming EU Budgetary Policy Deutsche Download the brochure below.
7 March 2016
Reforming the EU budget is essential if it is to meet the challenges of the future not the past. In this paper Bernd Kölmel, Anders Vistisen and Richard Sulík provide their guidelines on reform, arguing for a sustainably financed EU budget and an efficient budgetary policy in keeping with the principle of subsidiarity.
7 March 2016
Controlled immigration and effective implementation of asylum procedures was one of the founding principles and priorities of the ECR Group. Much like a number of areas of EU policy making, asylum and migration is an area where reform and improvement in its implementation are needed, and the burdens placed upon some Member States addressed.
18 May 2015
The ECR wants a single market fit for the digital age that will stimulate growth, innovation and competitiveness.
9 April 2015
The ECR Group views the improvement of our regulatory environment as an essential element of the competitiveness agenda and as a significant contributor to maximising employment and growth in Europe. By encouraging more companies to locate in Europe and not out-source, an effective, competitive regulatory environment contributes to improved social and environmental conditions, while providing an economic benefit not just in numerical terms, but also through positive spill-over effects such as increased innovation.
8 April 2015
"Regional conflicts, increases in home grown terrorism and ISIS, and more diverse and technologically sophisticated and well-funded organised criminal groups mean that the EU's next internal Security Strategy is critical in ensuring the EU's citizens and its infrastructure are protected."
8 April 2015
In the European Parliament, ECR MEPs have ‘rolled up their sleeves‘ and immersed themselves in the detail of the work of the European Parliament. Our efforts have delivered results. Many of these results do not make good headlines in newspapers, but they improve people‘s lives nonetheless.
24 May 2014
OUR VIDEOS
Videos, reports & more detailing ECR news and current events
MORE VIDEOS @YouTube
The State of the European Union 2021 | ECR MEPs weigh in
24 September 2021
State of the European Union | ECR Co-Chairman Raffaele Fitto
ECR Co-Chairman Raffaele Fitto on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address (15/09/2021).
15 September 2021
“The Incarnated Lie” | Documentary
16 July 2021
ECR Group reacts to Slovenian Presidency
This week, Slovenia inherited the Presidency of the European Council from Portugal. Marking the handover, Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša addressed MEPs, outlining its priorities for the coming months. The ECR Group sees considerable common ground, namely around the new Presidency's stances on recovery and resilience after the COVID-19 pandemic, a more sensible approach to migration, and help for SMEs.
10 July 2021
ECR Co-Chair Raffaele Fitto welcomes Slovenian Council Presidency based on common ground
6 July 2021
Stop Belarus’ human rights abuses
11 June 2021
Women in politics | MEP Assita Kanko
One hundred years after women won the vote or were first elected to parliament in some EU countries, the data show that women continue to be under-represented in politics and public life, in the European Parliament, national parliaments and governments, and local assemblies. The arguments for gender balance in politics are numerous, and benefit not only women and female politicians, but also parties themselves and the rest of society. After all, women form half the population and need to be better represented in power structures. However, there is now solid evidence both of obstacles and of the strategies that are effective when it comes to increasing women's participation and representation. Here, political parties and the media can be both barriers and important enablers. The EU has committed to achieving a gender balance in political representation and participation as a matter of justice, equality and democracy. Concrete recommendations have been made for achieving this goal, including specific action that could be taken by the EU institutions, national governments, political parties, civil society and the media. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on the issue of women's leadership and its implications for gender equality.
10 June 2021
Stockholm Recap – Europe’s Future
2 June 2021
Just Transition Fund | ECR Group
As a key element of the EU #GreenDeal, the fund aims to assist member states in economic diversification & labour market adaptation. But, the fund isn't without its caveats.
25 May 2021
“By punishing the UK, you are harming the EU too.” | MEP Assita Kanko
20 May 2021
NO to COVID-19 vaccine patent waivers | MEP Geert Bourgeois
ECR MEP Geert Bourgeois counters calls to waive patents on COVID-19 vaccines in the European Parliament plenary session on 19/05/2021.
19 May 2021
Europe Day 2021 | Europe’s Future. A New Hope
Curious about what the ECR Group does in the European Parliament? To mark Europe Day 2021, we spoke to our MEPs and people on the street about what they see for the future of Europe. For us, the ultimatum so often proposed – more Europe or no Europe – risks destroying all the progress that our sovereign European nations have made through collaboration over all these years. There's a sensible, middle way for Europe. It is time to restore the ideal of a Europe that respects the sovereignty of our national democracies. It is time to rebuild our community of European states – a Europe of mutual respect, cooperation and solidarity. It is time for a new hope for Europe. Learn more at https://ecrgroup.eu/ and https://ecrthefuture.eu/
10 May 2021
“The ECR Group will give its approval” | MEP Geert Bourgeois on the EU-UK Cooperation Agreement
27 April 2021
Championing economic prosperity | ECR Group
22 April 2021
MEP Beata Kempa on the EU-Africa Strategy
29 March 2021
The ECR Group on the EU4Health Programme
On Tuesday 9th March, the European Parliament debated and voted on the new stand-alone EU4Health programme that forms a part of the wider EU recovery package. With a budget of 5.1 billion Euros, the EU4Health programme will support the national policies of Member States and better coordination and cooperation of health promotion strategies and disease prevention. The programme aims to protect people from serious cross-border health threats by supporting global commitments and health initiatives of international organisations. Moreover, the programme will bolster national stockpiling of crisis relevant products at the EU level.
12 March 2021
Raffaele Fitto on alleged government attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia
In today's plenary debate on 'Government attempts to silence free media in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia', MEP Raffaele Fitto, Co-Chairman of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament, stressed that the debate itself was futile and only serves to provoke hatred towards governments.
10 March 2021
MEP Hermann Tertsch outlines the why behind the ECR EuroLat Policy Working Group
9 March 2021
ECR MEP Joanna Kopcińska anticipates victory over the COVID-19 pandemic
In the European Parliament Plenary Session [09/03/2021], ECR MEP ECR MEP Joanna Kopcińska anticipates victory over the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of the EU4Health programme.
9 March 2021
Sofia Recap | Europe’s Future – A New Hope
On January 29th 2021, the ECR Group in the European Parliament's European Tour on the Future of Europe, Europe's Future – A New Hope arrived in Sofia, Bulgaria.
15 February 2021
The ECR Group continues scrutiny of EU joint vaccine procurement programme
12 February 2021
The EU’s COVID Vaccination Debacle
This week in the European Parliament, ECR MEPs scrutinized the implementation of the European Commission's joint vaccination strategy.
22 January 2021
MEP Derk Jan Eppink on Biden’s Inauguration: “Cancelling 74 million voters is not the answer.”
During the European Council and Commission statements on the Inauguration of the new President of the United States and the current political situation (20/01/2021), MEP Derk Jan Eppink stresses the importance of upholding free speech going into the next US presidential administration.
20 January 2021
Warsaw Recap | Europe’s Future – A New Hope
On December 11th 2020, the ECR Group in the European Parliament launched the European Tour on the Future of Europe, Europe's Future – A New Hope, stopping first in Warsaw, Poland. It is time to #ResetEU. Learn more at https://ecrthefuture.eu/ and join us for the next installment on the 29 January 2021, broadcast live from Sofia, Bulgaria.
12 January 2021
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the ECR Group!
18 December 2020
MEP Derk Jan Eppink on the final stretch to a Brexit agreement: “We have to close the deal”
Dutch MEP Derk Jan Eppink speaks on the historical significance of the British to the European Parliament and the final stretch to a Brexit agreement in the European Parliament Plenary on 18/12/2020.
18 December 2020
Sakharov Prize 2020 - The Democratic Opposition in Belarus
16 December 2020
MEP Geert Bourgeois on bringing the European Union and the USA closer
In this new geopolitical world order, America can only then be back together with his allies, together with the European Union.
26 November 2020
MEP Joanna Kopcińska outlines a new pharmaceutical strategy for the European Union
Synergies between health policies depend on the respect for the competences of different actors. We must take horizontal actions, and consider proposals of member states who have a better knowledge of access to health.
26 November 2020
MEP Assita Kanko calls for EU to take action in response to Iran’s treatment of Ahmad Reza Jalali
I call upon the European Parliament President, on High Representative Borrell and EU Foreign Ministers to urge the Iranian authorities to review this decision, not to execute Dr. Jalali and agree to his release.
26 November 2020
MEP Beata Szydło on the European Rule of Law Mechanism
“The EU consists of 27 countries, 27 sensitivities, 27 nations, 27 economies. And our duty, given to us under Treaties and the principle idea on which the EU was built, obliges us to seek solidarity, taking into account the interests of all Member States and all Europeans, and to care for and to protect the interests of all EU residents.”
25 November 2020
MEP Geert Bourgeois says no to transnational voting lists
24 November 2020
ECR MEP Alexandr Vondra on the European Parliament’s carbon footprint
“While we are trying to reach a carbon neutral Europe, we must not ask others to do something & then not do it ourselves.” MEP Alexandr Vondra explains the European Parliament's study on its carbon footprint: https://bit.ly/2KsY3gy.
20 November 2020
2021 will turn a next page on the EU-US relationship
15 November 2020
Intervention of ECR MEP Roberts Zīle on the Multiannual Financial Framework
11 November 2020
Full speech of EP Negotiator MEP Johan Van Overtveldt on the MFF
11 November 2020
ECR MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen on support to European farmers
MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen: European farmers deserve our full support to address consequences of COVID19. It is important to boost young farmers’ resilience & capacity for innovation, digitalisation & sustainability.
10 November 2020
Both the UK & the EU need to agree on an ambitious trade agreement after Brexit
23 October 2020
ECR on the EU Climate Law & New Forest Strategy
9 October 2020
MEP Anna Zalewska on the European Climate Law
6 October 2020
Europe agrees on Belarus sanctions
4 October 2020
The State of the European Union
18 September 2020
Co-Chairman Prof. Ryszard Legutko on the State of the Union Speech
16 September 2020
ECR MEP Ryszard Czarnecki on the Situation in Russia, the poisoning of Alexei Navalny
15 September 2020
ECR MEP Anna Fotyga on the Situation in Belarus
15 September 2020
ECR MEP Roberts Zile on the EU Budget and MFF
23 July 2020
ECR Co-chairman Raffaele Fitto at today’s plenary session with German Chancellor Angela Merkel
"Today we have only one certainty: there is no more time, it is time to act."
8 July 2020
ECR MEP Derk Jan Eppink on what the ECR Group is all about
ECR MEP Derk Jan Eppink explains what the ECR Group is all about: "We strive for a community of sovereign states with a common market for trade and industry."
14 May 2020
Speech ECR Co-Chairman Raffaele Fitto on COVID19 during the plenary session of April 2020
16 April 2020
ECR Africa Summit - 9th January 2019
Africa is a continent experiencing a renaissance in terms of economic growth, inward investment, the emergence of widespread entrepreneurialism, demographic changes, inward and foreign investment, and the development of tech companies. This Summit expanded upon already existing areas of cooperation, and dived deeper into key challenges and opportunities in order to strengthen the EU’s collaborative and effective regional partnership with African nations. This Summit was an opportunity to exchange best practice between the EU and African nations in key areas, such as democracy, security, economy, health related issues, emergent technologies, the use of development aid, and developing a future relationship on trade cooperation. This Summit brought together key politicians, commentators, organisations, and experts to discuss these important issues.
8 February 2019
Mark Demesmaeker tackles plastic pollution
MEP Mark Demesmaeker joins fellow MEPs to clean up Strasbourg. On Wednesday, MEPs voted to ban or restrict 10 of the most commonly found single-use plastic items polluting our beaches. Mr. Demesmaeker tells us more and how we can become more responsible consumers.
24 October 2018
ECR Co-Chair Syed Kamall: “President Macron’s EU Vision Not Right for All”
17 April 2018
ECR Looks Back on 2017
A collection of some of our biggest achievements of the year. From CETA to geoblocking and more. Watch and learn more and have a Merry Christmas!
19 December 2017
ECR Weekly: Protecting EU citizens
Protecting EU citizens has always been our key priority and we have always been the leading voice in the European Parliament on security. The laws we make here in Brussels must produce the right balance between freedom and security in order to protect people in these challenging times. With greater cooperation across national borders & a more efficient and interconnected flow of information between law enforcement authorities - Europe can become a safer place. Watch a few examples of our member's achievements in our new #ECRWeekly on security!
30 November 2017
Our Vice-Chair Helga Stevens Talks Counter-Terrorism & Citizens’ Safety
Watch ECR Group Vice-Chair Helga Stevens speak about her new role as co-rapporteur on the new Special Committee on Terrorism.
12 October 2017
Introduction to the ECR Group - time to take the EU in a new direction
The European Conservatives and Reformists group was created in 2009 to campaign for urgent reform of the European Union. We want to see a more practical approach to what Europe should do. www.ecrgroup.eu
15 January 2014
