The ECR Group strongly supports the adoption of the reciprocal EU-China Agreement in the Committee on International Trade that will protect Geographical Indications (GIs) for wines, spirits, agricultural products and foodstuffs combatting unfair trade mechanisms. The list of products to be protected includes goods such as Feta, Queso Manchego, Gorgonzola and Polska Wódka.
27 October 2020
2020 NEWS
The ECR Group strongly supports the adoption of the reciprocal EU-China Agreement in the Committee on International Trade that will protect Geographical Indications (GIs) for wines, spirits, agricultural products and foodstuffs combatting unfair trade mechanisms. The list of products to be protected includes goods such as Feta, Queso Manchego, Gorgonzola and Polska Wódka.
27 October 2020
Today, the Committee on Culture and Education is set to approve an effective policy legacy for the European Year of Cultural Heritage. The own-initiative report led by the ECR coordinator MEP Dace Melbārde aims to improve coordination among Member States at all levels of governance in order to improve the promotion of Europe’s cultural heritage as a source of wealth, remembrance and a common sense of belonging.
26 October 2020
First meeting of the newly established Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence; EU-China Cooperation on Geographical Indications; A more effective policy legacy for the European Year of Cultural Heritage; EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism; A closer partnership with Africa
23 October 2020
The Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament has strategically voted in favour for the Common Agricultural Policy Reform. After a week of partial voting sessions, the Parliament will today decide on the referral of the mandate back to the agriculture committee responsible for intra-institutional negotiations.
23 October 2020
The ECR Group is delighted with the announcement that the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament has awarded the democratic opposition in Belarus with the 2020 Sakharov prize for freedom of thought. The democratic opposition in Belarus was the joint candidate of the EPP, S&D, Renew and ECR Group.
22 October 2020
The ECR Group appreciates the evidence based approach for new rules on online platforms and other digital services providers that have been adopted by the European Parliament. The recommendations for a new framework for digital services to be published by the Commission focuses on removal of illegal content online, includes an ex-ante regulation for systemic platforms acting as 'gatekeepers' and aim for a better protection of EU consumers purchasing products from both EU based and non-EU based online marketplaces.
21 October 2020
The Future of Digital Services in Europe; Common Agricultural Policy; Commission Work Programme 2021; Future Relations with the UK; Announcement of the 2020 Sakharov Prize.
16 October 2020
Following today's adoption of the so-called 'EU4Health' programme in the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, the ECR Group's Shadow Rapporteur, Joanna Kopcińska, has highlighted that the “the European Parliament can pull together when things go in the right direction".
14 October 2020
During the debate ahead of Wednesday’s crucial European Parliament plenary vote on the European Climate Law report, the European Conservatives and Reformists Group expressed their concerns about the potentially disastrous socio-economic impact the new rules on climate neutrality might have on the lives and jobs of European citizens.
6 October 2020
The long-awaited and first ever regulation on European Crowdfunding Service Providers has passed through the European Parliament, enabling future cross-border crowdfunding services.
6 October 2020
European Climate Law; European Crowdfunding Service Providers (ECSP) for Business; Approval of the Appointment of Commissioner-Designates; The European Forest Strategy - The way forward.
2 October 2020
Today, on the International Day for Older Persons, during the meeting of Employment and Social Affairs Committee of the European Parliament (EMPL), ECR MEP Beata Szydło presented her report entitled 'The Old Continent is Aging - Opportunities and Challenges Post-2020 Related to Aging Policy'.
1 October 2020
Today, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs in the European Parliament gave its “yes” vote to the new crowdfunding EU wide rules agreed under the lead of the Slovak ECR Rapporteur Eugen Jurzyca before its final endorsement in the plenary session expected next week. The regulation is a part of the Capital Market Union legislation.
28 September 2020
2030 Impact assessment under the European Climate Law; 2020 Sakharov Prize: Presentation of the candidates; European Crowdfunding Service Providers (ECSP) for Business; Europe - the old continent growing older.
25 September 2020
The ECR Group in the European Parliament agrees that the focus of the EU migration policy should lie on safe borders and the return of unjustified asylum seekers to their countries of origin.
23 September 2020
Debate with opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya on Belarus; EU Commission presents asylum and migration pact; Committee Debate of the new asylum and migration pact
21 September 2020
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament welcomes the adoption of a Resolution of the European Parliament on the situation in Russia which condemns the attempts to assassinate the prominent Russian opposition politician, and anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny with a nerve agent.
17 September 2020
Ms von der Leyen, I urge you: work with member states, not with ideologically driven campaigns.
16 September 2020
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament have chosen the democratic opposition in Belarus, represented by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, as its nominee for the 2020 Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought.
15 September 2020
The ECR group expresses its concern with Turkey’s actions in the Eastern Mediterranean as they infringe on the legitimate rights of Greece and Cyprus in their maritime zones.
15 September 2020
Joint statement by the Chair of the Delegation for Relations with Belarus, MEP Robert BIEDROŃ, and the Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, ECR MEP Ryszard CZARNECKI on the political crisis following the 9 August Presidential election in Belarus and Russia’s possible role in finding a solution to this crisis.
11 September 2020
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group is deeply concerned by the outcome of today's ENVI Committee vote on the European Climate Law report. With 46 votes in favour, 17 votes against and 18 abstentions, the Committee has introduced quite a concerning number of radical new amendments to the Commission's original proposal. These changes risk jeopardizing successful negotiations with the German Presidency later this year.
11 September 2020
State of the Union Speech by the President of the European Commission; Preparation of the Special European Council, focusing on the dangerous escalation and the role of Turkey in the Easter Mediterranean; Joint debates on Tuesday and Resolutions on Thursday; Shortage of Medicines - how to address an emerging problem; & Debate on the current situation in the refugee camp in Moria
11 September 2020
Ahead of a crucial vote on the European Climate Law report by the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety on Thursday, 10 September, the European Conservatives and Reformists Group is concerned that the report makes changes to the Commission’s initial proposals, turning it into a Treaty-like act. The ECR Group also has serious reservations about the potential detrimental socio-economic effects that the Climate Law - in its current, significantly redrafted form - could have on European citizens' lives and livelihoods.
9 September 2020
In a letter to President Sassoli, the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament spoke out against proceeding with the session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
8 September 2020
Reversing demographic trends in EU regions; Human Rights situation in Belarus; Situation of the agricultural sector; Vote on the European Climate Law.
4 September 2020
Open Letter from the leader of the Spanish Delegation in the ECR Group to the Members of the European Parliament.
3 September 2020
On Tuesday, ECR EMPL Chair, Lucia Ďuriš Nicholsonová, will co-host an online panel “Together for #MySocialEurope: Let’s talk!” with Hubertus Heil, Germany’s Federal Minister of Labour. The Panel is part of the programme of the German Presidency. It will focus on the labour and social policy priorities and on how to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is specifically dedicated to MEPs. Tue @ 7 pm
28 August 2020
The European Union must not tolerate the massive crackdown on and violent suppression of peaceful protests by the Belarusian government. Democracy in Belarus must be restored with free elections, including the attendance of international observers.
25 August 2020
Joint Statement from EPP, S&D, Renew Europe, Greens/EFA and ECR
17 August 2020
The ECR Group strongly endorses a European Parliament report adopted today in the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety which calls on the EU to reduce its dependency on the production of medicines in third countries and to relocate production into Europe. It also calls to better coordinate health policies and cooperation of the Member States. Furthermore, the ECR is of the opinion that the price of drugs and medicines must be affordable enough for everyone to use without any restrictions.
14 July 2020
European Council; Exchange of views with German foreign Minister Heiko Maas; How to tackle medicine shortages in Europe
10 July 2020
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament strongly endorses the continuation of support to refugees in response to the Syrian crisis in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.
10 July 2020
10 July 2020
ECR MEP Emmanouil Fragkos strongly condemns all acts of aggression of Turkey in the Mediterranean. Incidents jeopardising international security and sovereignty of states should be acted upon.
9 July 2020
ECR MEPs have criticised the new EU rules in the transport sector as being harmful and double-dealing.
9 July 2020
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament is extremely satisfied with the statement to the European Parliament by President Sassoli on the situation in Hong Kong. The ECR Group welcomes the shared concern about the unilateral introduction of the national security legislation by China, which will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the rule of law and democracy of Hong Kong, violating the principle of 'one country, two systems'.
9 July 2020
The ECR was extremely pleased by the decision of the European Commission to reappoint a Special Envoy to promote Freedom of Religion or Belief, as this is both vital and justified. The ECR Group in the European Parliament had been putting immense pressure on the European Commission for this decision.
8 July 2020
After the presentation of the programme of activities of the German Presidency of the European Council by Chancellor Angela Merkel, the European Conservatives and Reformists Group stressed the importance of taking decisions, and to come to an ambitious agreement in a spirit of solidarity between member states. At the same time, the ECR Group warned that measures should respect the national sovereignty and autonomy of European states by being more flexible and more respectful of the prerogatives of the different countries.
8 July 2020
Presentation of the programme of activities of the German Council Presidency; Preparation of the European Council meeting of 17-18 July; Mini-Summit; The 2019 Human Rights Annual Report; Stability and Security in the Mediterranean and the negative role of Turkey; Mobility Package; and Revision of the guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure
3 July 2020
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group welcomes the fact that the current Common Agricultural Policy rules will remain in place for two more years until the end of 2022.
1 July 2020
Next week, the European Conservative and Reformists Group will prepare for the upcoming remote plenary session. On Tuesday afternoon, the ECR is going to hold its Group meeting.
26 June 2020
EU-China talks; Towards a strategic approach to cultural heritage; the Biodiversity Strategy; & the Conference of Presidents with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
22 June 2020
The ECR Group regrets the adoption of the new regulation on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment by the European Parliament.
18 June 2020
Ahead of today’s Eastern Partnership video conference in the European Council and the European Parliament's vote on the recommendation on the June 2020 Summit this week, the ECR Group asks EU leaders to create the necessary conditions to accelerate political association, and further the economic integration between the EU and interested partner countries.
18 June 2020
The ECR Group is prepared to engage in an open and realistic debate on the future of Europe, but only if a fair voice is given to those who do not share the belief in an ever-closer Union.
17 June 2020
The European Conservative and Reformists Group in the European Parliament strongly condemns racism, xenophobia and discrimination in all its forms and supports the right to freedom of expression and right to peaceful protest whilst it deplores the rioting, looting and vandalizing that followed the killing of US Citizen George Floyd.
17 June 2020
Ahead of this week's debate and votes on the European Parliament's Resolution on the People's Republic of China’s national security law for Hong Kong, the ECR has invited Wong Yik Mo, member of the pro-democracy political party Demosisto and Benedict Rogers, co-founder and Chair of Hong Kong Watch and human rights activist, to remotely take part in the Group Meeting on Wednesday and to exchange views with MEPs.
16 June 2020
New EU Partnership with the UK; Defending Hong Kong's autonomy; Tackling Covid-19 disinformation; Conference on the Future of Europe; Protecting European Strategic Sectors from foreign takeovers; Establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment; Anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd.
12 June 2020
The ECR Group in the European Parliament has been consistent in its calls for pragmatism to prevail. Therefore, level-headed discussions must triumph over hysteria and the desire for political retribution. ECR trade spokesperson Geert Bourgeois MEP firmly believes that any distortion of the markets in terms of competition policy, state aid and social dumping should be avoided, whilst resisting any attempts to follow a narrow, protectionist pathway.
12 June 2020
Citizens themselves must be able to decide which information sources they consume
11 June 2020
The ECR Group is speaking up for the European Parliament's external interpreters.
10 June 2020
EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement ratified by the Vietnam National Assembly: a big step forward for Growth and Trade.
8 June 2020
EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement to be ratified by the National Assembly of Vietnam & EU-UK Negotiations
5 June 2020
EU-China relations, The Future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) & Greening of Strategic Plans under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
29 May 2020
During a remote meeting between the political Group leaders in the European Parliament and the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel - ahead of the incoming German Council Presidency - the ECR Group today suggested that a mandatory “Recovery Test” for each single policy initiative should be included into the EU’s post Covid-19 Recovery Strategy.
27 May 2020
The European Conservative and Reformists Group (ECR) in the European Parliament expresses its grave concerns about the unilateral introduction of national security legislation by Beijing against Hong Kong.
25 May 2020
Multiannual Financial Framework & Recovery Plan for Europe and the Conference of Presidents with German Chancellor Angela Merkel
25 May 2020
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) is disappointed by the European Commission’s proposed radical changes to the EU's food production policy until 2030.
20 May 2020
Eastern Partnership report in the run-up to 2020 summit & Farm to Fork Strategy
15 May 2020
The economic hardship and fallout caused by the corona crisis requires our undivided attention.
13 May 2020
The ECR is delighted to announce that Romanian MEP Cristian Terheş has joined the group.
13 May 2020
New MFF, own resources & recovery plan, 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration & 2018 Discharges
11 May 2020
Statement by Witold Waszczykowski MEP, chair of the European Parliament's Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee, on the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
8 May 2020
ECR Statement on the 70th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration
7 May 2020
Just Transition Fund, Digital Transformation and COVID-19 recovery of the economy, impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the media and creative sector, Commission Work Programme and MFF.
4 May 2020
We welcome the latest Member State’s decision to outlaw Hezbollah in its entirety and believe that it signifies an important step in the international fight against terrorism. We believe it is imperative to close any loopholes in our legislation which allow Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy, to sow sectarianism, spread crime and terrorise communities around the world: from the Middle East, to Europe and to Latin America.
30 April 2020
In a Statement to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament have requested the inclusion of a mandatory “Recovery Test” for each single policy initiative into the revised Commission Working Programme 2020.
30 April 2020
In an exchange of views in the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development with Commissioner Janusz Wociechowski regarding the exceptional measures for the European farming sector, the ECR Group called for a specific agricultural fund outside the Common Agricultural Policy budget (CAP).
30 April 2020
"Farmers and producers of agricultural products need stability, legal clarity and our full support in these uncertain times. We cannot risk losing any of them and so that is why we have provided a stable basis while the new rules of the Common Agricultural Policy will not come into force for a further two years", commented Spanish MEP Mazaly Aguilar, ECR shadow rapporteur on the report on transitional measures adopted by the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee.
29 April 2020
Covid-19, the economic impact and transitional measures for the Common Agricultural Policy
27 April 2020
ECR Group: Executive Vice President Timmermans should now withdraw his legally flawed proposal.
24 April 2020
Covid-19 measures, pesticide application levels, the Green Deal, and the European Climate Law.
17 April 2020
The ECR Group used the plenary debate on Covid-19 measures as an opportunity to stress how it is time to show true European solidarity. The European Union should overhaul the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), postpone the Green Deal and avoid politicising the crisis against EU Member States, in articular against Hungary and Poland, and instead face up to the challenges which are inherent to the corona crisis.
16 April 2020
The European Parliament will hold a plenary session in Brussels on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th April.
14 April 2020
A legal opinion of the European Parliament's legal service requested by ECR MEPs Alexandr Vondra and Anna Zalewska has found the Commission's attempted use of “delegated acts” to reach emission targets under the Green Deal to be incompatible with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
2 April 2020
Due to COVID-19 safety measures, the European Parliament has decided to reduce physical meetings on its premises. Whilst required social distancing of 1.5m must be respected, meetings will also be web streamed. MEPs will be able to participate remotely.
30 March 2020
ECR Chairmen ask Sassoli to use MEPs' daily allowances to buy medical equipment
27 March 2020
Today, the European Parliament is debating and voting on urgent EU measures to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, including support for health care systems and financial assistance for the member states most affected by the current crisis. It is the first European Parliament plenary session to use remote voting.
26 March 2020
Due to the coronavirus protection measures the European Parliament will not travel to Strasbourg but hold an extraordinary mini-plenary session in Brussels on Thursday 26 March.
23 March 2020
The ECR Group endorses the European Commission's EU-Africa Strategy.
9 March 2020
Climate Law, Coronavirus, Address by the President of Ghana, Africa Strategy, Greek-Turkish-Border
6 March 2020
Today marks a major milestone under the Green Deal with the publication of the European Climate Law, which legally enshrines the 2050 climate-neutrality target. The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group has some serious reservations about the Commission's proposal to revise all post-2030 climate targets via delegated acts.
4 March 2020
Tomorrow's planned ECR Africa Summit at the European Parliament in Brussels has been postponed due to Coronavirus security measures.
3 March 2020
Final arrangements are in place for the groundbreaking Africa Summit to be hosted in the European Parliament on Wednesday by the European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR).
28 February 2020
17th - 21st February: Trans-European Energy Networks (TEN-E) and the Exhibition 'Immortal Truth'
14 February 2020
The European Parliament has approved a common resolution on a strategy to end the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) around the world, tabled by six political groups.
12 February 2020
The European Parliament has approved the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement with a large majority.
12 February 2020
10th - 14th February: EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, EU strategy to put an end to FGM, proposed mandate for negotiations for a new partnership with the UK.
7 February 2020
Ahead of the vote in the European Parliament on an EU Strategy to put an end to female genital mutilation around the world, ECR Vice-Chair and vocal campaigner for ending Female Genital Mutilation around the world Assita Kanko asks the EU to increase its efforts to put an end to FGM.
6 February 2020
3rd - 7th February. On Monday, the ECR welcomes new Members. The ECR Group is organising its first International Conference on Maritime Security and the Blue Economy. A Conference on traditional European family values will take place. Read on for more details.
31 January 2020
Ahead of today's vote in the European Parliament on the UK Withdrawal Agreement, ECR Group Co-Chairs Raffaele Fitto and Ryszard Legutko have warned the EU about trying to overplay its hand in negotiations on the future partnership and called for lessons to be learnt on the EU's future direction.
29 January 2020
27th -31st January. The UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement is set to be endorsed, Parliament commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz and the plenary is in session. Geert Bourgeois organises a conference on the EU-Vietnam trade deal with trade commissioner Phil Hogan. Read on for more details.
24 January 2020
The European Parliament's International Trade Committee has today approved the EU-Vietnam free trade and investment protection agreement. Parliament rapporteur and ECR MEP Geert Bourgeois believes the trade deal will be a great opportunity for European exporters and investors.
21 January 2020
MEPs are in Brussels this week where there will be a vote on the Vietnam trade deal in the INTA Committee and on Thursday the European Commission will present their progress on the issue of dual quality goods. Read on for more details.
20 January 2020
Pro-EU federalists within the European Parliament have been accused in a debate today of manipulating the planned Conference on the Future of the EU into supporting their own objectives and confirming their outdated and out of touch views.
15 January 2020
ECR MEPs have reacted cautiously to the European Commission's green financing plans which were set to be unveiled on Tuesday.
14 January 2020
We're back in Strasbourg next week where we will be debating the situation in Iran, the Conference on the Future of the EU and vote on a resolution on the Green Deal. Read on for more details.
10 January 2020
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