Press releases from ALDE

Youth job opportunities must be the focus for EU growth and employment efforts

Fri, 25 May 2012 08:11:00 +0200

The Group of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament (ALDE) underlines that austerity measures cannot be separated from growth and efforts to create jobs in Europe. Millions of young people who finished school and want to believe in the future cannot find a job in the EU. The dignity of these young people needs to be restored by means of every available measure to avoid the creation of a lost generation.

Neighbourhood Policy: The European Parliament wants to keep democratic and budgetary control on Macro-Financial Assistance

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

In adopting by large majority the report by Metin Kazak (Movement for Rights and Freedoms, Bulgaria) during the Brussels plenary session, the European Parliament warned the European Commission and the Council of its intention not to relinquish its prerogatives regarding the awarding of the Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) to neighboring countries. Without disputing the goals of clarity and transparency of the regulation, which aims to routinely condition MFA assistance on the existence of democratic values in the recipient country, the Parliament considers that the total abolition of parliamentary control and the introduction of implementing acts concerning MFA are unacceptable.

Equality involves respect for the value and remuneration of women's work

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:44:00 +0200

The principle of equality is enshrined in the EU Treaties, but in the European Union this very principle is being violated when women overall get 16 % less pay than men for the same work. Despite EU and national legislation on Equal Pay existing for almost 40 years, progress is too slow. At the current pace, the concept of work based on equal pay will only be achieved in 30 years.

The European Parliament wants a rebalancing of EU-China trade relations

Wed, 23 May 2012 13:23:00 +0200

During the Strasbourg plenary session today the European Parliament adopted by a large majority Marielle DE SARNEZ's (Modem, France) report on trade relations between the EU and China. Unbalanced relations, as the trade deficit more than tripled in the past 10 years; this demands a new partnership whose main lines are reciprocity rules, trade balance, and transparency in trade relations.

Parliament's right of inquiry: it is time that the Council enters into negotiation

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:29:00 +0200

During the Strasbourg plenary session today the European Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to acquiring a true right of inquiry but given the difficulties that such progress causes among member states, invites the Council and the Commission to open an early dialogue on this issue to find common ground. Parliament, under the new Article 226 of the Treaty of Lisbon, wishes that in the future its inquiry committees will have full power to interrogate on oath the people involved, including government ministers.

Verhofstadt: EU leaders must listen to their citizens' wishes for closer fiscal union

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:27:00 +0200

"EU leaders have for too long turned a deaf ear to our proposals on how to solve the crisis but by doing so they don't listen to their own citizens" said ALDE group President Guy Verhofstadt ahead of today's informal European Council by referring to the recently published Eurobarometer survey on 'The crisis and the economic governance in Europe'

Resource efficiency: maximise benefits for the economy and environment

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:03:00 +0200

The report on the European Commission´s "Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe", drafted by Dutch Liberal Democrat MEP Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (D66, NL), defines concrete steps towards improving resource efficiency, tackling one of our biggest challenges: the declining availability of resources around the world. The final report will be voted tomorrow in the European Parliament.

La présence de représentants du mouvement touareg au PE, ce mardi 22 mai à Strasbourg

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:32:00 +0200

A l'occasion de la présence de représentants maliens du Mouvement national de libération de l'Azawad (MNLA), ce mardi 22 mai au PE, à Strasbourg, Louis Michel, au nom du groupe ALDE, a déclaré: "la présence de représentants du MNLA au PE est peu opportune, alors que les Etats africains et la communauté internationale n'ont pas reconnu l'indépendance de l'Azawad et que tout faux pas qui risque de faire basculer le pays dans la catastrophe doit être évité."

Verhofstadt appeals to EU leaders ahead of crucial EU summit

Tue, 22 May 2012 17:22:00 +0200

Debating the enhanced tension and uncertainty in the Eurozone ahead of tomorrow's crucial EU summit, ALDE group leader, Guy Verhofstadt called for EU leaders finally to grasp the bull by the horns and establish full economic and fiscal union, a debt mutualisation fund and a pact for growth.

Verhofstadt to travel to Ukraine to see Tymoshenko

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:52:00 +0200

Guy Verhofstadt and Hans van Baalen, ALDE Spokesman on Ukraine will travel to Ukraine this Friday (25 May) for a conference on EU-Ukraine relations. They have also formally requested to be allowed to visit Ms Tymoshenko in hospital and present to her the text adopted by the European Parliament this week on the situation in her country.

SMEs need better access to structural funds and to finance in general

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:13:00 +0200

Liberals and Democrats have pointed out their support for small and medium sized enterprises' access to structural funds in the EU. During a debate this morning in the Strasbourg plenary several ALDE speakers presented proposals on how to best match the practical needs of SMEs with diligence requirements of those who finance them.

Kacin comments on election of Serbian President

Mon, 21 May 2012 17:24:00 +0200

Following the Presidential elections in Serbia this weekend, ALDE MEP Jelko Kacin who is the European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia issued the following statement.

"Bad governance is main cause of the euro crisis"

Sun, 20 May 2012 12:49:00 +0200

Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the Liberals and Democrats group in the European Parliament expressed his frustration today at the escalating severity of the Eurozone crisis and the inability of EU leaders to respond with the necessary policy measures.

ALDE urges for more economic growth through market driven innovation

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:54:00 +0200

The ALDE Group supports the general outline of the Horizon 2020 proposal. On the occasion of an ALDE seminar on the strengths and weaknesses of the upcoming EU framework programme for research and innovation yesterday afternoon in the European Parliament the group line has been shaped - and confirmed - in a dialogue with a huge variety of stakeholders from the public and the private sector.

ALDE welcomes Schengen 'health check' to enhance Member States' cooperation

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:55:00 +0200

Today the European Commission presented its first ever Schengen 'health check', a biannual overview of the functioning of the area of free movement, with the aim of ensuring a coherent interpretation and implementation of the common rules.

Homophobia remains a stain on our free and open society

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:26:00 +0200

On the eve of the International Day against Homophobia, the Group of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament (ALDE) calls on EU institutions, Member States and international organizations to continue the fight against discrimination and persecution targeting LGBTI persons.

Only a structural solution to reduce Eurozone debt will end the crisis of confidence

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:42:00 +0200

As market speculation grows that Greece may be edging towards an exit from the Eurozone and doubts arise about the capacity of the EU's nascent firewall (€500bn European Stability Mechanism) to contain the ensuing contagion, Guy Verhofstadt, ALDE group leader underscores the need to reconsider a structural solution involving further economic integration and a pooling of debt and calls on the new French President to demonstrate strong, pro-European leadership in promoting it as part of his strategy to restore growth.

Two-pack: ALDE welcomes inclusion of European Redemption Fund to solve the eurocrisis

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:40:00 +0200

In addition to the rules on enhanced economic governance, better known as the 'six- pack', in force since last December, the European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs committee voted today on two further Regulations presented by the Commission last November to enhance the coordination and surveillance of budgetary processes for all euro-area Member States, also known as the 'two-pack".

Basel III: decreasing capital risk in favour of growth.

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:22:00 +0200

Today the European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs committee (ECON) voted the new draft legislation to reform bank prudential requirements on capital and liquidity, also known as Basel III, an accord that responds to the 2008-09 financial crisis and aims to force the banks to significantly increase their own capital against the risk.

There is 'no need to fear a more federal Europe'

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:38:00 +0200

Europe needs to rediscover its élan and purpose or we will sleepwalk into disintegration and disunity – warns MEP and ALDE group leader

Member States must come clean on use of taxpayers' money

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:30:00 +0200

After six years of political pressure by the Group of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) the European Commission today finally showed some willingness towards ensuring more transparency and better accountability of the management of EU money by Member States. The long-standing ALDE request to the Commission asking to ensure that Member States produce annual summaries, originated in the unacceptably high error percentages found by the Court of Auditors in the national accounts, meaning that EU spending was not in line with the rules.

EU roaming costs to fall substantially - hopefully the last regulation in this field

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:55:00 +0200

From 1 July on, the tariffs for mobile roaming within the European Union will substantially decrease in the next two years. Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament are generally satisfied with this and other results of todays plenary vote on the future of roaming for both the wholesale and the retail sector. The vote sealed the trilogue agreement settled between Commission, Council and Parliament in late March.

Boost for regional airports key to ensure EU cohesion policy and territorial continuity

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:52:00 +0200

Today the European Parliament approved a report on the future of regional airports. The text sets out for the first time a framework and a definition for regional airports, which are increasingly proving to be key in boosting competitiveness and in promoting European regional development.

Arab spring: it's time to start rewarding economically the democratic leap of the Arab peoples

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:32:00 +0200

The European Parliament meeting today at the Brussels plenary session, adopted by a large majority Niccolò Rinaldi's (IdV, Italy) report on the EU's trade strategy in the Mediterranean following the Arab Spring. These political changes bring political and economic opportunity, stresses the rapporteur who recommends in exchange for democratisation, a trade advantage with southern Mediterranean countries.

Parliament insists that press freedom is protected against cross border libel cases

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:16:00 +0200

Today the European Parliament adopted a report by Cecilia Wikström, (Folkpartiet, Sweden) which aims to clarify which national laws apply in the case of a newspaper, television or radio station being sued for libel by someone in another country. So far, it has often been unclear whether it is the law of the country where the person feels offended or the laws of the country where the media are based.

Speech by Guy Verhofstadt on the future of Europe

Wed, 09 May 2012 16:33:00 +0200

Cher Président, Cher collègues, Laissez-moi paraphraser le nouveau Président élu en France "le changement, c'est maintenant". Je dirai plutôt "l'Europe, c'est le changement". Et on a besoin de "l'Europe maintenant". Prenons conscience de la gravité de la crise, dans lequel nous nous trouvons. L'Europe est en train d'être marginalisée. L'Europe est confrontée à un ralentissement tendanciel de sa croissance et de l'innovation à l'opposé exacte d'un incroyable mouvement de rattrapage des pays émergents. L'Europe connait au même moment un vieillissement de sa population, dans un monde qui rajeuni considérablement, un monde qui aura bientôt dix milliards d'habitants. L'Europe reste morcelée, divisée, par ses États-nations, dans un monde de plus en plus dominé par des grands empires économiques et politiques. Cher collègues, contrairement à ce qu'on prétend, cette crise n'est pas une crise de l'économie mondiale, même pas une crise de la finance mondiale. Ce qu'on vit, c'est une crise européenne, et plus particulièrement une crise des États européens. Depuis quelques années, l'Europe navigue sans horizon, sans ambition, sans espoir. Apparemment incapable de trouver un nouveau cap, de trouver des solutions durables. Ce 9 mai, il faut prendre conscience de notre incapacité de répondre à cette crise, autrement que par la politique des petits pas. Il faut prendre conscience de la nécessité d'un grand saut en avant, un grand bond fédéral. En effet, cher collègues, l'Europe sera fédérale ou ne sera pas. Le choix est aussi simple que ça. N'ayons pas peur des mots. Une solution fédérale s'impose. Une solution qui nous donnera un vrai gouvernement économique. Un vrai control démocratique. Un vrai trésor européen. Un vrai budget fédéral aussi. Et pourquoi pas, une solution qui nous amènera un jour une vraie armée européenne. On n'a pas le choix. Le fédéralisme européen est la seule façon pour nous intégrer dans la globalisation. Et la seule façon pour négocier d'égale à égale. La seule façon pour maintenir notre rôle économique et politique. Et la seule façon de protéger notre model sociale aussi. Cher Président, cher collègues, il faut aujourd'hui tourner une page. La page de l'illusion. L'illusion des uns qui croient que seule l'austérité va nous sortir de la crise. L'illusion des autres qui pensent que la croissance pourra revenir sans mettre en ordre les finances publiques. C'est une grande erreur d'opposer l'un à l'autre. Il ne faut pas choisir entre discipline budgétaire et solidarité. Entre rigueur et croissance. Il nous faut les deux. Croissance ét rigueur, discipline ét solidarité. More concrete, dear colleagues, - The fiscal compact must not be changed, but growth must be added to the fiscal compact. - The EIB's capital must be increased. All the European funds available must be deployed. The Co-financing levels must be brought down. - And projects bonds finally, must see the light of day. And secondly, a mutualisation of the debt, a redemption fund, is needed. Let's pay less interest to the bond holders, so new money comes available for investment and growth. My conclusion this 9th of May is clear, if Europe wants to survive, we need federalism, European federalism. Federalism is not something to be afraid of. Federalism is the future of our continent. And this future starts now.

EU pharmacovigilance: MEPs want stricter patient safety on medicines

Tue, 08 May 2012 13:13:00 +0200

Members of the European Parliament's Environment, Food and Safety Committee approved today a report to strengthen the legal framework for the surveillance of medicines on the market.

EP rapporteur for Serbia Jelko Kacin welcomes a strong result of pro-EU parties at the parliamentary elections in Serbia held on 6 May

Mon, 07 May 2012 17:48:00 +0200

"I welcome a strong showing of political parties which push for Serbia's integration into the EU. I also find very encouraging that extremist parties failed to cross the threshold for the parliament.

French Presidential Election: Verhofstadt expects a positive boost to European policy

Sun, 06 May 2012 01:14:00 +0200

The French presidential election has been followed with interest throughout Europe. France, a founding member state, has a weighty influence within the EU. Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, welcomes the election results as the President-elect has made strong commitments to revitalise the European project.

ALDE puts spotlight on European Zoos

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:50:00 +0200

A comprehensive investigation by the Born Free Foundation into the licensing and performance of zoos across the EU has revealed a systematic failure by governments, competent authorities and enforcement agencies to ensure that Europe's zoos are meeting their legal obligations to species conservation, public education and animal welfare. As a result, thousands of animals in hundred of zoos are being kept in poor to appalling living conditions.