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The SWIFT agreement ratified: the Parliament has approved the agreement between the EU and the US on transfer of data regarding the financial transactions of EU citizens. The House had rejected the initial form of this agreement earlier this year, but has now agreed to its amended form that provides additional guarantees aimed at ensuring the proper use of the data by the US authorities, such as the delegation of a special EU official to Washington to supervise these operations.
The legislative resolution was supported by an EPP+S&D+ALDE+ECR majority, while the Greens/EFA and the radical left - GUE/NGL have opposed it. Also on the opposing side were the British members of the EFD group, as well as 2 Italian ALDE MEPs, and a small number of German MEPs of the EPP and S&D groups. Notably, the ALDE and S&D groups, after they have rejected the initial agreement in February, have now voted in favor of the amended form, considering that this new deal provides the right balance between the right to privacy of EU citizens and the need to have proper tools to fight terrorism.
However, the GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA and EFD groups kept their initial position expressed in February against the agreement, considering that the amended proposal still does not comply with their requests for the protection of privacy of EU citizens, since their personal transaction data will be processed by a third state (see distribution of votes and text).
European External Action Service gets green light from the Parliament: the EU legislative has approved a package of recommendations on the organisation and accountability of the EU diplomatic body. The decision was supported by the main political groups, with only the radical left - GUE/NGL - and the anti-European EFD group opposing it (see distribution of votes and text).
Eurostat set to closely monitor the economic statistical data of the member states: Parliament has adopted a legislative resolution that provides new powers to Eurostat with the aim of preventing misleading information being provided to the European Commission by the member states, as was the case of Greece. The text provides, among others, that the Eurostat will be able to make unannounced inspections in member states to verify the accuracy of the data. The proposal was supported by a large majority, with some opposition coming from the radical left (GUE/NGL group) and the British delegation within the anti-European EFD group, while most of the ECR members from Poland and Czech Republic abstained (see distribution of votes and text).
The powers of the European financial supervision authorities still to be negotiated with the Council: the Parliament adopted with amendments a series of proposals that provide the creation of supervision bodies at the EU level that will be able to regulate directly over financial institutions (European Banking Authority, European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority and European Securities and Markets Authority). The first-reading amended proposals have been adopted by a large majority, with some opposition being expressed by the radical left - GUE/NGL - and the anti-European EFD group (see distribution of votes and text). However, the Parliament has postponed its final votes on the legislative resolutions as it wishes to leave time for further negotiations with the Council aiming at an agreement at first reading.
MEPs adopted stricter rules on bankers' bonuses: a legislative proposals providing that thresholds will be imposed on upfront cash bonuses and at least half of any bonus will have to be paid in contingent capital and shares has been voted in the Parliament. The text also brings tougher capital rules on bank trading activities and higher standards for re-securitizations. The proposal was supported by a large majority, with only the radical left - GUE/NGL - and the British part of the EFD group opposing it (see distribution of votes and text).
Kosovo status: the Parliament invited the member states to take a common position on the status of Kosovo, so that the EU-Kosovo relation can step up. The vote on this non-legislative resolution was significantly influenced by nationality: MEPs from the countries not recognizing Kosovo's independence, namely Spain, Romania, Greece, Cyprus voting largely against it, while Slovakian MEPs were split over this issue. Also on the opposing side were the British and Italian MEPs members of the anti-European EFD political group, as well as some MEPs from France (see distribution of votes and text).
Higher flexibility for allocation of EU regional funds: the Parliament has asked the Commission to make use of its regional funds for supporting areas worst hit by the economic crisis. The non-legislative resolution was voted by a large majority, with only the GUE/NGL group opposing it. Notably, the members of the EFD group were split in half, with the British delegation voting against the resolution, and the Italian one voting in its favor (see distribution of votes and text).
Red tape to be cut for ships in EU ports: a legislative resolution for a EU directive aiming at the harmonization and coordination of reporting formalities throughout the EU has been adopted by a large majority in the Parliament, with only the anti-European EFD group opposing it (click to see distribution of votes and text).
Lorry drivers: Parliament rejected the Commission proposal that self-employed drivers continue to be exempted from the 2002 Working Time Directive on the road transport industry. The legislative resolution against the Commission proposal was supported by the left groups S&D+Greens/ALE+GUE/NGL who succeeded in securing the majority as the EPP group was very split on this vote, with about 40% of its members voting with the left (mostly from France, Italy, Spain and Portugal). The rest of EPP members, the ALDE, ECR and EFD groups supported the Commission proposal (see here distribution of votes and text).
Motivation: the left-of-center groups argued that the core of the matter was road safety and social protection, while the center-right groups considered that more regulation will mean additional burden for the self-employed.
Consequence: following the rejection by Parliament, the Commission has declared that it considers withdrawing the proposal.
Context: self-employed drivers were temporarily exempted from the rules of the existing EU directive on drivers' working hours, but were due to come under those rules by 23 March 2009 unless the European Commission proposed legislation to the contrary. The Commission did that, but the Parliament has now rejected the Commission's proposal (details here).
Other important votes in brief:
European economic governance: Parliament asked for economic coordination based on community method rather than on the intergovernmental one, while also proposing a European Monetary Fund, in a resolution setting the targets for EU2020. This resolution was supported by a centrist coalition (EPP+ALDE+S&D+Greens/ALE) and opposed by the ECR, EFD and GUE/NGL groups (see distribution of votes and text).
Food information for consumers: the new rules of labeling food products voted by the MEPs provide that quantities of fat, saturates, sugar and salt - as well as energy - must be indicated on the front of food packs. The legislative resolution was voted by a comfortable majority, while the GUE/NGL group opposed it (see distribution of votes and text).
Estonia to adopt the euro on 1 January 2011: Parliament gave its assent to the Baltic country's joining the eurozone next year. The decision was supported by the EPP, S&D, ALDE and Greens/EFA groups. The anti-European EFD group opposed, while the GUE/NGL group abstained. Within the ECR group, the Polish and Czech delegations voted in favor, while most of the British Conservatives abstained (see distribution of votes and text).
Gaza blockade: Parliament condemned the use of disproportionate violence against civilians, through a resolution adopted by a large majority. However, the ECR and EFD groups have voted against it, while a small minority of EPP and ALDE members have expressed their reservations by abstaining (see distribution of votes and text).
Romania and Bulgaria closer to Schengen area: Parliament approved a report that says that their branches of the SIS system have reached satisfactory levels of data protection, which means a first step towards including these member states in the Schengen area. The decision was taken by a comfortable majority, though most of the MEPs from the ECR, GUE/NGL and EFD groups abstained (see distribution of votes and text).
Commission to be empowered to supervise the quality of Member States' debt and to control their reporting obligation: a disputed resolution on the Long-term sustainability of public finances for a recovering economy was narrowly passed with the votes of a center-right majority (EPP+ALDE). The initial text of the report was drafted by an S&D MEP, but the EPP+ALDE coalition showed its force amending it line by line. The amendments were so extensive that at the final vote the S&D itself (along with the rest of the left - Greens/ALE+GUE/NGL) voted against the resolution, while the ECR group abstained. The left justified its vote arguing that Member States should be allowed to make their own decisions on their national debt during times of crisis, in order to cope with social problems, while the center-right argued that the crisis could be overcome faster if the Commission assumes an active role in pursuing budgetary discipline across the Union (see here distribution of votes and text).
MEPs veto "meat glue" authorisation: The European Parliament has blocked the authorization of "meat glue" thrombin as a food additive. The European Commission had proposed to add porcine/bovine thrombin to a list of approved additives, but a center-left majority (ALDE+S&D+Greens/ALE+GUE/NGL) backed a resolution tabled by the Environment Committee which opposed the Commission's proposal. The center-left coalition secured 370 votes, while a minimum of 369 votes in favor was needed to exercise Parliament's right of veto under the "regulatory procedure with scrutiny" (see distribution of votes and text).
"Made in" labels could become compulsory for clothes imported from third countries, according to a legislative resolution voted by the MEPs. The resolution was passed against the background of opposition from the by a comfortable majority, with only the ECR and Greens/ALE groups abstaining (see distribution of votes and text).
Macro-financial assistance for Ukraine: A maximum of €500 million EU loan will be available to Ukraine for 30 months. The decision was taken by the EP with a comfortable majority, with only the EFD group opposing it. The loan, due to be repaid within 15 years, would help Kiev to finance its balance-of-payments deficit and meet its budgetary needs (see distribution of votes and text).
2008 discharge, EU general budget - Council: a majority made up of the 3 main political groups (EPP+ALDE+S&D) secured the discharge of the Council budget, blocking a resolution of the other 4 groups (Greens/ALE+ECR+GUE/NGL+EFD) who tried to postpone this decision and asking for documentation to the Council (see distribution of votes and text).
European Parliament's budget increased to cope with additional workload following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. The move was supported by the political forces at the center of the political spectrum (EPP+ALDE+S&D+Greens/ALE), but opposed by those on the left and right sides (GUE/NGL, ECR, EFD). See distribution of votes and text.
Cyanide-free mining in the EU: the Parliament has asked the Commission to issue legislation to forbid the usage of cyanide-based technologies in mining throughout the EU. The resolution was adopted by a large majority, with some opposition being voiced by EPP members from Romania and Sweden. Also, most MEPs from the liberals and democrats (ALDE) group chose to abstain when voting. (See here for distribution of votes and text).
The cost of additional security measures in airports are to be borne by member states, not passengers, according to a legislative resolution (first reading) voted in the EP on airport security. The resolution as a whole was carried by a large majority. However, two amendments drafted by the Greens/ALE group and supported by the S&D and GUE/NGL were voted down by a center-right majority made up of ALDE+EPP+ECR+EFD (see distribution of votes and text). VoteWatch's monitoring of European Parliament decisions shows that votes are generally dominated by a centre-right majority in the Transport & Tourism policy area. (Details here).
Eurofisc, a new EU agency designed to coordinate fight against cross-border VAT fraud, given green light by the EP: the decision was taken by a majority composed of Greens/ALE+S&D+ALDE+EPP, while the right (ECR+EFD) and the radical left (GUE/NGL) voted against creating a new agency at EU level. (see distribution of votes and text). Votes in the policy area Economics have so far been decided by an EPP+ALDE coalition (details here).
EU agriculture policy to adapt to climate change: a key vote was taken on this non-legislative resolution to grant subsidies from EU and member states' budget to rural institutions that switch to heating systems based on bio-energy (paragraph 18, part 2). The proposal was supported with the votes of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), radical left (GUE/NGL) and Greens/ALE, while the ALDE (all but the French delegation), ECR and EFD groups opposed. The vote of the EPP group was inconclusive, with half of its members voting for (delegations such as Greece, Hungary), and half voting against (Bulgaria, Spain, Sweden). EPP members from France, Germany, Poland, Romania and Italy voted both ways in almost equal proportions. (See distribution of votes and text). Since the start of the new legislature, the EPP has had a low cohesion score on agriculture, when compared to the rest of policy areas or other European groups (Details here).
New composition of the EP by way of an inter-governmental conference (IGC): the resolution adopted by the EP concludes that there is no need for a convention in order for 18 additional MEPs to take office as stipulated in the Lisbon Treaty. However, the 18 new MEPs will need the approval of an IGC and their member states. The resolution was voted in the EP against the background of opposition from the Greens/ALE and GUE/NGL. (Distribution of votes and text).
'NO' to the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement - ACTA (March 10): the EP has adopted, by a large majority, a resolution criticizing the Commission and the Council for the allegedly non-transparent way of conducting international negotiations for the international treaty on copyright. The House has threatened that it will resort to legal action at the European Court of Justice if its claims for more transparency are not respected. On the substance of the treaty as such, the EP argues that in no way should the citizens' access to internet be at risk in the framework of the fight against on-line piracy (see distribution of votes and text).
Proposal to invest EU money in low-carbon technologies (March 11): the Parliament has asked the Commission to invest more money in innovative technologies that would help cut greenhouse emissions by 20% by 2020. The resolution was supported by political groups at the center (EPP, S&D, ALDE, ECR), while the left (GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA) voted against, believing that the goals are not ambitious enough. Also, the right wing (EFD) voted against it, considering that such investments should be made at national and not European level (see distribution of votes and text).
Red-tape reduction for micro-firms (March 10): very small companies could be exempted from having to draw up annual reports, but this decision is still left to be taken by each member state. The proposal was carried by a center-right majority (EPP+ECR+EFD) and the Greens/EFA group, while most of the socialist (S&D) and radical left (GUE/NGL) MEPs voted against the text, as they fear this will lead to less transparency by the companies. However, there were some notable splits inside the groups: most German and UK MEPs within the S&D group voted in favor; liberal (ALDE) French and Italian MEPs voted against; within the EPP, the Belgian and French MEPs voted against, while the Austrians abstained (see distribution of votes and text). The Directive still needs the approval of the Council, where a blocking minority has put the proposal on hold.
Europe 2020 agenda (March 10): a coalition of the 3 main European political groups (EPP, S&D, ALDE) imposed its view on this matter, reacting to the recent informal European Council. The document, setting the guidelines for the EU integration and development agenda during the coming decade, as viewed by the pro-integration majority, was opposed by the right and left wing euro-skeptics (EFD and GUE/NGL, respectively), as well as by the Greens/EFA group, while the ECR group chose to abstain. Also, the French and Belgian socialist MEPs (members of the S&D group) voted against the document (see distribution of votes and text).
The implementation of the European Security Strategy - ESS and the Common Security and Defence Policy - CFSP (March 2010): this report outlining the guidelines for the ESS and CFSP was adopted with the support of a pro-integration majority made up by the 3 main political groups (EPP, S&D, ALDE), whose MEPs voted in a very cohesive manner. On the other hand, the right and left euro-skeptic groups (EFD and GUE/NGL, respectively), as well as ECR, voted against the report, while the Greens/EFA abstained (see distribution of votes and text).
New General System of Preferences (GSP) requested by the Parliament (March 10): taking into account that the current GSP will expire at the end of 2011, the Parliament has called on the Commission to come up with a new proposal for a regulation. The resolution adopted in this regard was carried in the form proposed by a center-left majority (ALDE+S&D+Greens/EFA+GUE/NGL). Although the EPP group had been among the initiators of this resolution, at the final vote most of its MEPs voted against, after previously losing the battle on several amendments. However, 33 of the EPP's members chose to abstain at the final vote, including the largest part of its French delegation (see distribution of votes and text).
Implementation of Goldstone recommendations on Israel/Palestine(March 10):the EP has called for an active role of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in monitoring the implementation of the Goldstone recommendations, following an investigation of the bombardment of Gaza strip in January 2009. The report itself calls for prosecution of persons on both sides guilty of war crimes by the Hague court. The EP resolution was adopted in the form proposed by a center-left majority (ALDE+S&D+Greens/EFA+GUE/NGL) who previously voted down an alternative proposal made by the EPP group (see distribution of votes and text).
Condemnation of Cuban government (March 11): reacting to the death of Orlando Zapata after a hunger strike of 85 days, the EP voiced criticism over the treatment applied by the government in Havana to political prisoners and called on the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy to support the Cuban civil society. The resolution was adopted by a large majority, with only the radical left group (GUE/NGL) voting against it (see distribution of votes and text).
Internal Market Scoreboard (March 9): a resolution calling on the Commission to subject any planned legislation to an 'internal market test' was passed with a large majority, as the only political forces who opposed it were the Greens / EFA and the GUE/NGL groups, from the left of the political spectrum (see distribution of votes and text). The text also asks the Commission to hold an annual internal market forum so that representatives of Member States and other parties can jointly seek the best solutions to problems of transposition and implementation of EU law.
Free movement of persons with long-stay visa (March 9): A non-EU national staying in one of the Member States on a long-stay visa will be allowed to travel to most other Member States (except for UK, Ireland and Denmark) for three months in any six-month period under the same conditions as the holder of a residence permit, under a new regulation approved by Parliament. The resolution adopted at first reading was carried in spite of some opposition made by the MEPs from the right: the EFD group and half of the ECR group - mostly British Conservatives (see distribution of votes and text). The regulation is set to enter into force by 5 April 2010.
Financial support for Lithuania (March 9): the British Conservatives MEPs (members of the ECR group in the EP) voted against the EU's financial support, through the European Globalization Adjustment Fund, for the workers in Lithuania who got unemployed, particularly in the construction sector. However, the resolution was carried with the votes of both their colleagues in the ECR group (mostly from Eastern European countries) and of the rest of the European political groups (see distribution of votes and text). The amount of EU aid approved is a little over € 1 million.
Financial support for Germany (March 9): a similar resolution was passed for the workers who lost their job at the Karmann car manufacturing group in Germany. This time the euro skeptical groups from the right, EFD and ECR, expressed a more unified opposition, while the liberal (ALDE) MEPs from Germany chose to abstain (see distribution of votes and text). The amount of EU aid approved is of over € 6 million.
GMOs not on the EP agenda for now (March 8): a request by the left groups (Greens/EFA and GUE/NGL) to have a debate on the recent decision by the European Commission to authorize the cultivation of genetically modified 'Amflora' potato was voted down by the Parliament. The Greens/EFA and GUE/NGL groups received the votes of the liberal (ALDE) MEPs, but the proposal was rejected due to massive opposition by the MEPs from the EPP, S&D and ECR (see distribution of votes).
