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News archive »ECR wins postponement of damaging maternity proposals
Strasbourg, 11th March 2010 - European Parliament plans to grant pregnant women twenty weeks of maternity leave on full pay have been shelved pending a full impact assessment, following demands by the European Conservatives and Reformists group.
ECR group calls for release of Gilad Shalit
Strasbourg, 11th March 2010 - The European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament has supported the parliament's calls for Israeli Defence Forces Corporal Gilad Shalit to be released.
MEPs call for EU Tobin tax
Strasbourg, 10th March 2010 - A new Financial Transaction Tax to fund climate change and development are not the right way forward, ECR economic spokesman Kay Swinburne MEP warned today after the European Parliament called for their introduction - potentially at EU level.
Turf war and navel-gazing over External Action Service must end
Strasbourg, 10th March 2010 - Baroness Ashton must now bang heads together to ensure that the creation of the EU's External Action Service (EAS) does not cause the EU to return to the introspection that marked the debate over the Lisbon Treaty, Charles Tannock MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists group foreign affairs spokesman in the European Parliament, said today.
Ashton back-tracking already on EU defence policy
Strasbourg, 10th March 2010 - In the European Parliament today (10 March) Baroness Ashton 's position on the formulation of the new EU foreign and defence policy came under scrutiny from Conservative Security and Defence Spokesman Geoffrey Van Orden who commented: "EU Security and Defence Policy deliberately confuses military and civil crisis management in order to justify an EU role. It relies on a bogus narrative concerning EU operations and increasingly seeks to involve the European Commission in areas which are properly the responsibility of our nations or of Council."
Europe's inadequate response to swine flu cannot be swept under carpet, says MEP
Strasbourg, 9th March 2010 - The way the European Union responded to last year's swine flu outbreak has raised serious questions about the EU's effectiveness in a public health crisis that cannot be ignored, Marina Yannakoudakis, an ECR member of the European Parliament's environment committee, said today.
United with Lajos Bokros and MDF: ECR Bureau Visit to Budapest
Budapest, 3rd March 2010 - The delegation was led by the President of the ECR Group, Michał Kamiński, who underlined Lajos Bokros' key role in the Conservative Group and his vast knowledge and expertise in the field of economics. The leader of the Euroconservatives also noted that the plan presented by Mr Bokros is the best formula for Hungary to overcome the financial crisis.
Mirek Topolanek: The European conservatives are much more powerful within the ECR Group
Brussels, 2nd March - The former Czech Prime minister and the Czech ODS party leader Mirek Topolanek addressed the ECR Group meeting on Tuesday. He applauded the Group´s success and efforts up to now. "Your constructive and hard work in the committees shows the ECR as a serious partner for the centre-right wing in the European Parliament. You have already proven to be a reasonable mainstream group and I´m sure the ECR Group will be much more powerful in the future," Mirek Topolanek said.
EU2020 strategy: jobs and growth need the Single Market
Brussels, 3rd March 2010 - The widely anticipated EU2020 strategy published today will take the European economy in the right direction, but only if national governments take the plans off of the drawing board and deliver them, the European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament, said today.
ECR votes against increasing European Parliament's administrative expenditure
Brussels, 25th February 2010 - The European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament has today voted against proposals to increase the number of staff posts in the parliament, and to increase the secretarial allowance available for MEPs, Lajos Bokros MEP, ECR budgets coordinator said today.
Common Fisheries Policy needs urgent reform
Brussels, 25th February 2010 - The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) needs root and branch reform so that a more regional policy can take account of the positions of scientists and fishermen, Marek Gróbarczyk MEP, fisheries coordinator for the European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament, said today after MEPs adopted their report on the CFP Green Paper.
Broad support for report on European Maritime Policy
23rd February 2010 - The Transport committee of the European Parliament expressed broad support for the draft report on the EU maritime policy untill 2018, of MEP Peter van Dalen (Christian Union, ECR-group) yesterday.
Kaminski: For your freedom and ours
19th February 2010, Washington, D. C. - Speaking last night to the Heritage Foundation in Washington DC, European Conservatives and Reformists chairman, Michal Kaminski MEP, called for a renaissance of the transatlantic alliance to meet renewed challenges to freedom and liberty.
EU urged to keep up pressure on Mugabe
Strasbourg, 11th February 2010 - The EU must keep up the pressure on Mugabe. That is the message from MEPs to EU government Ministers as they consider the EU's "restrictive measures", due for renewal next week (February 16). These restrictions have been in place since 2002 and are reviewed annually. Geoffrey Van Orden MEP, who spearheads the European Parliament's campaign for freedom and democratic change in Zimbabwe, has urged EU countries to renew their restrictions.
Swift agreement's rejection: MEPs have cut off their noses to spite their faces
Strasbourg, 11th February 2010 -
EU on track for further enlargement, ECR group says
Strasbourg, 10th February 2010 - In a European Parliament debate on the progress made by Croatia, Turkey and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia towards EU membership, the European Conservatives and Reformists group said that Croatia is on track for membership, whilst other countries are making progress.
ECR group abstains on new European Commission and calls for reform of the confirmation procedure
9th February 2010 - The European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament has abstained in today’s vote on the new European Commission, saying that it cannot offer the same confidence in the new college as a whole as it has in President Barroso.
ECR response to European Commission's 2020 agenda
Strasboug, 9th JFabruary 2010 - The European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament has published its response to the EU's proposed 2020 strategy, which aims to set out a new agenda post the EU's Lisbon Strategy.
Ukraine Election Rules - changes raise concerns. Elmar Brok MEP and Charles Tannock MEP
Brussels, 4th February 2010 - MEPs Charles Tannock and Elmar Brok (respectively EPP and ECR Group Coordinators in the Foreign Affairs Committee) today raised in an exchange of views with the Spanish Presidency the astonishing last minute changes in Ukraine's electoral law passed yesterday in the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada.
EU approval for new Latvian thermal power plant welcomed
Brussels, 1st February 2010 - The EU's approval of state support to a new thermal power plant in Latvia has been welcomed by Roberts Zile, Latvian MEP from the European Conservatives and Reformists group, as a move that will significantly reduce the Baltic region's dependence on Russia for electricity supplies.
Beware of EU Defence "Smoke and Mirrors," says Geoffrey Van Orden
Brussels, 28th January 2010 - Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State, came to the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday evening to set out details of her review of Nato's "Strategic Concept". She leads a group of 12 experts tasked to produce results by the summer. The Strategic Concept provides the basis for Nato's organisation and operational roles.
New EU telecoms body starts work on opening up Europe's telecoms market
Brussels, 28th January 2010 - A new EU body tasked with boosting the EU single market for telecoms has met for the first time today. Malcolm Harbour, the chairman of the European Parliament's internal market committee for the European Conservatives and Reformists group was present at the launch.
European Commission must create solutions for inland shipping
Brussels, 26th January 2010 - "The European Commission must think of solutions for Europe's struggling inland shipping companies, rather than just paying lip service to their problems", Peter Van Dalen, MEP for the European Conservatives and Reformists group and Vice-Chairman of the Transport committee in the European Parliament said today as he opened a debate with the European Commission aimed at addressing the crisis in inland shipping.
Kirkhope: Spain's socialist government should not force command-and-control economics on the EU
Strasbourg, 20th January 2010 - Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero has been told that command-and-control socialist policies are irrelevant to the 21st century by European Conservatives and Reformists deputy leader Timothy Kirkhope MEP, during a debate in the European Parliament this morning
Haiti: EU should focus on complementing national governments' efforts in the aftermath
Strasbourg, 19th January 2010 - Speaking in the debate, European Conservatives and Reformists development coordinator Nirj Deva said that following every humanitarian crisis the key challenge is broken infrastructure. He suggested that world powers may wish to think about radical solutions that could lay down basic infrastructure to ensure that aid gets to everyone who needs it. Baroness Ashton agreed with Deva that infrastructure was of paramount importance to the success of the operation.
EU must support Iran's people but punish its regime
19th January 2010 - European Conservatives and Reformists group foreign affairs coordinator, Charles Tannock MEP, has called on EU High Representative Ashton to hit the Iranian regime with sanctions that are "targeted and extremely damaging", but to support the people of Iran who identify with our values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
Michal Kaminski's priorities for the Spanish Presidency
Brussels, 15th January 2010 - The eventful Swedish Presidency looks set to be followed by another lively six months, with many challenges and crises for the Spanish to overcome. Already, much of the commentary has focused on how the rotating Presidency's senior figures will interact with the holders of the new posts created by the Lisbon Treaty. Of course, the next few weeks will set an important direction for the future institutional functioning of the EU post-Lisbon. Commissioner Ashton and Herman Van Rompuy are servants of the Council of Ministers, whilst Mr Zapatero is one if its 27 masters and I hope that we continue to see a clear role for the rotating Presidency.
Professor Mario Monti attends ECR group meeting
Strasbourg, 15th December 2009 - Professor Mario Monti, a former European Commissioner who has been asked by commission president Barroso to prepare a high-level report on completion of the Single Market, held an exchange of views with the ECR group on the 15th December 2009.
EU must defend the territorial integrity of Georgia
Strasbourg, 16th December 2009 - Speaking in a debate in the European Parliament last night, European Conservatives and Reformists chairman Michal Kaminski MEP, called on the EU to regain some credibility in its talks with Georgia by standing up to Russian aggression.
WTO Talks: Protectionism will not only harm us but also those we seek to hel says ECR Group
Strasbourg, 16th December 2009 - MEPs in Strasbourg quizzed the European Commission on the ongoing WTO talks and the Doha Round. While the communists and socialists called for the creation of a new world order with mass centralisation, the right of the house agreed on a common statement drafted by ECR Vice-Chairman Jan Zahradil.
Banana agreement welcomed
Strasbourg, 15th December 2009 - The EU's move to end the banana war with Latin America has been broadly welcomed by Robert Sturdy MEP, international trade spokesman of the European Conservatives and Reformists group, but the money promised to compensate African, Caribbean and Pacific countries must reach the producers.
Copenhagen agreement requires realism from richer nations
Brussels, 8th December 2009 - 8th December, Brussels -- ECR environment coordinator Miroslav Ouzky will represent the European Parliament's environment committee at the Copenhagen conference next week. Speaking before the meeting, he said:
The world´s prominent experts to discuss the economic prosperity
Brussles, 7th December 2009 - The European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) and leading independent free market think tanks in Europe and the US - Adriatic Institute for Public Policy, The Heritage Foundation, Open Europe and Atlas Economic Research Foundation join forces in co-hosting the sixth annual International Leaders Summit on 8 December 2009 in the European Parliament, Brussels featuring prominent experts on economics and security.
Czech Commissioner-designate to ECR group meeting
7th December, Brussels - Czech Commissioner-designate Stefan Fule, who has been proposed for the Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy portfolio, will be meeting the ECR group at its meeting on Tuesday, 8th December 2009. The meeting will be closed but Czech Vice-President of the ECR, Jan Zahradil, will be available for comment afterwards.
Kaminski: The EU must keep Ukraine as a top priority
4th December 2009 - Ukraine must remain a top priority to Brussels, Michal Kaminski MEP, chairman of the European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament said today as the EU and Ukraine hold a summit.
Mises Circle - Two Concepts of Liberty
3rd December 2009 - ECR MEP Nirj Deva in cooperation with the Brussels-based Mises Youth Club, set up the Mises circle as a small, informal monthly get-together for Members, Assistants and Commission officials to discuss politics and economics from a free market Austrian School perspective.
Ill-judged maternity leave extension back on the agenda
Brussels, 1st December 2009 - EU proposals to increase maternity leave to a minimum of 18 weeks - shelved before the European elections - have been revived, Marina Yannakoudakis, women's committee spokesman and Milan Cabrnoch, employment spokesman for the European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament, warned today.
Doha should not be the elephant in the room at WTO talks
30th November 2009 - Sidelining the round will scupper a deal, ECR trade spokesman warns.
The EU is failing to show leadership in the World Trade Organisation talks in Geneva by allowing the Doha trade round to be sidelined, Robert Sturdy MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists trade spokesman in the European Parliament, has warned.
MEPs will push up flight prices to create compensation fund
Strasbourg, 25th November 2009 - There are better ways to protect consumers from airline bankruptcy, ECR says.
A demand by MEPs today to create an EU fund for the victims of airline bankruptcy is the wrong approach to the problem, which would add to the plethora of extra charges placed onto an airline ticket, ECR transport spokesman Roberts Zile MEP and transport committee member Jacqueline Foster MEP, warned today.
New EU package heralds a new age for internet and telecoms consumers
Strasbourg, 24th November - The EU's Telecoms package, which will increase consumer rights, create a more competitive telecoms market, and make high-speed internet more accessible, has been given the final thumbs up by the European Parliament today after more than two years work. Malcolm Harbour MEP, Chairman of the parliament's internal market committee who steered the package's consumer rights provisions through the parliament, and ECR industry spokesman Giles Chichester MEP, hailed its adoption.
Kaminski: EU2020 strategy should have clear focus on completing the single market
Strasbourg, 24th November 2009 - The launch of the EU's 2020 strategy aimed at building on the EU's Lisbon strategy for jobs and growth has been broadly welcomed today by Michal Kaminski MEP, Chairman of the European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament.
Speech on the plenary session of the European Parliament on the Slovak language law
Strasbourg, 24th November 2009 - The Slovak language is one of the most beautiful languages of Europe. It is unfortunate, therefore, that it is very seldom heard in the European Parliament. As a true friend of Slovakia, a supporter of its development, a modest but active contributor to the famous and groundbreaking Slovak reforms and, of course, as a Hungarian I wish to help my Slovak friends to reduce this disadvantage and make the Slovak language more audible, well-known and popular for a widest possible audience. That is the way to preserve as much as it is possible the rich and diverse Slovak language and culture. It is clearly in the interest of all of us.
Leader of the ECR Group delivered key note at the ODS Congress in Prague
Prague, 20th November 2009 - It is a great honour and I am truly touched that I am able to stand before you - dear friends of the ODS - as the leader of our common group in the European Parliament. Actually, I should not say "friends" but "brothers." Because, ever since I was a child, I have been taught to speak about the Czech nation as "our Czech brothers." This beautiful city where we are today is a testimony of how much the Czechs have given - and continue to give - to Europe, testimony of how much they have given to Poles. It is in Prague that the mother of the first Polish king - Bolesław Chrobry - is buried: the Czech princess Dobrawa
ECR Chairman Michal Kaminski congratulates Herman Van Rompuy and Baroness Ashton
Brussels, 19th November 2009 - The Chairman of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament, Michal Kaminski MEP, has congratulated the new President of the Council of Ministers and High Representative.
Chairman of European Parliament Consumer Protection Committee Welcoms Huge Drop in Complaints about Phoney Ring Tones Following EU-Wide Sweep
Brussels, 17th November 2009 - Brussels 17 November 2009. The Chairman of the European Parliament's Consumer Protection Committee Malcolm Harbour MEP today welcomed the European Commissions crackdown on mobile phone scams that have seen complaints in the UK drop by 60%.
Late Payments Directive - another blow for the public finance
Brussels, 12th November 2009 - Brussels, 12th November 2009 -- The Commission insists that all public institutions such as the ministries, regions, municipalities and even regional hospitals, schools or theatres should pay a penalty in the amount of 5% for each invoice paid later than within the 30-day maturity, even if the delay was a single day.
Poręba, Kamiński and Tannock (ECR) introduced important amendments to the European Parliament's resolution on the upcoming EU-Russia Summit
12th November 2009 - During the EP's plenary session in Brussels, a resolution concerning the upcoming EU-Russia summit was adopted. Thanks to the amendments tabled by Tomasz Poręba, Michał Kamiński, and Charles Tannock, a very weak position of the resolution (which was mostly prepared under the Socialists' umbrella) was strengthened by amendments extremely important for the whole EU.
Vaclav Havel addressed the European Parliament
Brussels, 11th November 2009 - Former Czech president Vaclav Havel, one of the world´s most famous opponents of communism, opened the plenary session of The European Parliament on Wednesday. In an hour long speech he called on the democratic world for their ongoing and stout opposition to all forms of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes. He also expressed his support for further European integration.
The 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall
10th November 2009 - As we commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall, we can look back on the transformation of Eastern Europe. In just two decades our nations have thrown off the yolk of communism and become major actors in the European Union.
EU's accounting moving forward - but far too slowly
Brussels, 10th November 2009 - Brussels, 10th November 2009 -- Improvements are being made in the EU's accounting practices but there is still a long way to go before the auditors can give the accounts a clean bill of health, Ryszard Czarnecki MEP, budgetary control spokesman for the European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament (ECR), said after the Court of Auditors published its report on the EU's 2008 spending.
New telecoms rules agreed by MEPs and EU governments
Brussels, 5th November 2009 - Brussels, 5th November 2009 -- A new EU package on telecoms that will deliver major benefits to consumers and drive innovation and investment in the communications industry has been given the green light by MEPs and EU governments. Malcolm Harbour MEP, ECR chairman of the European Parliament's internal market committee, played a key role in getting the final deal agreed.
Founding of the "Alliance of European Conservatives and Reformists (AECR)" asbl/vzw
30th October - On October 1st, a first meeting was convened to approve the Statutes of a new organisation, the "Alliance of European Conservatives and Reformists, (AECR)".
The birth of a new foundation: "New Direction- Foundation for European Reform" asbl/vzw
30th October - On October 1st, a first meeting was convened to approve the Statutes of a new organisation: "New Direction- Foundation for European Reform".
EU pledge to cut red tape is welcome but action must follow words says conservative MEP
22nd October, Strasbourg - Strasbourg 22 October 2009. The European Commission today published a report updating how it plans to meet its commitment of reducing red tape by 25% by 2012.
ECR Industry spokesman in Brussels Giles Chichester today welcomed the renewed commitment to cutting red tape but wants the Commission to step up their efforts further.
EU's development focus on fragile states welcomed
22nd October 2009, Strasbourg - ECR group says focus will be beneficial for poorer nations and European taxpayers
Strasbourg, 22nd October 2009 -- The EU's development agenda will be more effective and less wasteful for European taxpayers if it can help tackle 'fragile states', Nirj Deva MEP, Development spokesman for the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament, said today after the commission published plans to deal with fragility in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Recreational anglers: Conservative campaign scores success
20th October 2009 - Proposals to include recreational anglers in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) have been watered down by EU ministers after a Conservative campaign in the European Parliament, Struan Stevenson MEP, Conservative fisheries spokesman, said today.
Landmine problem hasn’t gone away
16th October - Ten years after the Ottawa Treaty to ban anti-personnel landmines (APL) and on the eve of the Second Review Conference, the European Parliament has been holding a workshop to review progress.
156 states have now acceded to the Treaty, large areas have been cleared of mines, there are fewer mine victims. But since 1997, the international community has spent $4 billion on mine action around the world, casualties still run at over 5,000 a year, more than a dozen states still produce APL, and terrorists and insurgents continue to be the main users of this banned weapon.
Peter van Dalen supports Globalisation Fund support for the Netherlands
15th October 2009 - Peter van Dalen MEP has welcomed the European Commission's proposed allocation of € 386,114 to assist the 435 workers made redundant by Dutch construction company Heijmans N.V. back into employment.
Israeli ambassador calls for closer cooperation with conservatives in the EP
13th October - The ECR Group had its first Ambassadorial visit yesterday when the ambassador of Israel, H.E. Ran Curiel spoke to the Group meeting.
T. Kirkhope: Speech to Party Conference in Manchester
8th October 2009 - Mr Chairman, Conference,
I am absolutely delighted to be here today not only as the Leader of the UK Conservative delegation in the European Parliament but, for the first time, as the Deputy Chairman of our new group: the European Conservatives and Reformists.
ECR group blocks extension of the Working Time Directive
30th September 2009 - The European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) in the European Parliament was last night instrumental in blocking efforts of socialist MEPs to extend the EU's Working Time Directive to self-employed drivers.
ECR Group calls on commission to scrutinise the proposed GM deal
Brussels, 29th September 2009 - Vicky Ford MEP, Conservative Spokesman on Economic and Monetary Affairs in the European Parliament, today grilled EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes on GM's potential sale of Opel and specifically the potential impact for UK workers in Ellesmere Port and Luton.
Ipod volumes: more information needed but users should remain free to choose
Brussels, 28th September 2009 - The chairman of the European Parliament's consumer protection committee, Malcolm Harbour MEP, has welcomed the European Commission's proposals that encourage users of personal music players to keep the volume down whilst continuing to allow personal choice, however he has asked the commission to ensure that such an agreement be voluntary with manufacturers.
EU financial regulation goes too far towards subjugation rather than cooperation
Brussels, 23rd September 2009 - Proposals published by the European Commission today for a pan-European risk board and three watchdogs to oversee banks, securities and insurers, do not go far enough to protect the role of national regulators, Kay Swinburne MEP, Economic and Monetary Affairs coordinator for the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament, said today.
Banks should be more transparent with their fees
Brussels, 22nd September 2009 - Today's threatened action against banks by the European Commission should be enough for them to voluntarily improve their price structures and ensure consumers are given the best deal possible from their current accounts, Malcolm Harbour MEP, Chairman of the European Parliament's consumer protection committee, said today.
CAUTIOUS WELCOME FOR DAIRY SECTOR CRISIS MEASURES FROM ECR GROUP
Strasbourg, 17th September 2009 - Northern Ireland MEP Jim Nicholson, Agriculture Coordinator in the European Parliament for the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, gave a cautious welcome to a series of measures adopted by MEPs today to address the crisis in the dairy sector.
Tragedy of typhoon offers new chance for Taiwan's UN participation, says Tory MEP
Strasbourg, 17th September 2009 - The devastation caused by Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan should spur the international community to deepen its support for Taiwan's goal of participating as an observer in United Nations organisations, Conservative foreign affairs spokesman in the European Parliament Charles Tannock will say today during a debate in Strasbourg.
Kaminski: Barroso is the right man for the job
Strasbourg, 16th September 2009 - Commenting on the re-election of President Barroso for the post of Commission President, Michal Kaminski MEP, Chairman of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament, said:
Michał Kamiński Speech on the reelection of José Manuel Barroso as European Commission President
Strasbourg, 16th September 2009 - Mr Chairman, Conference,
The European Conservatives and Reformists Group will support President Barroso. We will do so not because we agree with the President in every matter. There are many views, which we do not share. Fist, I will mention President Barroso's enthusiastic support for the Lisbon Treaty. We do not subscribe to this enthusiastic support. But we do share the aversion and condemnation that the President has expressed toward all forms of nationalism and nationalistic egoism. Europe, our continent, which we want to continue to live in peace, has experienced a sea of tragedies at the hands of nationalistic chauvinism. We thank God that today we are living in a peaceful Europe.
Welcome to the website of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament.
In July 2009, the ECR was formed by eight political parties who share the common goals of opposition to Euro-federalism and of fundamental reform of the European Union to make it more accountable, transparent and responsive to the needs of the people.This website is intended to provide you with information about our work and our political priorities, and to provide you with an opportunity to let us know your views.
Mon, 8th March 2010
The head of the EP group of European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) said on Thursday that the ideas of conservative Democratic Forum PM-candidate Lajos Bokros would be "the best for Hungary".
www.realdeal.hu, by MTI
Wed, 3rd March 2010
The European Union is to reveal its strategy for job creation and promoting green growth.
Named EU 2020, the plan has been months in the making. However, with the current worries over Greece and the trouble that's causing for the Euro, many worry that EU 2020 may be overshadowed.
BBC, by Nigel Cassidy
