A study by Hungarian media expert Agnes Urban, commissioned by Sven Giegold, calculates the media concentration in Hungary for the first time: “Altogether 77,8% of the political/public affairs market is financed by sources decided by the ruling party.” In the 1990s and 2000s, media in Hungary were not free of political influence, but were subject […]
Danske Bank: European Commission must now investigate money laundering scandal after EU Member States have put the brakes on the EBA
In the Danske money laundering scandal, the European Banking Authority (EBA) had gathered clear evidence of a series of violations of European law. Confidential EBA documents show that the Estonian (Finantsinspektsioon) and Danish (Finanstilsynet) financial supervisors of the Danish Danske Bank and its Estonian subsidiary repeatedly violated their obligations under the European Anti-Money Laundering Directive […]
Impunity for corruption in Romania: Europe’s Social Democrats, Liberals and Christian Democrats must not let this pass
The Romanian Parliament today amended the penal code so that criminal proceedings against high-ranking politicians for corruption could soon be broken off. The ruling Social Democrats and Liberals, as well as opposition Christian Democrats, have voted in favour of the changes. One of the changes shortens the limitation period for some crimes. As soon as […]
Invitation: Europe Calling EXTRA “Brexit? No, thanks!” on 16 April at 8pm (CEST)
Recording: Dear friends, dear interested, Brexit took an unexpected turn. With the last EU summit, the option of a Hard Brexit practically died. The supporters of a Hard Brexit are now faced with a bitter alternative: Either they let May’s Withdrawal Agreement with the EU pass in the House of Commons or […]
Tax justice: New Greens/EFA report on the tax race to attract the wealthiest
On the third anniversary of the Panama Papers (Wednesday April 3rd) the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament is launching a new study “Competing for the rich: Tax exemptions and special schemes for the rich“, revealing how governments in the European Union compete to attract the super-rich through tax breaks and other preferential treatment. More […]
Taxonomy for sustainable investment: A green milestone
Today the European Parliament plenary adopted a draft regulation on a classification (taxonomy) of sustainable investments with a majority of Christian Democrats, Liberals and Greens, while Social Democrats abstained. This uniform classification sets criteria for the definition of environmentally “sustainable” financial products. On the initiative of Christian Democrat and right-wing MEPs a narrow majority voted […]