The European Parliament civil liberties, justice and home affairs committee today voted to strengthen the role of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. S&D MEPs stressed the importance of the agency in helping member states secure the EU’s external borders, while ensuring that accountability is increased in line with its expanded powers.

 

The European Parliament today backed a series of reports on how to improve the structures of the European Union. The reports called for more checks and balances on the role of the European Commission, promoted the role of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and EU citizenship, and looked at how enhanced cooperation as seen in the treaties can be used more effectively.

 

Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament welcome the agreement reached last night on revised rules on public procurement under the Clean Vehicles Directive. During the negotiations, S&Ds have successfully pushed for setting minimum binding targets for the procurement of clean and zero-emission vehicles by local and public authorities, so that the revised Directive contributes to the decarbonisation of EU road transport and helps member states meet their local air pollution targets.