EPP Group

📆 The EPP Group's priorities for the week ahead: 🔵 Enforce return decisions to restore control 🔵 Cut electricity taxes now 🔵 EU-US trade deal needed for stability 🔵 Make it easier to develop and use AI in Europe 🔗 Read more: epp.group/v18ae74s

The basics, such as lighting up homes, enjoying a warm meal or having a hot shower, should not be a luxury, especially given unaffordable energy prices driven by global tensions. We are calling for urgent, targeted measures to immediately reduce energy bills. First, cut electricity taxes now. This is quick to implement and will immediately reduce citizens’ bills. Second, monitor fuel prices across Member States to prevent unjustified price hikes that exploit consumers. And third, build a more independent and resilient energy system in the long term by promoting clean energy, strengthening European grids and reducing our dependency on foreign players. Now is the time to act calmly and coordinate a European response.

Ten years ago today, Brussels was torn apart by terror attacks, and a beautiful morning was turned into tragedy. Today, we bow our heads in memory of all the victims who lost their lives on 22 March 2016. We extend our deepest sympathies to their families, friends, and loved ones, who have endured so much pain and grief. Terrorism has no place in Europe.

No family should have to worry about whether they can afford to heat their home or cook a meal. Rising energy prices driven by global tensions are putting real pressure on households across Europe. We support targeted measures to relieve families and businesses: 🔵 Cut electricity taxes to lower bills fast 🔵 Monitor fuel prices and stop unfair spikes 🔵 Build a stronger, cleaner European energy system for the future Europe has tools, so let’s use them.

Michał Szczerba, MEP and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur for relations with the US, was in Washington to discuss EU-US cooperation on security, trade and support for Ukraine. “Transatlantic dialogue is very important, especially on security, NATO cooperation, trade and Ukraine,” says @MichalSzczerba. Watch and learn more👇

Like everyone else, each person with Down Syndrome has his or her own identity, likes and talents. Let's work to end harmful stereotypes and empower people with intellectual disabilities. ❗️Boosting their autonomy ❗️Ensuring their rights #WDSD26 #eliminateloneliness

Europe must act now to keep energy prices low for Europeans. At the EPP Group, we back targeted measures, such as reducing electricity taxes. This can be quickly implemented and have a direct impact on citizens’ and businesses’ energy bills. “Fuel prices across Member States should also be monitored, and preventive steps should be considered by EU leaders in case of unjustified price hikes that exploit consumers," says @MarkusFerber MEP. For MEP Christian Ehler, “this situation calls for a calm, coordinated, and European response that benefits citizens and businesses." Let’s do it!

The consequences of the war in Iran are already visible. Energy prices are rising again📈 "We expect concrete action from the heads of state and governments. Our citizens expect leadership. They will not accept politics that merely describe the chaos. We need leadership to build a Europe that protects its people and protects our prosperity," says @jeroen_lenaers. Watch⤵️ #EUCO

“I expect the European Council to confirm that we are not going to get involved in this war, but because of our great concern for the global economy, we urge an end to the war. We condemn the Iranian attacks on neighbouring states that are not involved in the conflict,” says @gahler_michael. #EUCO

Approve the EU-US trade deal as soon as possible! The EPP Group stresses the need to keep the EU-US deal balanced and enforceable. "The EU should uphold its commitments, just as the US did when it capped tariffs at 15%," said Jörgen Warborn MEP, EPP Group spokesman on international trade. "But we also need safeguards if new tariffs appear. The ‘sunrise clause’ gives businesses the certainty they urgently need." @jorgenwarborn Read: epp.group/lm6f0qon

“Viktor Orbán of Hungary once again proved that he sides more with Putin’s Russia than with his EU partners. He has blocked EU foreign policy for many years, and the whole of Europe is looking forward to his dismissal by the Hungarian nation. With Péter Magyar as the leader of Hungary, we will be able to defend the interests of Europeans and the interests of Hungarians. The €90 billion loan for Ukraine is not a free gift but real support and an investment in a country that fights for the whole continent against Russian imperialism and non-European barbarism,” says @AndrzejHalicki. #EUCO

The EPP Group is now urging a final green light for the EU-US trade deal and a plenary vote without delay, stressing the need to quickly bring clarity to EU-US trade. Our businesses are calling for clearer direction, and we are responding to that. "At a time of uncertainty, we must provide clarity and stability," said Željana Zovko MEP, EPP Group's MEP responsible for trade relations with the United States. Read: epp.group/lm6f0qon @ZovkoEU

Thanks to the EPP Group’s leadership and active push, the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee today paved the way for the final approval of the EU-US trade deal. This successful vote is a crucial step towards restoring stability in transatlantic trade amid ongoing tensions. The EPP Group is now urging a final green light for the deal and a plenary vote without delay, stressing the need to quickly bring clarity to EU-US trade. Our businesses are calling for clearer direction, and we are responding to that. "At a time of uncertainty, we must provide clarity and stability," said @ZovkoEU MEP, EPP Group's MEP responsible for trade relations with the United States. "Approving this agreement will strengthen our partnership with the United States and show that Europe is a reliable partner. Companies on both sides are asking for predictable rules – we need to deliver. This deal comes at the very last moment to avoid a trade war. We must move quickly to a final vote next week." The EPP Group also stresses the need to keep the deal balanced and enforceable. "The EU should uphold its commitments, just as the US did when it capped tariffs at 15%," said @jorgenwarborn MEP, EPP Group spokesman on international trade. "But we also need safeguards if new tariffs appear. The ‘sunrise clause’ gives businesses the certainty they urgently need." The EPP Group believes that swift final approval of the deal is necessary to restore stability, protect jobs, and keep EU-US trade on track.

"Fuel represents one of the largest operating costs of the fishing fleet, so the continued increase in prices is putting at risk the economic viability of many vessels. That is why we are asking the @EU_Commission to swiftly activate emergency support mechanisms, such as the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, similar to those used during the 2022 energy crisis," said @CarmenCrespoPP MEP in the Parliament’s Committee on @EP_Fisheries.

Only 1 in 5 Europeans understands basic finance. We all need to know how to spot scams, save, and invest. It requires honest, transparent advice, also from influencers. At the EPP Group, we want to ensure that every European has access to clear financial education. We believe that with the right information at hand, you gain the freedom to grow your savings. Our goal is simple: to give you the tools to save more, invest better, and protect your future. Watch⤵️ @lidiafopereira #FinancialLiteracy

EU–US trade deal finally approved in the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, thanks to the EPP Group's leadership and push.

EU–US trade deal finally approved in the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, thanks to the EPP Group's leadership and push. 👇

👏EU-US trade deal wins committee approval under EPP Group leadership and push.

Global tensions always end up hitting citizens and businesses in their pockets. Let’s act now and keep prices in check! First, with new targeted measures to reduce energy prices right away. For this, cutting electricity taxes can be quickly implemented and would have an immediate impact on citizens’ bills. “Fuel prices across Member States should also be monitored, and preventive steps should be considered by EU leaders in case of unjustified price hikes that exploit consumers," said @MarkusFerber MEP. In the long term, the EU must build a more resilient and independent energy system. One that promotes clean energy, strengthens European networks, and reduces dependence on foreign players. “This situation calls for a calm, coordinated, and European response that benefits citizens and businesses, as outlined by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her letter to the European Council," adds Christian Ehler MEP. We cannot rest on our laurels. Even if Europe’s energy supply remains secure, the time to act is now!