About: José Bové

Livestock farmers cry wolf, call on EU to act

Livestock farmers and MEPs met in Brussels this week to demand a change in the EU's policy on the protection of wolves. Farmers are angered by the European Commission’s position, which they say favours wolves over livestock. EURACTIV.fr reports

‘Strange’ manoeuvering over CETA exposes democratic deficit

French lawmakers are continuing their battle against the EU's free trade deal with Canada (CETA). The arrest of Green MEP José Bové by the Canadian authorities yesterday (12 October) has only deepened concerns over the deal. EURACTIV France reports.

French MPs decide not to block CETA

The French parliament’s European affairs committee has rejected a resolution calling on France to block the ratification of CETA, just days before Prime Minister Manuel Valls is due to visit Canada. EURACTIV France reports.

What should happen to British MEPs?

The uncertainty created by the Brexit referendum has left members of the European Parliament deeply divided over the future role their British colleagues should play. But most agree that Nigel Farage should go. EURACTIV France reports.

Parliament votes to cut ties with Philip Morris

The majority of MEPs oppose the renewal of an EU agreement with Philip Morris to fight the trade in illegal tobacco. The Commission will make its decision on 16 March. EURACTIV France reports.

GMOs and pesticides could be tolerated in organic food under new EU rules

MEPs have voted not to strip organic agricultural products of their certification if they are contaminated with GMOs or pesticides, as the majority of cases of contamination are accidental. EURACTIV's partner Journal de l'Environnement reports. 

Commission to decide on new plant breeding techniques within three months

EXCLUSIVE / A legal analysis of whether new plant breeding techniques should fall under EU GMO legislation will be completed by the first quarter of 2016, a European Commission spokesperson has told EURACTIV.

Parliament vote on novel foods heats up cloned animals debate

The European Parliament made it easier for 'novel foods' to enter the EU market last week (28 October). But all matters relating to cloned animals have been added to another legislative proposal, heating up debate on the issue.

New plant breeding techniques: Innovation breakthrough or GMOs in disguise?

SPECIAL REPORT / 'New plant breeding techniques' focus on developing new seed traits within a given species through genetic engineering. A troubling question for policymakers is whether these techniques should fall under GMO legislation.

Milk crisis drives wedge between France and Germany

France is urging the Commission to increase the price it pays farmers for surplus milk. But most other countries, including Germany, refuse to return to a regulated market. EURACTIV France reports. 

Commission prepares minimal reform of GMO imports

EXCLUSIVE / The European executive plans to present a new legal framework for GMO imports by the end of the month. Member states could be given the final say over imports, a possibility that disappoints environmentalists. EURACTIV France reports. 

Paris gets behind Parliament resolution on meat labels

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling on the Commission to introduce mandatory labeling of the origin of all meats used in ready-prepared meals. Paris has expressed its strong support for the resolution. EURACTIV France reports.

MEPs approve national ban on GM crops cultivation

MEPs have rubber-stamped controversial rules permitting EU member states to decide themselves whether to allow the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops, which are currently grown in only five EU countries.

EU agreement opens door for new GMO cultivation in 2015

The Juncker Commission has brought four years of discussions on GMO crops to a close, extracting a compromise from the European Parliament and the Council. Member states that do not want GMOs cultivated inside their borders will retain the right to enforce a ban. EURACTIV France reports. 

Brussels to scrutinise French Sivens dam project

The Commission is launching an enquiry into the controversial dam at Sivens, in France’s Tarn department. A procedure for breach of European environmental law could be launched against France. EURACTIV France reports. 

EU Commission back under the spotlight over tobacco lobbying

Almost two years after the 'Dalligate' scandal, MEPs and transparency campaigners are criticising the European Commission for dragging its feet in implementing WHO transparency rules regulating contacts between policymakers and the tobacco industry.

Left parties win gender parity contest in new EU Parliament

With only a 1.25% increase in the number of women MEPs in the new European Parliament compared to the previous legislature, women's associations warn that it will take “half a century to reach gender parity at this pace”.

Wrap-up: EU ‘Spitzenkandidaten’ debate in Brussels

On Thursday evening (15 May), five contenders for the European Commission presidency faced each other in the 'Eurovision Debate' in Brussels. Review the debate and read up on the discussion as it happened, in our wrap-up below.

Second EU presidential debate ends with ‘no winner’

Hosted by the European University Institute in Florence, candidates for the European Commission president left many of the observers in the audience wondering what the real political message of the four contenders actually was.

INFOGRAPHIC: EU Presidential Debates 2014

With less than four weeks to go before polls open on 22-25 May, the parties' main candidates for the EU Commission presidency face each other in a series of 'Presidential Debates', broadcasted by national and European media.

Next EU Commission President will be a polyglot

Being able to speak many languages is an important skillset for any high-ranking European politician. When it comes to language skills, some candidates for the presidency of the European Commission have a clear linguistic advantage. EURACTIV France reports.

EU reforms organic farming

The European Commission has proposed new regulation on organic food production. However, increasing regulation in order to improve credibility is controversial. EURACTIV France reports.