Parliament in brief
Parliament in brief
Plastic bag ban
Members of the European Parliament’s environment committee voted on Monday (10 March) to back a European Commission proposal to set targets for phasing out the use of plastic carrier bags. The position agreed by MEPs would set an EU target to reduce use of plastic bags by 50% in three years and 80% in five years. Member states will be free to reach the target however they see fit. The legislation makes it clear that member states that choose to ban plastic bags will not be violating single market rules.
Package travel
MEPs yesterday (12 March) agreed their position on proposed rules on refunds for consumers who book package holidays. They backed a Commission proposal to update rules dating from 1990 to extend the right to refunds and repatriation to customers who book flights and accommodation separately online. The member states have not yet reached a common position, and agreement is not expected before the end of this parliamentary term.
Greenhouse gases
Member states and MEPs have struck a deal to phase out the use of powerful greenhouse gases known as F-gases, mainly used in refrigerators. The new rules oblige a reduction in the use of F-gases 80% by 2030, and will ban the use of the gases in new fridges from 2022.
Data protection
MEPs yesterday agreed their position on new data protection rules for the EU. They want to introduce a common framework covering the protection of personal data to replace the patchwork of national laws. Their plan includes users having to give explicit consent for use of data, and sanctions for non-compliance. Member states have not yet reached agreement on the issue.
Turkey report
The European Parliament’s yearly progress report on Turkey, which was adopted by the plenary this week, criticised the worsening human rights situation in the country. MEPs criticised interference with the judiciary by the ruling AKP party of of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdog?an, the detention of journalists, corruption and transparency.
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