New EFA Group of MEPs gets to work

The new EFA (European Free Alliance) Group of MEPs has met in Strasbourg for the first time at the start of the new legislative term of the European Parliament.

The European Free Alliance (EFA) Group in the European Parliament currently includes representatives from Scotland, Catalonia, Wales, Valencia and Latvia who advance the cause of Europe's stateless nations, regions and disadvantaged minorities.

Current EFA MEPs are:

•          Josep-Maria Terricabras (EFA Group President), of L'Esquerra pel Dret a Decidir (Catalunya),

•          Jill Evans (Vice President) of Plaid Cymru – the Party of Wales,

•          Ian Hudghton (Vice President) of the Scottish National Party,

•          Ernest Maragall of L'Esquerra pel Dret a Decidir (Catalunya),

•          Jordi Sebastià of Coalició Compromís (Valencia),

•          Alyn Smith of the Scottish National Party

•          Tatjana Ždanoka of Latvian Russian Union (Latvia).

EFA MEPs have formed a common group with the European Greens since 1999.

During the previous legislature EFA MEPs were active on a range of issues including constitutional change in Europe, promoting language diversity and supporting the right of nations and peoples to self-determination. They were also engaged in pushing for reform to EU policy on agriculture, cohesion and fisheries.

Over the coming years the group will continue to work for self-determination for nations and regions, the decentralisation of decision making, protection of human rights, and a strong, sustainable economy.

EFA MEPs will sit on the following parliamentary committees:

•          Josep-Maria Terricabras – Constitutional Affairs (Full) & Civil Liberties (Substitute) & Petitions (Substitute)

•          Jill Evans – Culture & Education (Full) & Transport & Tourism (Substitute)

•          Ian Hudghton – Fisheries (Full) & Economic & Monetary Affairs (Substitute)

•          Ernest Maragall – Industry, Research & Energy (Full) & Culture & Education (Substitute) & Budget (Substitute)

•          Jordi Sebastià – Agriculture (Full) & Women's Rights and Gender Equality (Full) & Development (Substitute)

•          Alyn Smith – Foreign Affairs (Full) & Agriculture (Substitute).

•          Tatjana Ždanoka – Employment & Social Affairs (Full) & Petitions (Full)