Mercosur deal fast-tracked after ECJ referral backfires – MEP Maria Walsh
The trade elements of the EU-Mercosur Agreement are set to take effect from tomorrow, Friday May 1st, without approval from the European Parliament, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has said. The accelerated application of the Mercosur agreement follows a referral to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) earlier this year – a move which, MEP Walsh […]
European Parliament votes to introduce EU-wide definition of rape – MEP Maria Walsh
The European Parliament has voted to introduce an EU-wide definition of rape based on the principle of consent, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has said. Through this vote, MEPs have formally called on the European Commission to propose legislation which will establish an EU-wide definition of rape based on the requirement of freely given, informed […]
MEP Maria Walsh invites Irish stakeholders to shape European Parliament report on generational renewal in farming
Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has launched a call for submissions from Irish stakeholders as she begins writing the European Parliament’s report on generational renewal in farming. As the Parliament’s lead negotiator on generational renewal, MEP Walsh is seeking input from young farmers, farming organisations, academics, rural groups, financial institutions and all those with an […]
EU must urgently adopt common definition of rape – MEP Maria Walsh
The EU must urgently adopt a common definition of rape, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has said, warning that the current lack of agreement leaves victims unprotected across European countries. In the European Parliament, MEP Maria Walsh called on the Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib to introduce legislation establishing an EU-wide definition of rape based […]
European Parliament backs €12 billion increase for agriculture research under Horizon Europe – MEP Maria Walsh
The European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee has voted for a €12 billion funding increase for agricultural research within Horizon Europe, following proposals from MEP Maria Walsh. Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh, the European People’s Party (EPP) lead negotiator on the Agriculture Committee’s opinion for the 2028–2034 Horizon Europe programme, has highlighted the impact of the decision […]
MEP Maria Walsh brings lead CAP negotiator to Ireland to drive generational renewal in farming
MEP Maria Walsh will host the European Parliament’s lead negotiator on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in Ireland this week, in a visit aimed at supporting the next generation of Irish farmers. German MEP Norbert Lins will join MEP Walsh for a visit to UCD Lyons Farm in Co Kildare on Thursday 9 April, where […]
EU must ban harmful conversion therapy practices across all European countries – MEP Maria Walsh
The EU must introduce a European-wide ban on dangerous conversion therapy practices that are still taking place today, a Fine Gael MEP has said. MEP Maria Walsh, Co-Chair of the European Parliament’s LGBTQI+ Intergroup, has called for a European-wide ban on “conversion therapies” following a European Citizens’ Initiative backed by over 1.2 million people urging […]
EU rules treating wool as waste must change – MEP Maria Walsh
Ahead of opening European Wool Day in Kerry this weekend, MEP Maria Walsh has called on the European Commission to urgently reform EU rules that classify wool as a waste product. Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh, a full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, will officially open Europe’s largest wool conference in Tralee, Co […]
European Parliament votes to ban ‘nudification’ apps – MEP Maria Walsh
The European Parliament has today backed a landmark ban on AI applications used to create non-consensual nude images, according to Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh. The vote, which took place in Brussels on March 26 as part of the Digital Omnibus package, includes an explicit ban on ‘nudification’ apps – tools that have gained traction […]
MEP Maria Walsh to vote against ‘return hubs’ on key EU migration vote
Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh will vote against a proposal on ‘return hubs’ in the European Parliament, warning that the EU cannot outsource its migration responsibilities. The European Parliament is set to vote on the Returns Regulations on Thursday 26 March, which includes a proposal for the establishment of return hubs in third countries. MEP […]