Ok, so things didn’t look good for the climate and energy package before it went before the environment committee of the European Parliament a couple of weeks ago, but it got through just about all right. Well today the European Council managed to make time to discuss it, in between Gordon Brown saving capitalism, and it seems that, while the eastern Europeans didn’t make much of a dent on it in earlier stages, they are doing their best to water it right down now. Euractiv reports that there is co-operation, but it seems likely that the final agreement will be a shadow of what it should have been.

Canada

Brave faces and disappointment for the Greens were the result of the general election in Canada. Despite gaining 6% of the vote, the party didn’t manage to elect an MP. It looks like the same old problems as we have in the UK were partly to blame: non-proportional electoral system, other parties spouting “greenwash”, &c.

UN

The United Nations Environment Programme will be leading an initiative to develop a workable “green new deal. The proposals are separate from the New Economic Foundation’s report on the same topic which was produced by a committee including Caroline Lucas, and while seeming to be watered down slightly, should be welcomed.

Europe

One of the main pieces of Europe wide environmental news this week was the Energy and Climate package, which is currently wandering through the EU’s decision making process. MEPs in the environment committee of the Parliament voted on a number of aspects, and the end result is fairly good. Barroso has also called for the package to not be forgotten amongst the discussion of economic woes at the European Council next week.

In another EP decision, the flag, anthem, Europe Day (9th of May if you were wondering) and motto of the EU have been formally recognised. This was one of the aspects of the original European Constitution that was removed to placate less willing Europeans, such as us islanders.

I also had to share this video from EUtube, titled “Make Love not CO2″:

UK

According to a local newspaper story headline: “North Somerset Greens tackle financial crisis“. We’re all ok then! Actually, a meeting of the branch discussed the turmoil, and how Greens can respond to it with things such as the Green New Deal. On the topic of the Green New Deal, our shiny new leader in England & Wales, Caroline Lucas MEP, has written a piece in The Guardian about it.

This is quite a late posting for this topic, given that the Green Party of England & Wales leadership election results were announced last night, but better late than never. Which is the feeling I have about the whole kerfuffle over whether to have a leader or not. The Party really has to ‘get’ modern politics if it’s to be able to achieve the goal of environmental sustainability, social justice, and most importantly, curbing climate change. Having a recognisable leader with a pre-existing public profile, and a fighting chance of being the first Green in the House of Commons, should be helpful in the form of personal politics which exists now.

Hopefully the whole Party (Manchester Green Party, rejector of £3 billion public transport investment on shaky ideological grounds, I’m looking at you) can now move on and embrace a less left-right factionalism approach, putting Green values at the forefront instead.

The European Green Party has called for unconditional ceasefire in Georgia. The Co-operation & Development Network of young greens in Eastern Europe has also spoken against the conflict, and plans an action in Hungary to call for peace and remember those killed in the fighting.

Berlin Neo-Nazi Parade

A Neo-Nazi group in Berlin has announced plans for a protest march through an immigrant district, against the construction of a Hindu temple. Derek Wall blogs about it here, and a Facebook group has been formed also.

Party News

Ireland

Questions over the Lisbon Treaty rumble on in Ireland, as an email is sent to Party members, asking for their views on the controversial treaty. The Irish Times covers the story.

Meanwhile, there are concerns over changes to the student-finance system, with a demonstration being planned, involving the Irish Young Greens. Again, the Irish Times have the story.

UK

Caroline Lucas MEP featured in an article in The Independent on Monday, in which she answered questions from members of the public (and a few party members).

Europe

The European Green Party has criticised the attendance of European leaders at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing.

France has laid out plans for progress on environmental measures during its presidency of the European Union.

The EU is in the early stages of examining a ‘supergrid’ electricity distribution system to bring solar power from the Sahara to European states.

László Kovács, EU Taxation Commissioner, has supported the concept of windfall taxes on oil companies, to compensate the poor for high fuel costs.

Rules limiting power consumption for some electronic devices while on standby are expected to be approved by the EP later this year, probably taking force in 2010.