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Tuesday, 20 October 2020 - Brussels Provisional edition

Commission Work Programme 2021 (debate)
MPphoto
 

  Pedro Marques, on behalf of the S&D Group. – Madam President, I would like to say to Vice-President Šefčovič that 2020 has been marked by the crisis of the century, but also by the construction of an ambitious European response: 2021 must be the time for delivery! That’s why we commend the Commission Work Programme and your work, Mr Vice-President, in its preparation. But let me be clear on our priorities.

The Recovery Plan and the MFF cannot be stalled. They are crucial for the economic rebound. Also, the Health Union has to be delivered properly. And we must speed up on the digital and green transitions. But we will deceive ourselves if we think that they have no consequences for the people. They should not go forward without a red heart in them.

In that regard, we salute the Commission’s compromise to present an action plan to ensure the full implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, but we need more. We need to fight poverty and protect European workers. Many will be vulnerable to the digital transformation. Energy poverty must be addressed or it will be just worsened by the green transition.

The European Union has to do whatever it takes to assure that the recovery and the twin transitions are fair, effective and long lasting. That implies tax fairness across Europe, flexibility on the fiscal rules to be kept for several years, and also that previous rules must change, avoiding pressure over Member States to introduce austerity measures, as it happened 10 years ago with all the consequences we know. By opposite, measures providing a stabilisation function, such as the Unemployment Reinsurance Scheme, must be really implemented.

It is through solidarity that Europe will prevail. Solidarity amongst people, regions and Member States. Solidarity with migrants that need safe and legal paths. Solidarity and values. Fighting for real gender equality. Promoting the rule of law, our values, the SDGs in Europe and all over the world. This is a lot, we know, Mr Vice-President, but this is nothing less than our political family expects from the Commission to deliver next year.

 
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