Key Demands for the German Council Presidency 2020
Make the Green Deal the engine of the recovery: To become the first climate neutral continent by 2050;investing in climate action must happen now. Take the chance of the recovery to create real change with a Green economy and the sustainable jobs of the future. Wrap up negotiations on the EU Climate Law by the end of 2020 and increase the EU’s climate targets for 2030 to a 65% reduction in emissions, to match the Paris Climate Agreement.
Ensure recovery funds reduce inequality and increase the rule of law: The green transition must be a socially just transition that empowers our democracies. The German Presidency must make sure the Recovery Fund and the long term budget (MFF) do not increase inequalities across Europe. The distribution of EU funds must be tied to rule of law standards, as well as transparency and anti-corruption conditions. The Union needs effective and binding tools to protect fundamental rights and the rule of law.
Put solidarity at the core of the recovery: Solidarity with those hit hardest by the virus in Europe, means leaving no one behind. Low-income workers, migrants, temporary employees; COVID-19 has exposed the need for decent salaries for all frontline workers. Equal pay for work of equal value is one of the founding principles of the EU. We urgently need a gender pay gap directive that enforces this principle throughout the EU. The German presidency must act swiftly on the humanitarian situation at the EU’s external borders. Violence against asylum seekers, pushbacks and the suspension of the right to asylum are incompatible with European law.
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FOUR DEMANDS OF THE GERMAN DELEGATION “EUROPAGRUPPE GRÜNE” FOR THE GERMAN PRESIDENCY (FULL PAPER EN | FULL PAPER DE)