We need European solidarity now
Corona-Resolution
Today, the majority of MEPs voted against mutualisation of debts, an amendment proposed by the Greens/EFA on the resolution "EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic and its Consequences" on the COVID-19 pandemic. Greens all over the European Union support this initiative. The vast majority of MEPs do support a massive recovery effort and the Greens/EFA urge for the Green Deal to be at the core. EU leaders are expected to discuss the possibility of corona bonds and other measures to deal with the crisis at the next Council video conference on Thursday (23rd April).
Philippe Lamberts MEP, President of the Greens/EFA Group, comments:
"We strongly regret that the Christian democrats and also parts of the Socialists and Liberals have rejected coronabonds and did not take the opportunity to send a much stronger signal of European solidarity. Still, the European Parliament stands united in sharing the burden of a European solidarity initiative and sharing Corona related investments.
"In the end, we cannot allow our collective response to the pandemic and the ensuing economic depression to follow the model of the global financial crisis, or the injustices in our societies could reach unprecedented heights.
"To leave Member States alone in the face of this challenge is to condemn the monetary union and, in the long run, the EU. When European leaders meet next week, they must remember that national egoism will lead us to disaster; only together will we find the way to our future.
"Climate change, the collapse of biodiversity and the depletion of the planet's resources have not been stopped by the coronavirus. Re-launching the global economic machine indiscriminately could give a fatal boost to these dynamics. The Green Deal must be at the heart of Europe's economic recovery, a delay would be unacceptable."
Ska Keller MEP, President of the Greens/EFA group, comments:
"We call on EU leaders to send a strong signal of European solidarity by supporting corona bonds. The countries most affected by this crisis must not be further pressured to repay debts incurred through the corona-crisis.
"The Green Deal must be at the core of Europe´s economic recovery. We strongly reject any attempt to postpone or water down the Green Deal and measures needed to build a European sustainable economy.
"The corona crisis cannot be the façade that government leaders like Viktor Orbán use to undermine democracy. It is unacceptable that in the wake of this crisis the Polish Government is attempting to restrict the rights of the media, the opposition and people of different sexual orientations."
