European Commission lacks a vision for fair globalisation

The European Commission has today published the second in its series of reflection papers, this time on globalisation. While the Commission has identified a number of problems, it has not made any concrete proposals that would change direction, says Ska Keller, co-president of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament:

"It is high time that the European Commission opened its eyes to the risks of globalisation. Their proposals today fall short of what is needed, continuing to give free rein to uncontrolled globalisation. References to initiatives such as the United Nations sustainability goals are mere window dressing as long as the EU continues to promote global deregulation through unfair trade agreements.

"We want openness and a fair and global system of trade, not a return to nationalist protectionism. But this does not mean we want to give a free pass to uncontrolled greed. The Commission has to take concrete steps to transform how it deals with globalisation. The EU must end international tax evasion and avoidance, so that the winners of globalisation, such as big international corporations, finally make a fair contribution to the common good. We also demand fair trade relations that support ecological and social production standards worldwide."

Greens/EFA co-president Philippe Lamberts adds:

"We need to seriously strengthen social Europe with a real investment plan for sustainable jobs, especially in renewable energy, in health care and in research. The European Commission and the EU Member States should start to think globally not only where it suits their interests, but where it is urgently needed, such as in the fight against insecure conditions of production, or on climate change."