S&D Euro MPs today called for "real solutions involving more investment" to boost the European economy. The message was made clear during a debate initiated by the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament on the forthcoming Eurozone summit.
Maria João Rodrigues, S&D MEP and vice-president responsible for employment and social affairs, said:
"The economic situation today is mediocre with very low growth, stagnation, even a risk of deflation. We are losing a lot of good jobs. Unemployment and poverty are too high.
"So far the solutions proposed by the Commission are not working. We want real solutions.
"Currently the main focus is just on structural reforms, particularly in labour market.
"We need to have a monetary policy to support growth, a co-ordinated economic policy supporting demand and above all we need much more investment. This means we need to have an economic and monetary union with a real banking union, fiscal capacity and sensible fiscal discipline."
S&D MEP and head of the German S&D delegation Udo Bullmann added:
"We need a change of direction in Europe. Why have we been on the wrong path for over five years? There have been so many budget cuts across the eurozone, we need to start generating more investment through joint European action.
"The ECB (European Central Bank) and Mr Draghi will have to find more ambitious and innovative solutions to save the eurozone. It is high time we had more investment. It is essential and vital for the recovery of the European economy."
