Socialists and Democrats call on the European Commission to come up with an ambitious recovery plan to respond to the economic emergency created by COVID-19. In a debate later today in the European Parliament, they will back a joint resolution to be voted tomorrow in which the Parliament sets out its demands for a successful and strong recovery plan.

Simona Bonafè, S&D vice-president, stated:

“If the president of the European Commission can be ambitious, she can count on our support. If that is not the case, we will be critical!

“Only if we are courageous and ambitious, will Europe emerge unscathed from this crisis. Despite the efforts of the Commission to present this recovery plan, we still don’t have any clarity. This is why we must use this resolution to put pressure on the European Commission to act faster and better. The broad agreement that was reached on this resolution is a clear sign that we are taking our responsibility towards citizens seriously.

“We, therefore, send out a clear message to the Commission and Council: we are here for Europe’s citizens. We need an ambitious recovery plan, of at least 2 trillion euros, primarily through grants, not loans, that has to be in place as soon as possible. Our economies need these resources now.”

Eider Gardiazabal, S&D spokeswoman on budget, added:

“The most important message to the Council is that we have achieved a broad agreement in the Parliament on this resolution. If we’ve done it, they can do it too.  We must show the lessons learned from the last crisis and that we’re not going to repeat the same mistakes. People, SMEs and regions need to know that we’re by their side and that we’re going to support them with whatever European instruments will be needed.

“Therefore, an ambitious MFF and massive recovery plan are unavoidable. And, of course, we need a fiscal revolution to face the repayment of this massive public investment in all serenity.”

Jonás Fernández, S&D spokesman on economic and monetary affairs, stated:

“We call for this massive recovery package to transform our economies and strengthen their resilience by means of strategic investments that will support SMEs, increase job opportunities and skills to mitigate the impact of the crisis on workers, consumers and families. Therefore, we want that investments be prioritised into the Green Deal, the digital agenda and achieving European sovereignty in strategic sectors, with a consistent industrial strategy, while shortening and diversifying supply chains and reorienting trade policies.

“Europe’s response now cannot be the same one as in 2008 when people were left to cover debts while the banks were protected.”

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