Speeches

Madam President, Commissioners, in the last one and a half years we all lived under the dark shadow of the COVID-19 crisis, but Europe withstood it – we did fairly well. However, now we are entering the most important period – the period of delivery – because we have an unprecedented instrument in our hands. This is the Next Generation EU recovery package. But we need to work hard in order to make it a success, and there are three major criteria and preconditions to make it happen. First, we don’t need to come to the situation before the crisis. We need the recovery to lead to a sustainable development economy and society for Europe, both environmentally and socially. Second, if we want the green and digital transitions to be successful, we need to provide the tools to ensure that it is fair, and we need resources in order to make the buffers and protect those who will suffer. Thirdly, the rule of law and democracy are of paramount importance for the socialists. You now, as the Commission, have all the instruments to provide them in the use of the resources of the fund, so please use them. If we follow these three preconditions and criteria, I think that in one year we shall be even more optimistic about the future.