13 Feb, 2024
Dacian Cioloș, leader of Renew Europe issued a warning on 27 May that we need to build on the initial proposal of the Commission with further ambition. He was speaking during a debate on the EU budget (MFF) and the EU recovery package during the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels.
“This health and economic crisis we face is a game changer, unprecedented in the history of the EU. The solution by President von der Leyen for the Commission to borrow money from the market is a remarkable one. Our opinion may differ on the details, but I welcome the approach: a European solution for a European problem.”
As historical decisions come with historical responsibility, he added: “Decisions we take now will define Europe’s road for the next 20-30 years. We are creating debts for the generation to come. That is why this MFF and recovery package should focus on the future, not stay fixed on ideas from the past. The Green Deal and the Digital Agenda should be the building blocks of a resilient and sovereign European economy.”
On solidarity, he underlined: “But let me be clear, this is a package all Member States need. The internal market is at stake. If the internal market fails, every citizen and business in the EU will suffer. The fight against territorial divides and inequalities across Europe will be the breeding ground for our Union, or the seeds of our future divisions.
On values, he reminded: “The European Union is not a cash machine - it’s a common project where solidarity comes with values and a shared vision for our future. Renew Europe will only support a MFF where rule of law and respect of European values are a condition to receiving European funds. Not to penalise the people, but the governments and politicians who do not play by the rules.”
He concluded: “The road to recovery will be long and hard. The decisions we take these days will affect the future of millions of people, the future of the internal market, the future of the European Union. That is why, Europe must stand united and fight as one.”
