During the plenary session of the European Parliament (10-13/09/2018) in Strasbourg, Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), Greens/EFA Group Leader, gives a statement at the eve of the debate with Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, on the State of the Union 2018. He explains what are his expectations ahead of the State of the Union debate and with the European Elections 2019 on the horizon.

statement

Strasbourg

LAMBERTS, Philippe (Greens/EFA, BE)

state of the Union 2018 (T)

State of the Union 2018: statement by Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), Greens/EFA Group Leader

SOUNDBITE (French), Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), Why is it that many of our fellow citizens are feeling doubtful or even hostile towards the European Union? It is because they have the impression, and to some extent they are right, that the EU has been the driving force behind the adaptation of Europe to the global neoliberalism, in such a way that the exploitation of populations and natural resources have become the norm, to the benefit of a few. What I would expect from jean-Claude JUNCKER is that he acknowledges this and that he decides to re-direct the European policies towards a more humanistic approach, in which instead of us adapting to globalisation, it would be the other way round and human dignity, as well as the health of our planet, would be respected. These are the key elements of our era.

I know Jean-Claude JUNCKER and I fear that this is not going to be his message, so it will be up to us - the political forces - to put forward the different values during the electoral campaign, the values that will shape the European construction.