Statements by European Parliament’s political groups leaders at the debate "Toghether for a better Europe". This event is taking place on the eve of one of the most important moments for the European Institutions : the State of the Union debate.

digital agenda (T)

Brussels

digital single market (T)

statement

GARCÍA PÉREZ, Iratxe (S&D, ES)

Coronavirus outbreak (T)

economic situation in Europe (T)

Recovery plan for Europe (T)

state of the Union 2020 (T)

Together for a better Europe: statement by Iratxe GARCÍA PÉREZ (S&D, ES), S&D Group Leader

Soundbite (Spanish) Iratxe GARC&Iacute;A P&Eacute;REZ (S&amp;D, ES), S&amp;D Group Leader, We are at a crucial moment for the future of Europe, which is why this year the debate on the state of the Union is of particular importance. The European Union needs a new impetus to emerge from the crisis caused by the Covid and to ensure a better future. No one could imagine a year ago that this global crisis of the Covid was going to shake our health, our economy and our way of life.

Soundbite (Spanish) Iratxe GARC&Iacute;A P&Eacute;REZ (S&amp;D, ES), S&amp;D Group Leader, The European Parliament was able to react in time and marked the step for coordinated action by the Commission and the Council, but there are many outstanding decisions that we must take as soon as possible. It is time to review our priorities and agree on a very concrete action plan.

Soundbite (Spanish) Iratxe GARC&Iacute;A P&Eacute;REZ (S&amp;D, ES), S&amp;D Group Leader, Many citizens are suffering, losing their jobs and facing the future with fear and uncertainty. They need immediate answers, and we have an obligation to give answers without losing sight of the horizon. We can't fail those who need it most this time. We cannot repeat the same mistakes of 2008. At the beginning of the parliamentary term, my political group stressed the need to undertake the transition to a more sustainable economy, with both people's well-being and a digital transition as a priority.

Soundbite (Spanish) Iratxe GARC&Iacute;A P&Eacute;REZ (S&amp;D, ES), S&amp;D Group Leader, The crisis now forces us to accelerate the pace of this transformation that Europe needs even more than before the pandemic, among other things, to prevent the digital divide, the gender divide or geographical differences from further increasing inequalities. That is why the first State of the Union address of the President Von Der Leyen must be framed in the context of the strategic outlook presented last week by Vice-President Maros Sefcovic.

Soundbite (Spanish) Iratxe GARC&Iacute;A P&Eacute;REZ (S&amp;D, ES), S&amp;D Group Leader, It is essential to maintain the vision across the Europe we want and at the same time to act with decisive action. There's no more minute to lose. We need a budget for the Union for the next seven years, and there is not a minute to lose in determining what new Union own resources should be to finance the recovery plan.

Soundbite (Spanish) Iratxe GARC&Iacute;A P&Eacute;REZ (S&amp;D, ES), S&amp;D Group Leader, I believe that unity in the European Parliament is being crucial to making progress. This debate is an opportunity to demonstrate the fundamental role of this House in defending citizens' interests.