During the plenary session (14-17 September 2020) of the European Parliament in Brussels, MEPs accelerate the procedure that will enable the EU to borrow €750 billion for the “Next Generation EU” recovery plan. The vote on the own resources decision makes it possible to start the ratification process in 27 EU countries - so that the COVID-19 recovery plan can be launched as soon as possible.

Brussels

debate

plenary session

vote

press conference

own resources (T)

HAHN, Johannes (AT, EC)

MUREŞAN, Siegfried (EPP, RO)

GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL, Eider (S&D, ES)

FERNANDES, José Manuel (EPP, PT)

BARLEY, Katarina (S&D, DE)

CORMAND, David (Greens/EFA, FR)

HAYER, Valérie (Renew, FR)

GARICANO, Luis (Renew, ES)

Coronavirus outbreak (T)

economic situation in Europe (T)

Recovery plan for Europe (T)

Proposal for a Council decision on the system of own resources of the European Union: extracts from the debate (14/09) from the vote and from the press conference

SOUNDBITE (English), Johannes HAHN, European Commissioner for Budget and Administration, It has taken by vote the decision to borrow on financial markets to support the post COVID-19 recovery in the member states. This will be enabled, so the own resources decision. Next generation EU, together with the core multiannual financial framework, is the largest package ever finance the European Union budget. It will give an unprecedented, ambitious answer to an unprecedented crisis.

SOUNDBITE (English), Siegfried MURE&#536;AN (EPP, RO), It has taken by vote the decision to borrow on financial markets to support the post COVID-19 recovery in the member states. This will be enabled, so the own resources decision. Next generation EU, together with the core multiannual financial framework, is the largest package ever finance the European Union budget. It will give an unprecedented, ambitious answer to an unprecedented crisis.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Eider GARDIAZ&#193;BAL RUBIAL (S&amp;D, ES), We're talking about taxing justice. We need to look at those that aren't paying their share. It's a matter of good conscience. This is also a matter of climate policy. Those that pollute most should pay more. Fund the just transition.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Luis GARICANO (RE, ES), This decision, of course, is going to create tension in some of the member states. We must change that once and for all. It's time for Europe to be paid by taxes and not by the contributions of European citizens, whether they be from Holland or from France. We need to make sure that we are able to make those who aren't paying enough, are paying.

SOUNDBITE (French), David CORMAND (Greens/EFA, FR), We won't allow council to force our hand with a fait accompli. Now we want the revenue for the recovery fund. And let me be clear that our own resources, fair taxation, this is all about solidarity for the future. I'd heard a mention or just an outline, I'm heard someone mentioning 2027 as a deadline. Well, tax justice, the green transition cannot wait. It will be too late. If we dilly dally, we will be vigilant in the Parliament to ensure that words are really translated into action and change in our institutions. Thank you.

SOUNDBITE (German), Katarina BARLEY (S&amp;D, DE), EP Vice-President, opening the vote results - adopted by 455 votes in favour, 146 against and 88 abstentions.

SOUNDBITE (German), Katarina BARLEY (S&amp;D, DE), EP Vice-President, The Fernandes - Hayer report on the European Union System of Own Resources: vote final results.

SOUNDBITE (French), Jos&eacute; Manuel FERNANDES (EPP, PT), Co-rapporteur, The Parliament worked over the summer. It worked rapidly and it worked well. And the reason is that we want the recovery fund and that 750 billion fund is urgent. That is why we are asking to the Council this week to adopt the decision on own resources unanimously. To trigger the process leading to the ratification by most of the national parliaments by a majority, depending upon the constitution of each member state.

SOUNDBITE (French), Jos&eacute; Manuel FERNANDES (EPP, PT), Co-rapporteur,Non recycled plastics will also be an own resource. And it's been 32 years since there was no new own resource. And it's a good principle. So with 750 billion euros, the European Parliament is defending a principle which should be shared by all the institutions. New own resources need to be sufficient to at least pay for the interest and amortisation.

SOUNDBITE (French), Jos&eacute; Manuel FERNANDES (EPP, PT), Co-rapporteur, As a result of that, there's another very simple principle. Those that don't pay should pay. So that those that benefit most from the internal market and don't pay should pay. And that is why we are asking for a tax that would be effective across the EU on the digital giants. And we also ask that 30 percent taxes from companies' revenues will be available, as well as products coming into the European Union from third countries that don't respect the same standard should also be taxed from 2021.

SOUNDBITE (French), Val&eacute;rie HAYER (RE, FR), Co-rapportrice, We want to have in 2021 the plastic tax, as was agreed by the heads of state. We also want to have the taxes on companies' revenues. Then in 2023, the carbon border tax and the tax on digital giants. In 2024, we'll have the financial transaction tax and in 2026 a common base tax for companies.

SOUNDBITE (French), Val&eacute;rie HAYER (RE, FR), Co-rapportrice, During the negotiations with the German Presidency. We will maintain our demands, which are extremely important, together with a timeframe for a institutional agreement, which will make things legally binding for the Council.