Statement by Philippe LAMBERTS on the European Elections.

Brussels

statement

LAMBERTS, Philippe (Greens/EFA, BE)

European election

2014 European elections (T)

European Elections 2014: statement by Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE)

SOUNDBITE (French), Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), "For Greens, this is mainly contrasted results; we increased in Flanders, we disminich in Wallonia, so, it is not really excellent nevertheless we still don't get the European results for Belgium, so we will see, I think we will surprise. Another surprise is the result of the independentists of the N-VA party who, even if they don't want to call themselves independentists, are exactly that. And so, one third of flemishes would have voted for this party. I think that sends a bad signal because what it makes the strenght of Europe is listening, working together and, solidarity between Europeans. And this is a party who wants to destroy solidarities where they exist and for that, I think that is a bad news for Europe. However, they stay in minority but still the first party in Flanders."

SOUNDBITE (French), Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), By changing in direction, clearly, the issue concerning the unemployement and beyond that, concerning disparities, is exploding in our face and, I think this is the first cause of eurosceptism. When the european politics are running in Europe and, not only in an European level but also in the 28 States Members, are the ones which consist to pay the crisis's price to the more delicate persons of the society, then, we should not be surprised by the revolt of these people. To change that, we must change in direction by bringing the issues of social justice and environnment back forward and so, it means that when we do structural reforms, we have to do ones which reduce disparities. On that issue, fiscal aspect is crucial. I want to point out that today in Europe, 1000 billion euros are fleeing each year from the Public treasury of the 28 States Member and it is seven time the european budget, that's insane."

SOUNDBITE (French), Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), "So if we want to rebalance our budgets and provide ourself with the mean to lead social politics and in favor of creating jobs, we really need a fiscal union and also a social one. As I am concerned, it is what I am expected from the upcoming european commission and if we had that, it would be the Greens who can respond it better and be in favor of those politics. When I listened the campaigns, everybody, on paper, wants to put unemployement issues as a priority. I would like to notice that, for the moment, this is the same who are in the power until now, so it is a lack of credibility from them to say that tomorrow is going to be different than yesterday meanwhile yesterday they were still in an incomfortable place."