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.

Brussels

statement

LAMBERTS, Philippe (Greens/EFA, BE)

fight against tax fraud and evasion (T)

fight against climate change (T)

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 Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), Greens/EFA Group Leader

Soundbite (French) Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), Greens/EFA Group Leader, What I expect from this is first of all ambition. Yes, it is true, Europe faces very important social, environmental, health, democratic and even geopolitical challenges. But Europe is also a rich continent, rich of its humanity, rich economically, rich of its citizens. If there is one continent capable of meeting these challenges, it is the European Union. I expect ambition.

Soundbite (French) Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), Greens/EFA Group Leader, Ambition against the background of the recovery plan, it was adopted by the Council in July. We must do our job and perhaps remedy some of the shortcomings of the plan, as adopted by the Heads of State and Government in July. But we need a recovery plan that shows, in the eyes of all European citizens, the solidarity of all Europeans in order to face the challenges of the economic crisis following the Covid.

Soundbite (French) Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), Greens/EFA Group Leader, But this recovery plan must also be fully aligned with this famous European green deal. The European green deal is a great ambition to make the European Union the leader of the ecological and solidarity transition. But we're going to have to give substance to this speech. Up to now, we have very nice ambitions on paper. We are going to have to transcribe all this into legislative acts which oblige us to achieve results.

Soundbite (French) Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), Greens/EFA Group Leader, I am obviously awaiting the presidency of the Commission on the climate objectives, not at 2050, but at 2030. We are told that we have ten years to address climate change. It is now that we really have to make the structuring decisions. I expect a lot of ambition on this side, but also on the tax issue.

Soundbite (French) Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), Greens/EFA Group Leader, I think Europeans are above their heads to see the biggest theoretical taxpayers, whether they are individuals or companies, finally evade tax and not pay their fair share. We are facing an unprecedented economic and social crisis. Everyone will have to contribute, especially those who have benefited the most from the years of neoliberal globalisation.

Soundbite (French) Philippe LAMBERTS (Greens/EFA, BE), Greens/EFA Group Leader, And here, we absolutely need the European Union intervention. And there are ways in the European texts to circumvent the unanimity rule in tax matters. Here too, I expect the Commission's ambition.