EP President Roberta Mezzola has said that Parliament is ready to meet the expectations of the people ahead of the June 6-9 European elections in order to make Europe fairer, more competitive and fit for the digital age. He said that
“2024 will be an important year in which our democracy and freedom will be tested,” Alexander de Croo said, referring not only to the presidential elections in Europe but also in the United States. If we bring about “America First,” it will become more “Europe alone” than ever before. ” De Croo urged MEPs to maintain solidarity with Ukraine and continue military support, underscoring the existential nature of this cause for Europeans.
Alexander de Croo also called for opening up Europe’s capital markets to foster innovation and for industrial agreements to be concluded in parallel with the Green Deal. “The climate policies of China and the United States contain a rich carrot for their own industries. Here in Europe, we too often grab the stick,” he said.
On immigration, Prime Minister De Croo said part of the solution is to maintain a more coordinated and integrated foreign policy approach. To that end, he called for broader partnerships with third countries to help them become more stable.
The Belgian prime minister also said that the EU must do everything in its power to end the suffering of Israel and Palestine. He called for the opening of safer and more open humanitarian corridors in Gaza. The EU must help Israel free hostages and support it in its legitimate fight against the terrorist organization Hamas.
On behalf of the Commission, Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčović underlined that the European elections in June will help shape the future of the European Union, calling for important legislation in the areas of competitiveness, economic governance and the green transition. He stressed that ongoing work on the file must continue. Tracking. He recalled that the European Commission will assess its 2040 climate goals in February and present a strategy in March on how to more effectively protect Europe from the effects of climate change. Maroš Šefčović concluded that unprecedented support for Ukraine and long-term solutions in the Middle East remain the EU’s priorities in the coming months.
political organization speaker
Benoît Lutgen (EPP, BE), speaking on behalf of his political group, regretted that the Belgian Prime Minister did not mention farmers and did not try to reassure and protect Europeans. Irache García Pérez (S&D, ES) called on the Belgian President to agree on an interim agreement on the Platform Work Directive, calling on the European Pillar of Social Rights to include social rights such as minimum wages, fair wages and good working conditions. asked to be respected. .
Hilde Voetmans (Renew, Belgium) called for a deepening of the EU before the next enlargement. He stressed that decisions should no longer be taken unanimously and that a European Army and an EU Foreign Office should be created. Philippe Lamberts (Green Party/EFA, Belgium) said the fight against climate change should not be paused, but should instead be accelerated.
Geert Bourgeois (ECR, BE) welcomed the proposals for an industrial agreement, calling for more funding for innovation, security, green and digital transitions, as well as reducing red tape for companies. Gerolphe Annemans (ID, Belgium) said that Belgium’s election as president is “bad news” as he plans to “pursue federalist policies at the European level until the European elections that will put an end to green-left governments in Europe”. Stated. . Marc Botenga (Belgium, Left) warned against reinstating strict budget rules, saying it would lead to further cuts in an already “catastrophic social situation”.