THE LEFT political group in the European Parliament is organizing a hybrid conference on the “New European Economic Framework and Recovery Policy”, on 9 December from 10:00 to 12.30 (Brussels time), in the European Parliament. This event has been initiated by the Delegations of SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, DIE LINKE and EH-BILDU in the European Parliament.

Both the economic crisis since 2008 and the on-going pandemic have proven that the current European economic governance framework is ineffective and based politically on the unfair and unsustainable basis of neo-liberalism. Social and regional inequalities are increasing, employment, public sectors and sustainable oriented policies and investments are in danger. A dialogue for the future of the failed Stability and Growth Pact has already commenced. In this context, the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility should and will play a major role. It has to be enhanced with additional funds and become permanent in order to tackle the magnitude of the crisis and manage the existing, but also the new challenges of the post-Covid-19 era.

On 9 December, we would like to discuss with you how can we overcome the grave economic and social consequences of the pandemic, to elaborate on alternatives of the current EU economic governance framework, to use the RFF and the National Recovery Plans in strengthening inclusive and sustainable growth, full and high-quality employment, the fight against climate change.

Politicians, Members of the European Parliament from The Left and The Greens and Academics have already confirmed participation. Please find the draft agenda below

The event will be web-streamed live and there is a possibility for simultaneous interpretation in English, French, German, Greek, Spanish, Italian and Basque (passive)

The following link is for viewers and you can use it the day of the conference and also to distribute it to interested people, who want to follow the Conference (possibly) in an active way. There will be the for Q&A session through chat.

Link for online participation:
viewer link: https://broadcaster.interactio.eu/join/5unz-i38g-f5j7

Programme:

10.00-10.10      Introductory Remarks by MEP Martin Schirdewan, THE LEFT Co-President,

10.10-12.30      New European Economic Framework and Recovery Policy

Chair: MEP Dimitrios Papadimoulis, Vice-President of the European Parliament, ECON & BUDG Committees, THE LEFT

Panelists:

– Mr. Alexis Charitsis, ex-Minister of Interior and Alternate Minister of Economy and Development, Member of Parliament, SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, Greece

– Prof. Özlem Onaran, Professor of Economics, Director of Greenwich Political Economy Research Centre, London

– Mr. Pello Otxandiano, Programme Chief Manager, EH Bildu.

– MEP Rasmus Andresen, BUDG, ITRE & IMCO Committees, The Greens