Plenary focus - January 2020

The European Green Deal is nothing more than a PR stunt if the Commission won’t radically transform the way we consume, produce and trade. Where are the binding targets for decarbonising our economy? Or our shift to sustainable agriculture? Tackling fuel poverty, or putting an end to biodiversity loss? Most important of all, where are the massive investments needed to finance this radical change? GUE/NGL will present its priorities to the Commission in a resolution for a real Green and Social New Deal based on tax justice and public investment, and an objective of 70% emissions cut by 2030.

With so many urgent priorities like the MFF, the Social Pillar, the climate crisis, EU security and eastern enlargement, the only impact the Croatian presidency will likely have is on security. The terrible situation around the Croatia-Bosnia border in Bihać leaves little to the imagination as to what Croatia intends to do with the EU’s external borders. Meanwhile, the proposed Future of Europe conference is another priority for the Croatian presidency. It gives a chance for trade unions, young people and civil society to genuinely participate and cast a critical eye over the democratic deficit in our EU. For our participation, we will propose alternatives for a fair, social and environmental Europe. However, such a conference is not the time to discuss transnational lists or Spitzenkandidaten but rather, about a genuine democratic set up of the EU.

The rule of law and the respect for fundamental right must be the basis for European cooperation. The Council and the European Parliament have to come together on this issue. Article 7 has been an inefficient tool in upholding the rule of law in Hungary and Poland. In fact, we see a deteriorating situation in both countries. We need better mechanisms to ensure that the rule of law is in place in all EU countries.

What had taken 15 years of hard work have been destroyed by Donald Trump in just a matter of moments. There will now be more insecurity arising from nuclear threats, and hardline conservative forces are once again on the rise in Iran. We therefore demand an end to America’s policy of escalation and call on EU governments to continue engagement and dialogue.

The disastrous Australian wildfires are a direct result of climate change. The biodiversity loss is incalculable - not to mention the human tragedy. The Australian government has continuously opposed more urgent and stronger climate actions. It must change its policies, allocate more resources so that such catastrophes won’t happen again.