Plenary focus - June

In times of ‘fake news’ and hate speech we have to find new and innovative solutions for video-sharing platforms so that they finally take over editorial responsibility. After all, we expect the same from conventional media. Minimum journalistic standards and the duty of care can no longer be left to coincidence. Solutions for upholding those minimal standards exist for video-sharing platforms that do not involve censorship or data mining. A democratic society has the right to be a transparent information society.

With the opening of OLAF’s investigations into Commissioner Cañete - who should step down for the duration of the inquiry - the ‘Panama Papers’ have also stained the highest ranks of the Commission. I hope we won’t need another wake-up call in order to make clear that bold actions in the fight against tax dumping are long overdue. The revision of the Fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive provides such an opportunity so let’s not waste it.

We have serious concerns about the future of the regional policy beyond 2020. Currently, its very foundations are under threat. It is therefore essential that the European Parliament adopts a strong position in maintaining this ambitious regional policy - a policy that offers solidarity with the regions which are lagging behind in development.