FRI 10 Sept 11:45
The Left’s Co-Presidents on the State of the European Union:
Manon Aubry:
“Commission President von der Leyen failed to tackle the two main challenges of our time: climate change and rising inequalities, and she has not learnt any lessons from the crisis. VDL’s Fit for 55 package won’t be enough to meet our commitments under the Paris Agreement. VDL still negotiates free trade agreements all around the world. She advocates for the return of austerity rules. She has not made any progress on social rights. VDL missed the occasion to launch an ambitious green and social new deal and used the recovery plan as a tool to impose her neoliberal agenda. The State of the European Union is deeply worrying: a radical change is necessary if we want to bridge the growing gap between European citizens and the EU.”
Martin Schirdewan
“Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commission have still not lifted vaccine patents. On climate action, the Commission is far too unambitious and falls far short of what science demands. This is a sobering result. The Left will continue to raise questions about fair taxation of companies and about migration and respect for international law. Trying to turn the EU into a military union as a solution to the Afghan disaster is evidence of incompetence. The EU should be a Union for peace.”
THU 9 Sept 17:00
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Far from the realities of life and daily struggles of Europeans, the European Commission will likely use the State of the Union to portray an out of touch picture of reality, boasting about its “achievements” and lamenting shortcomings as if they’re by accident.
But will von der Leyen words reflect the real state of the Union?
Manon Aubry & Martin Schirdewan discuss & analyse her speech and reflect on the present and future of Europe.
TUE 7 Sept 18.00 The voices from the street
Next week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will return to the European Parliament for the annual speech on the State of the European Union.
Will her words reflect the REAL state of the EU?
Listen to the voices from the street.
TUE 31 Aug- 17.30 Have your say!
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen returns to the European Parliament this month for her annual State Of The EU speech where she will address the key challenges and top priorities ahead.
Far from the realities of life and daily struggles of Europeans, the Commission will likely portray an out of touch picture of reality, boasting about its “achievements” and lamenting shortcomings as if they’re by accident.
But will her words reflect the real state of the Union?
While the Commission has been focusing on protecting the interests of a corporate elite, inequality has been growing, and with the rise of the far right, the Rule of Law and fundamental rights continue to erode.
How has everyday life been during the pandemic? How do you feel about the future? Has there been enough action on climate change? What are your thoughts about gender equality?
Have your say!
