We need to put Europe back on the path of economic growth

In the framework of the European Parliamentary Week 2021, MEPs and national MPs discussed together the steps of reconstruction after the COVID-19 crisis. The special guests of the debate included Economic Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni and Paschal Donohoe, President of the Eurogroup. In her speech, Fidesz MEP Enikő Győri pointed out that the fast and effective support of the economy and citizens in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic is a common task for all, while the European Commission should bring its expectations in line with the specific needs of the Member States.

MEP Enikő Győri, EP rapporteur of the European Semester, pointed out that there has been no agreement in the European Parliament on the coordination of EU economic policies for the past two years. In the current crisis, it is more necessary than ever that political forces agree on key issues. “Focusing on what is most essential, building on previous achievements and incorporating as many good insights as possible – along these lines, it is my objective to elaborate acceptable compromises as a rapporteur”, she added.

The EPP Group politician emphasized: “Growth-oriented action is needed, now the EU’s recovery fund opens the way for that. Besides that, the original economic focus of the Semester must be maintained. We have a fair chance to recover if we can strike a balance between structural reforms that might be necessary for a modern labor market, for competitive education, for the development of our health system, for digitalisation on the one side, and between supporting investment on the other side. Meanwhile, every euro must be spent in a responsible way, ensuring that not even the shadow of corruption should arise when using the resources”.

“I expect the Commission and the EP not to overstretch beyond their powers laid down in the Treaties. It is important that the Commission should not impede the recovery plans being tailored to the needs of the Member States. Member States know best what they need, so they should be granted enough flexibility to act”, emphasized the Fidesz MEP.

Hungary will benefit from nearly 6,000 billion HUF (appr. 16,7 billion EUR) financial support from the Recovery and Resilience Facility for crisis mitigation purposes. The EPP Group politician underlined: “This is a chance to put the Hungarian economy back on the path of economic growth. I welcome the fact that MPs have received the opportunity to express their views in today’s debate. I urge all colleagues in the national parliaments to closely monitor the national recovery plans with the view to ensure democratic control”.