Direct funding, CAP and the Minority SafePack: Debate on the 2021 Commission Work Programme
In the Plenary debate with Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-president of the European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, Greens co-president Bernd Voss emphasised the importance of climate ambition and the Minority SafePack Initiative in the 2021 Commission Work Programme.
Responding to Commissioner Šefčovič, Voss reminded that we are dealing with two crises simultaneously: the pandemic as well as climate change. When rebuilding the European economy, the mistakes of the financial crisis a decade ago must not be repeated, and we should not gamble away important steps taken over the years towards a transformation to a climate-neutral economy and society. Voss was ‘pleased that the Commission under von der Leyen’s mandate is beginning to grasp the full extent of what it means to keep this planet habitable’. While recognising that revising the greenhouse gas reduction target for 2030 compared to 1990 levels from 40% to 55% is a big step, Voss was critical. He referred to the decision of the European Parliament to call for a 60% target, and highlighted the scientific community’s advice that a quicker reduction in emissions is needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Moreover, he reminded of the fast expansion of the renewable energy sector, both wind and sun, which is necessary. Lastly, Voss emphasised that the CoR in its resolution on the 2021 Commission Work Programme calls for more direct EU funds to regions cities and municipalities; for a CAP which also meets the goals of the Green Deal; and on the Commission to implement a minority policy in line with the Minority SafePack Initiative (MSPI). More than 1.3 million people in Europe have supported the MSPI and time is of the essence.
Greens member Ufuk Kâhya contributed to the debate in writing, advocating for placing citizens at the heart of the green and digital transitions as part of the 2021 Commission Work Programme. Moreover, he called for inclusive sustainability and an inclusive digital transition, which are beneficial to all citizens: ‘it should be possible for everyone to make their house or transport more sustainable, and it should be possible for everyone to have adequate digital resources’. This is particularly important in the context of the pandemic, which has been execrating differences between citizens. In this respect, local authorities are a crucial link between citizens and Europe.