'We need a shift in paradigm within our economy to support the UN's Sustainable Development Goals': discussion on the Economic Governance Review

Greens alternate, Josef Frey, reminded the ECON Commission members of the importance of a European economy and future investments that are respectful and supportive of the UN Sustainable Development Goals during the Economic Governance Review debate in the ECON Commission meeting on Tuesday 29 September. This requires a paradigm shift within our economy.

Mr Frey’s intervention was a response to guest speaker Margarida Marques, MEP and Rapporteur for the Economic Governance Review, who explained the economic reforms and the overall budget approach that are being discussed after the COVID-19 crisis. Ms Marques also mentioned the key principles of these discussion being the strategies to support the Member States’ economies; the framework to improve economic growth and investment; and the democratic responsibility and transparency.

During an exchange of views on the Trade Policy Review, Mr Frey showed his agreement with most of the interventions and insisted on the need for fair trade policy that should be sustainable, ecological and socially oriented.

Finally, in the exchange of views on the European recovery plan: Recovery and Resilience Facility and Technical Support Instrument, Mr Frey remarked the need for improvement in terms of transparency, and the need to strengthen the participation of civil society and investment in the fight against climate change.