With the coronavirus pandemic sending severe shockwaves through Europe's economy, a European alliance of lawmakers, CEOs, trade unions and think tanks seeks to promote policies and measures to help rebuild economies post-COVID19.
Launched today, the members of the European alliance for a Green Recovery will work together on policies that prioritise job creation and sustainable economic development whilst putting the fight against climate change at its core.
"There is no doubt that the pandemic's shock to the economies will be tougher than the 2008 financial crisis, and a greater effort is needed to rebuild a resilient economy," MEP Miriam Dalli, who is leading the Socialists & Democrats' efforts, explained.
"All Member States including Malta need to invest in a strong recovery plan, but the way forward is to invest in a sustainable plan that prioritises the fight against climate change, creates quality jobs and safeguards people's health. This future has to be sustainable so that we can avoid devastating consequences."
The crisis demands urgent recovery plans, both at the national and EU level, to promote actions and investments that contribute to the quick recovery but support sustainable growth. It also means that initiatives such as the European Green Deal have become even more urgent.
"The European alliance for a Green Recovery could spell the beginning of a sustainable era for all Member States, including Malta. Together we are calling for the mobilisation of post-crisis green investment packages to build the recovery and transformation plans," Miriam Dalli said.
"Such packages could accelerate the transition towards climate neutrality and healthy ecosystems, through knowledge-sharing, exchanging of expertise and the creation of synergies to deliver the investment decisions needed."
The European alliance for a Green Recovery is an initiative of Pascal Canfin, the chair of the European Parliament's environment committee.
"There will be a before and after the Covid-19 crisis. We are making the choice of accelerating the ecological transition when the time comes to reinvest in the economy. Together, we need to fight and conquer both crises: the Covid-19 crisis and the Climate crisis," French MEP Pascal Canfin said in comments to the Maltese media.
The alliance includes Ministers from 11 countries from Italy to Luxembourg, 79 cross-party MEPs from 17 Member States, 37 CEOs - from L'Oreal's Jean-Paul Agon to IKEA's Jesper Brodin and Danone's Emmanuel Faber - 28 business associations representing 10 different sectors, trade union confederation representing members from 90 national trade union organisations and 10 trade union federations, seven NGOs and six think tanks.