Madam Chair! Madam Commissioner! Ladies and Gentlemen! I would like to thank the Commission for presenting this comprehensive strategy. I believe it is extremely important, in these uncertain and turbulent times, to view our European home as a whole. The economy, society, employers, employees, children, young people, and the elderly – all are pieces of the same puzzle. And it is impossible to build a stable structure if even one of these pieces is lacking.
It is good that the ambitious plan to boost our continent’s competitiveness and innovation has been supplemented by a social agenda. Is it just as ambitious? It is certainly encouraging that the needs and goals have been described in such detail. However, we must be clear: now we need the resources to take action. Where is the money to fight poverty? Will the new European Social Fund, as proposed by the European Commission, and the 15% allocation for social purposes in the RPP’s plans, live up to the ambitions set out in the strategy?
During its April plenary session, the European Parliament adopted a clear position on this issue: the European Social Fund should be a separate program with a budget of 124 billion euros, flexible enough to comprehensively address the challenges and problems faced by local communities.
Promoting good-quality jobs, building affordable housing, investing in the future, children, and young people – these are the things our citizens expect from us. Let’s not let them down.