ECON

Motion for a Resolution by

The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs [ECON]

#Sustainable future post-Corona: With 2 364 billion euros made available for Covid-19 economic relief, taking into account the different scenarios for economic recovery strategies, as well as the long term goals and priorities of the EU, should European Member States use the disruption caused to the economy by Covid-19 to restructure its economy in a more resilient, climate-friendly, and equitable way, and if so, how?

Submitted by: Carla Sava (RO, Chairperson)

The European Youth Parliament,

  1. Concerned by the increase in unemployment due to the COVID crisis, with 5.5 million jobs lost in the European Union (EU) during the second quarter of 2020,
  2. Alarmed by the economic impact of the pandemic on the Member States citizens, with 50% of EU households struggling to make ends meet by April 2020,
  3. Nothing with deep regret that the passing of the current package1 is contingent on unanimity, given that several Member States have previously objected,
  4. Aware of the vastly diverse needs of disproportionately affected regions,
  5. Deeply alarmed by the Member States’ lack of resilience for potential economic downturn,
  6. Strongly emphasising the need for restructuring in Member States’ stagnant economies2, given the example of Italy,
  7. Concerned by the economic vulnerability in the Member States who do not currently incorporate circular economic 3practices causing lasting economic recovery,
  8. Gravely concerned by the EU’s low targets in accordance to the Paris Climate Accords’4 standard;
  1. The package refers to the sum of money reserved by the European Union for supporting Member States in their handling of the COVID-19 crisis
  2. An economy which is experiencing minimal growth or no growth at all.
  3. Circular economy defines an economy which focuses on consumption of renewable resources. This system aims to minimize waste and pollution, keep materials in use and regenerate natural systems. This stands opposed to an economic model in which materials are extracted, produced, consumed and thrown out as waste.
  4. The Paris Climate Accords are an international agreement, outlining the targets for environmental policy of the involved parties to combat climate change.