Regretting MEPs' decision to maintain the most negative aspects of the Lange report on industrial policy for the globalized era, Portuguese GUE/NGL MEP Ilda Figueiredo said that while the text recognized the key elements for sustainable growth and employment in Europe, today's passing of proposals which insist on liberalization, synergy with military research, and risk capital make it unsupportable.

"This report put forward a series of contradictions which we sought to clear up with our amendments; unfortunately MEPs have pushed for liberalization of international trade, free competition and the deepening of the internal market in public-private partnerships" she said.

"It's time to defend the industries of the EU and in our countries. This requires a change from the policies that have been pursued and a different EU framework to support manufacturing, SMEs, research and innovation, less carbon intensive industry, workers' rights and equal rights for women in employment".

GUE/NGL PRESS CONTACTS:
David Lundy + 32 485 50 58 12
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20
Gianfranco Battistini + 32 475 64 66 28
Inga Keilmann (DE) +32 493 60 10 23
www.guengl.eu
European United Left/Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group