Following former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi’s report presentation on EU competitiveness to the leaders of the European Parliament’s political groups, Iratxe García urged Mario Draghi to deliver a proposal capable of modernising and decarbonising our industries, focusing on well-being, quality jobs, and affordable energy prices.

S&D Group president, Iratxe García, said:

"The EU needs proposals to tackle current challenges, such as climate change and social cohesion. We need to modernize the EU’s economy to be fit for the future, with a European agenda based on social justice, climate fairness, and economic stability.

"Our future depends on a holistic idea of competitiveness: a strong social commitment in the areas of employment, equality and non-discrimination, and enhancing the environment and climate agenda. Competitiveness means industrial growth, but also financing the social dimension.

"Sustained public investment and sufficient financial resources are key to bridge the funding gap for European public goods through both the European budget and a new investment instrument, such as an investment capacity. This is crucial not only for financing our key priorities, such as the green and digital transitions, but also for strengthening Europe’s industrial base and global competitiveness. 

"For this, the investment capacity needs to support a new EU Green Industrial Plan capable of achieving a competitive and green reindustrialisation built on quality jobs and affordable energy prices. A Green Deal Industrial Plan and a ‘Buy Green and European Act’ with reasonable price ceilings to prevent any abuse are essential. We also ask for a review of the current tax rules and the completion of the capital markets.

"We need Mario Draghi to deliver on his promises and we need unity between the pro-European and democratic forces in the European Parliament to strengthen an EU that is fit for today’s and tomorrow’s most pressing challenges."