The Parliament adopted today a resolution asking for a 2 trillion euros recovery package to tackle COVID-19 fallout. However, MEPs call for this package not to be funded at the expense of EU programmes.

The MEPs threaten the Commission they will use their veto powers if their demands are not met. The recovery money “should go to programmes within the EU budget”, to guarantee parliamentary oversight and participation.

The Plan must focus on priorities under the Green Deal and digital agenda. It must “transform our economies” by supporting SMEs, and “increase job opportunities and skills to mitigate the impact of the crisis on workers, consumers and families”. They call for investments to be prioritised according to the Green Deal and the digital agenda and insist on the creation of a new standalone European health programme.