PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“We cannot enter 2021 with the 2020 budget, as if COVID-19 never happened. Socialists have stood ready to back the recovery and MFF agreement for several months now. It is time for all heads of government to support this deal and to find a way forward which fully respects the Rule of Law.
“The economic and social consequences of the COVID crisis are not behind us. Citizens and businesses are still in need of vital help. We urge the Hungarian and Polish governments to do the right thing so support can finally be mobilised. I thank the SPD in the German presidency who are doing their utmost to find a solution.
“The PES expects European values to be upheld in this agreement. We cannot allow the Rule of Law to be sacrificed. The foundational values of the European project are not up for negotiation.”
Earlier this month the PES Presidency called for the EPP and ECR to support democracy and prosperity for all Europeans.
Today’s pre-summit meeting welcomed the positive developments on effective vaccines against COVID-19 and reiterated that this welcome progress is only one element of the strategy to counter the virus. Epidemiological challenges remain which Member States must tackle through cooperation, coordination and solidarity to avoid a third wave emerging. The meeting underlined that approved vaccines must be distributed quickly, guaranteeing affordable and fair access for all, and in a way that is coordinated at the EU level.