I remind colleagues that they have three minutes speaking time. The first on my list of
speakers from the political groups is Mr Villumsen, who will speak on behalf of the
Group of the Unified European Left.
Mr VILLUMSEN (Denmark) – I congratulate the rapporteur on a very good report. The
fights against tax evasion, against inequality and to secure labour rights not only in
economic development, but in trade agreements are extremely important. If such
policies are not included among everyday policy in our national parliaments,
development will be only for the few and not for the many in our countries.
It is important that we in this Assembly and our member States learn the lessons of the
financial crisis. We need to regulate the financial system. The failed austerity policies of
the European Union have to be revised. We should not let bankers and speculators
once again decide the fate of our nations. We should not again let the financial sector
create a crisis leading to huge social destruction in our societies.
We should also tackle the climate crisis. That should be an integrated part of our
economic policies. If the policies of today destroy the future of our children, then they
are the wrong policies. Climate should be part of everyday policy.
This Assembly has a core obligation to safeguard fundamental rights. We should not
neglect economic development and trade, but nor should we neglect human rights when
we discuss economic development and trade. Collective bargaining is a fundamental
right that should be secured in our member States and in European Union policy. Time
and time again we see problems arising from the current austerity imposed on our
countries by the European Union.
Finally, dear colleagues, I draw your attention to the EU-US trade agreement, or TTIP,
now taking place. Given those discussions, it is crucial for our Assembly to bear in mind
that democracy should be safeguarded in trade agreements as well. I am worried that
rich multinational companies will end up by not being asked to follow the rules of
democracy. Democracy should be respected in economic policies and in trade policies.
Thank you, rapporteur, for a good report, and thank you, Secretary General, for good
co-operation.
The PRESIDENT – Thank you. I now call Mr Jensen, who will speak on behalf of the
Socialist Group.