The EPP-ED Group is participating in the Joint Parliamentary Meeting entitled ’A New Deal for European economic recovery?’, which takes place today and tomorrow in the European Parliament in Brussels. This meeting brings together Members of the European Parliament and Members of National Parliaments to discuss a common European approach in the face of the financial and economic crisis.
Gunnar Hökmark, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, hosted a ”family meeting” of EPP-ED Members of the European Parliament and Members of National Parliaments belonging to EPP-ED sister parties. Mr Hökmark underlined that the EPP-ED political family should take the lead in ensuring that the right type of action is taken to deal with the current financial and economic crisis. ”We should keep our heads cool and our priorities straight. Measures that yield long-term results and lay the foundations for genuine economic recovery are the only real solution. The EPP-ED political family must take the lead in fighting protectionism and defending solidarity among Member States. We must safeguard state aid rules and fair market competition, while keeping a tight control over public finances. Financial stability is essential to prevent the current situation from spinning out of control.”