Following today's hearing with the economy, budget and employment committees, Paolo Gentiloni fully satisfied with his answers, explanations and commitments, the Socialists and Democrats Group (S&Ds) in the European Parliament. The S&Ds confirm their strong support for Paolo Gentiloni, and welcome the decision of the coordinators to endorse him as the next EU Commissioner for Economy.

The S&D ECON committee coordinator, Jonás Fernández, commented:

“Paolo Gentiloni has the required expertise and experience, and the right mental and political flexibility to perfectly understand the hard times the EU and the European economy are going through. We are confident that, as next Commissioner for Economy, he will be able to ensure a fully flexible application of the Stability and Growth Pact, and to lead the initiative to build a fiscal stabilizer. Furthermore, Gentiloni is clearly aligned with our call to turn the European semester into an instrument that integrates social, environmental, geographic and taxation aspects, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Also, we are particularly glad about Gentiloni's commitment to foster a fair, digital and green taxation by working on a common and reviewed approach for a European digital tax, carbon border tax and energy taxation. This will ensure, among others, that taxes are paid where multinational corporations produce profits.

“Last but not least, we agree with the key need to stepping up the fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance.

“The S&D Group will back Gentiloni as new Commissioner, and looks forward to working together to achieve progressive reforms which will leave no one behind.”

The S&D vice-president for a new economy that works for all, Biljana Borzan, said:

“Paolo Gentiloni has shown a strong commitment to strengthening the European Monetary Union in using the European Semester for boosting an ambitious social and environmental agenda, as well as fighting tax fraud. The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament are dedicated to building a new economy that works for all. As always, our priorities are for a better, fairer and more social Europe, and we are happy to support Mr Gentiloni in his ambitious plan for the European economy.” 

MEPs involved
Head of delegation
Vice-president
Croatia
Coordinator
Spain
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