MEP Alex Agius Saliba pushes EU to address high inflation energy crisis

MEP Alex Agius Saliba has obtained support for EU funding for 2023 for flagship programmes for youth, children, workers, health and just transition recovery from the crisis and the war in Ukraine, a Labour Party statement said.

“Increasing inflation and food and energy prices across the EU are affecting all of us and even more the most vulnerable in our society. The coming months will be difficult for the EU economy, putting many sectors at risk and increasing poverty and social inequalities. Wages will not grow as fast as inflation, putting people in difficulties with worsening living conditions. Such a situation requires an unprecedented response from the EU budget to ensure social protection measures to smooth the war’s economic and social impact on our citizens,” said MEP Agius Saliba after the vote.

The MEP also explained that the Employment Committee’s position is key in this regard because this is the committee in the European Parliament protecting and defending workers’ and citizens’ direct interests. Agius Saliba added that he is convinced that existing programmes and financial instruments are no longer sufficient to support people and that there is a need for new solutions and a responsive EU budget to reflect the realities around us.

“I am glad that today, in the Employment Committee, I obtained support for my proposal protecting employment, workers, youth, children, older people and other vulnerable groups affected by the current crisis and high energy prices. Some of the proposals can make a real difference, protect employment and the fight against unemployment and preserve jobs and workers’ income, such as the European Unemployment Reinsurance Scheme,” said Agius Saliba.

Agius Saliba also managed to secure a call for a European Social Resilience Package and EU fund for social emergencies for crisis situations so that Europe can react faster to crises of a different nature, which are becoming increasingly multifaceted, hybrid and complex.