MEP Mizzi calls for rapid implementation of Juncker’s Investment Plan

During a debate in the European Parliament, MEP Marlene Mizzi said, that the investment in the economy is a crucial component in prompting more rapid economic and social recovery from the crisis. This must be done while simultaneously ensuring higher and more persistent growth levels across countries of the EU.

Later this week, EU leaders are set to close down the year with a final European Council. Here, Member States will have a chance to adopt measures to combat the economic stagnation and high unemployment rates in Europe. In this context, they will discuss the Commission's initiative of mobilising 300 billion euro of investment over the period of 2015-2017.

During her intervention, Mizzi questioned whether Juncker's investment plan, which is expected to be the main contribution of the European Council, is the right change that Europe has been waiting for. The MEP, nevertheless, acknowledged that the plan is definitely a step in the right direction. This plan will help to shift the current gloomy trajectory in Europe onto a path of higher sustainable growth and investment, which will generate more economic activity and quality jobs. She insisted that this change was decisive in combatting poverty and social exclusion, and in relieving the strain on social protection systems.

“There is no time to waste and definitely no room for mistakes.  The effectiveness and success of the Investment Plan will be dependent on the timeliness of its mobilisation and implementation," Mizzi said.

Before having the political endorsement of the Council, Mizzi called on the Commission to provide further answers on some tricky questions about  the nature of Member States’ and private sector contributions, the various fund-related governance issues and, the doubling use of financial instruments.