On Monday 25 November, MEPs debated the results of the G20 summit held in Rio de Janeiro on 18 and 19 November with the Vice-President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinás.
The meeting of the 20 world economic powers, in which the European Union took part, focused on global governance, the fight against climate change, the promotion of equality and the commitment to sustainable and inclusive development. The summit also provided an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions.
“In this turbulent period (...), it should be noted that compared with the last two summits, the escalation of violence in the Middle East has profoundly changed the dynamics”, said Mr Schinás, who had hoped for “more ambitious wording” on Ukraine in the summit conclusions.
“This is a mixed result, but I have no doubt that you will understand that with Russia sitting at the table at this summit, this was the maximum result we could have hoped for”, the Vice-President of the Commission told MEPs.
According to Lídia Pereira (EPP, Portuguese), the G20 conclusions and the COP29 agreement (see EUROPE 13531/13) show that “fears about the end of multilateralism are exaggerated”. “The focus on sustainable development, energy transition and climate action demonstrates that, despite difficult geopolitical circumstances, nations can come together”, she argued.
In addition, in their declaration, the leaders undertook to cooperate in favour of effective taxation on the high-net-worth individual (see EUROPE 13527/21), a key issue for Belgian MEP Kathleen van Brempt (S&D). “It’s time for the super-rich to contribute so that we can invest in housing, education and health for all”, she said, calling for “fair taxation”.
To see the declaration by the G20 leaders: https://aeur.eu/f/ehc (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)