Parliamentary resolution favors green stimulus over austerity

COPENHAGEN, 15 June 2012 – National governments should increase green investments to encourage economic growth, according to a measure now pending before the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

The resolution for the Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment calls for investing in energy saving technologies and renewable energy sources to assist the post-crisis economic recovery.

“There is no reason to continue depending on energy resources where shortages in the future lead to high prices now,” said Tony Lloyd (United Kingdom), rapporteur of the economic and environmental committee and author of the resolution. “Green growth offers a very different future – one that is much more stable and secure for our environment and our economy.”

The resolution also warns against negative long-term impacts of austerity. The Parliamentary Assembly’s Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and the Environment will consider the resolution at the Monaco Annual Session beginning 5 July.

“It is time for parliaments to stand up to government austerity plans and clearly state that economic investments are needed to give hope to the people of the OSCE region,” said Serhiy Shevchuk (Ukraine), committee chairman. “By supporting smart stimulus programs we can end this cycle of austerity and cuts, and give the next generation hope for a meaningful future.”

The resolution is being considered for inclusion in the Assembly’s Monaco Declaration, which helps shape OSCE and national policy. Parliamentarians from across 55 countries will vote on the resolution and declaration in Monaco.

The committee’s draft resolution also

• warns about the effects of austerity-driven budget cuts, in particular with regards to healthcare and education budgets
• encourages greater parliamentary oversight of economic policies
• supports a reform of the credit rating system to promote transparency
• calls upon parliaments to debate measures favouring greater labour mobility

Meetings of the Monaco Annual Session, including committee debates and votes, are open to the press. The session runs 5-9 July 2012. For more information on the Annual Session, click here.

This is a press release issued by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. The views expressed in this press release do not necessarily reflect those of the OSCE Chairmanship, nor of all OSCE participating States.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 320 parliamentarians from 55 countries spanning, Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international cooperation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.

Media Contact:
Neil Simon
Director of Communications, OSCE PA
neil@oscepa.dk
+45 60 10 83 80