The chairman of the Spanish Banking Association (AEB), José María Roldán, has signed the European manifesto published by the Green Recovery Alliance, which affirms the priority of fighting the coronavirus and establishes a commitment to drive the necessary investments to enable a sustainable economic recovery once the pandemic is over.
The Green Recovery Alliance, publicly launched on May 5 by the Chair of the Committee on the Environment of the European Parliament with the support of environment ministers, reflects the will of its 285 signatory members to work together and share knowledge and experience to eradicate COVID-19, as well as to promote investments to lay the foundations for a new, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic model
In the opinion of José María Roldán, “the economic reconstruction following the COVID-19 crisis offers a good opportunity to develop a new model of prosperity that responds to needs more in line with environmental respect and social inclusion.” To which must be added, “the potential that this transformative project has to create jobs, mobilize investment and, ultimately, drive the recovery of the economy on a global scale.”
The signatories of the Alliance call upon policymakers, business and financial leaders, business and trade union associations, NGOs, and think tanks, among others, to “support and implement investment packages aimed at a green recovery that act as accelerators for the transition toward climate neutrality and healthy ecosystems.”
According to this manifesto, the transition toward a carbon-free economy, the protection of biodiversity, and the transformation of agri-food systems have the potential to rapidly generate jobs and growth, as well as to improve citizens’ way of life and contribute to building a more resilient society.
“We have never faced such a challenging situation in peacetime. The fight against the pandemic is our main priority and everything needed to eradicate the virus must be done. We welcome and strongly support all actions developed by governments, EU institutions, local authorities, scientists, medical staff, volunteers, citizens, and economic actors,” the document states.
