MEPs decided at a plenary session in April, on a number of reports, to allow the European Parliament, as co-decision-maker, to adapt more quickly the rules of some of the funds from which countries will draw on COVID-19 virus measures. With some choices, however, they provide additional funding also for their healthcare systems. In addition to legislative reports, the European Parliament resolution on coordinated EU action, in connection with the COVID-19 virus pandemic, was also decided. In the resolution adopted, MEPs are critical towards Hungary and Poland in the pandemic. Of the eight MEPs from Slovenia, six supported the resolution, abstaining from the resolution only by Romana Tomc and Milan Zver (both EPP / SDS), who had previously voted against the controversial amendments.
Romana Tomc (SDS / ELS) when voting, said: “At this point in time, the EU together and each Member State individually needs a rapid and effective response that will save lives, protect our health, ensure economic survival and safeguard people’s social status. I supported all the legislative measures of the European Commission and the European Parliament, pursuing this objective.”
MEP pointed out that as far as hereafter she will “vote for all proposals that will strengthen the effectiveness, cohesie and solidarity. However, I cannot support the proposals that divide the EU these days. That is why, in today’s vote, I did not support the resolution that spoke about concerted action, in relation to the pandemic. The problem, of course, is the mentioning of Hungary and Poland. Although the resolution already states, in the introductory text, that the states have acted individually and although in some countries they have acted in the same way as in Hungary or have adopted even stricter rules, they are not included in the resolution. This is unacceptable. These are double standards. I cannot support such double morals.”
“I’m really sad, that even times as difficult as the coronavirus crisis period, can be misused for political account processing. People in our story are expecting from us to be quick in decisions and making such political unrest in tactical attempts is completely unnecessary,” concluded MEP Romana Tomc. Milan Zver reported on Twitter to have voted against the amendments, which represented Hungary and, in his words, unduly reacted over the Hungarian anti-pandemic measures, which are already suitable for the introduction in almost all EU countries. He added: “Ideological struggle in times of crisis, very flashy.”