During a debate on the European economic governance framework at the European Committee of the Regions winter plenary, ECR First Vice-President Rob Jonkman called for responsible and targeted policies to address the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Jonkman argued that while the European economic governance framework was a valuable tool in helping Europe recover from the 2008 financial crisis, the situation in regard to the current recession is unprecedented.

He therefore underlined that the economic governance framework must continue to be updated and fine-tuned in order to ensure and expedient economic recovery.

The Alderman of Opsterland spoke in particular on the need for minimising regulations and stimulating economic growth:

"We must introduce the 'one in one out principle' in the EU to limit bureaucracy and reject calls for linking national budgets, which could decrease a given Member State's drive for higher competitiveness."

​He concluded by calling on CoR members to oppose an uncontrolled increase in public expenditure in their Member States, which would inevitably add to the tax burden levied on businesses, citizens and future generations.