PES President Sergei Stanishev and S&D Group President Iratxe García Pérez led a discussion with S&D MEPs, national parliaments representatives from the PES political family, European Commissioners, and the Portuguese presidency. The event was co-hosted by the Party of European Socialists (PES) and Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament (S&D).
PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“Just a few months ago, the Conference on the Future of Europe seemed like a distant dream. Now it is here, thanks to the tenacious work of the S&D Group, the Portuguese Presidency, and the SPD in the proceeding German presidency.
“It is our duty to step up again and shape this Conference in a way that benefits everyone. The EU must be a Union of values, of freedom, equality, and democracy for all.
“Today we set out our commitment to work for an EU that benefits all our citizens. For the health workers who keep us safe. For the construction workers who build and re-build Europe from the ground up. For the artists, small businesses, and creative minds who, despite the difficult situation, continue to inspire. And above all, for the young people, who are not only the future, but also the strength we need to get Europe back on its feet. We will work to make sure no one is left behind.”
The Conference on the Future of Europe – a joint initiative by the European Parliament, Council and Commission – seeks to give citizens an active voice on issues they consider important to the future of the EU. A plenary composed of MEPs, Member State representatives, the European Commission and national parliamentarians will meet in Strasbourg tomorrow. European citizens, European, national, regional and local authorities, as well as civil society and other organisations will also take part in the broader Conference.
