Socialists and democrats convened online to coordinate ahead of today’s European Council videoconference. On the agenda of the PES meeting: Europe’s response to COVID-19, the importance of the Social Summit in Porto, and EU foreign policy.
PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“Progressives want to see vaccinations increase significantly. All EU efforts must be focused on securing greater access, so we can make progress on vaccine rollout. This is how we will overcome the coronavirus. We expect all contractual obligations to be fulfilled in full.
“Looking ahead to the summer and the opening up of our societies, it is important for the European Council to take considered steps today.
“Freedom of movement is a core principle of the EU, and we believe it must be restored for all citizens as soon as possible. The Green Digital Certificate is an important proposal to that end. But we should be careful to avoid creating a two-tier system. Equality is a core principle of the EU too and we must reassure citizens that there will be no discrimination, for example against those who have not yet been given the opportunity to get vaccinated.”
The meeting discussed the upcoming Porto Summit, which will be an important milestone on the road to Social Europe. The prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to an event which refocuses the EU’s priorities on what matters for citizens: their job, their lives, and the protection the welfare state provides in difficult times.
The prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders commended Prime Minister Costa for initiating the summit, building on the 2017 Gothenburg Summit hosted by Prime Minister Lofven where the European Pillar of Social Rights was proclaimed. They also praised European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit, who this month realised a long-held progressive ambition by bringing forward an Action Plan to implement the Pillar.
The meeting also discussed international issues. On relations with Turkey, the prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders condemned the recent crackdown on PES associate member party HDP and President Erdogan’s decision to withdraw Turkey from the Istanbul Convention. They also discussed continued strained relations between the EU and Russia, and the situation with China’s sanctions against members of the European Parliament.
The prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders commended High Representative Josep Borrell for his continued work to promote the EU and its values on the world stage.
The prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders welcomed Enrico Letta to the meeting and congratulated him on becoming leader of the Democratic Party. The meeting wished him success as he works, alongside Europe’s socialist and democratic political family, for a more progressive Italy and EU.
The meeting was attended by:
- Sergei Stanishev, President of the Party of European Socialists
- Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta
- António Costa, Prime Minister of Portugal
- Stefan Löfven, Prime Minister of Sweden
- Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission
- Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner for Economy
- David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament
- Iratxe Garcia Perez, President of the S&D Group in the European Parliament
- Paul Magnette, Leader of PS Belgium
- Conner Rousseau, Leader of Vooruit Belgium
- Norbert Walter-Borjans, Co-leader of SPD Germany
- Enrico Letta, Leader of Democratic Party Italy
