A Europe that elevates people, boosts skills and guarantees preparedness – we are confident that European Commission Executive Vice-President-designate Mînzatu will deliver, the Party of European Socialists (PES) affirmed today.
Socialists and democrats look set to continue driving Europe’s social agenda – covering skills and education, quality jobs and social rights – following Roxana Mînzatu’s solid performance today in the European Parliament hearing for the 2024-2029 European Commission.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“Social Europe has been one of the central success stories of the European project. From wages, to working time, to opportunities for the next generation, the social agenda is the area where citizens most clearly feel the benefits of our Union. Based on her strong performance today, it is clear that Roxana Mînzatu has the skills and values needed to continue delivering this vital mission.
“Under the last mandate, we saw significant progress on the social agenda. This was thanks to progressives in the European Commission, Council of the European Union and European Parliament. Our political family will continue fighting hard for this in the years to come.”
Research by the European Parliament published following the European elections has found that more than 42 per cent of voters were encouraged to vote due to the rising cost of living in the EU, with the second biggest issue being economic uncertainty, cited by 41 per cent. These findings underline the need for continued strong action that gives confidence to citizens.
The social agenda – namely securing quality jobs for all, strong public services at the hear of society, solidarity and equality, action for young people, intergenerational solidarity, and fair digital transitions – was central to the PES manifesto for the 2024 European elections, which was promoted by PES Common Candidate and social rights champion in the European Commission Nicolas Schmit.
Building on Nicolas Schmit’s pioneering work, Roxana Mînzatu will strengthen Europe’s human capital, supporting people and strengthening the social model so no one is left behind. She will lead on the European Pillar of Social Rights, addressing skills and labour gaps and boosting training and education, especially in fast developing areas such as technology and innovation. This will include developing a Quality Jobs Roadmap, a new Pact for European Social Dialogue, an EU Anti-Poverty Strategy, a European Affordable Housing Plan, a Union of Skills a European Strategy for Vocational Education and Training, a Pact for Skills, and more. She will address inequality, building on the Union of equality, strengthening fairness and promoting opportunities for all, including through a reinforced Child Guarantee. Supporting better mental health and strengthening creative sectors will also be a focus.
