The Ministers also welcomed the Latvian Presidency’s work programme. They highlighted the importance of strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion. The Ministers expressed the need for concluding the revision of the Europe 2020 strategy as a key tool for fostering a sustainable and inclusive economy and mentioned that greater attention has to be paid to address Europe’s social challenges.
French European Affairs Minister and chair of the PES GAC Ministers network Harlem Désir stated: “Europe has to create a common and strong position against terrorist actions. We must strengthen our cooperation and unity at EU level and involve all EU tools and institutions in order to fight against terrorism. Our aim is to safeguard the security of all citizens while promoting societies that are integrated, inclusive, free and that respect freedom of expression. Our ultimate goal is to safeguard our fundamental values and democracy”.
Harlem Désir continued: “We welcome the increased emphasis that has been put on delivering investment in Europe. We consider the Investment Plan presented by the European Commission as a great achievement of our political family. We now need to focus all our efforts in delivering investment projects across Europe. The Europe 2020 Strategy offers a framework that can lead to the creation of jobs and sustainable development across Europe. Its revision should be conducted rapidly, and used to strengthen the progressive targets and tools of the strategy”.
The meeting was also attended by German Minister for Europe Michael Roth, Italian State Secretary in charge of European Affairs Sandro Gozi, Slovakian State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Peter Javorcik, Swedish State Secretary for Foreign and European Affairs Hans Dahlgren, Maltese Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg, First Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans, S&D Group Special Adviser Anna Colombo, and PES Deputy Secretary General Yonnec Polet.
