The ministers met today in Brussels.
They discussed measures for promoting an agenda that supports social justice, ensures economic growth, bridges inequalities, and effectively addresses current challenges by promoting solidarity among member states.
The agenda will be presented in light of the anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.
After the meeting, the French European Minister and chair of the PES General Affairs Council Ministers’ Network, Harlem Désir, commented:
“The anniversary of the Treaty of Rome gives us the chance to reflect on why this Union was created but above all to look into the future and set ambitious priorities.
“Our political family must be ready to defend the founding values of the European Union at a time where they are put at stake by populists inside the Union as well as by the Trump administration. Europe has to stand firm for its unity and its values on the international stage and to promote growth, jobs and social justice internally.”
German Minister of State for Europe Michael Roth added:
“The EU needs to stand united in these uncertain times. It must stick to its values and develop an agenda which deals with our priorities such as strengthening the European economy and ensuring social balance, tackling migration as well as improving the capacities of the EU as a global actor.
“The anniversary of the Treaty of Rome in March is a good opportunity to create a positive, forward-looking momentum for the future of the EU. As social democrats, we support this ambitious agenda.”
The meeting was also attended by:
- Deniza Slateva, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the EU Presidency 2018, Bulgaria
- Tomas Prouza, State Secretary for European Affairs, Czech Republic
- Giorgos Katrougalos (observer), Alternate Foreign Affairs Minister for European Affairs, Greece
- Sandro Gozi, State Secretary for European Affairs, Italy
- Margarida Marques, State Secretary for European Affairs, Portugal
- Ana Birchall, Minister of European Affairs, Romania
- Ann Linde, Minister for EU Affairs and Trade, Sweden
- Maria Joao Rodrigues, Vice President of the S&D Group, European Parliament
- Ton Beumer, Deputy Secretary General of the S&D Group, European Parliament
- Yonnec Polet, Deputy Secretary General, PES
- Marije Laffeber, Deputy Secretary General, PES