Today, the PES held its first meeting of the Social Europe Network (SEN) chaired by S&D Vice President Gaby Bischoff.
Representatives of PES member parties, members of the European Parliament, trade unions, and civil society organisations convened in Brussels and online to discuss the new European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, the Multiannual Financial Framework, and social aspects of recent and upcoming Single Market initiatives. On this occasion, they were able to hear from S&D Rapporteur René Repasi on the 28th company regime proposal. They also debated the upcoming revision of public procurement directives, stressing that public money should serve public goals – high quality jobs, fair wages, and strong collective bargaining.
Bottom photo from left to right: S&D Member of the European Parliament Marrit Maij; Policy Adviser at ETUC Marco Cilento; Policy Director at ETUC Lorenzo Repetti; and Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer at Social Platform Katja Reuter.
Vice Chair of the Socialist and Democrats Group in the European Parliament and chair of the SEN Gaby Bischoff said:
‘‘European economies are facing tough, and often unfair international competition. Transatlantic relations have been disrupted by vindictive economic tariffs. Our security is under threat on multiple fronts, our democracies are under pressure from the rise of the far-right and some tech giants are contributing to this by promoting manipulation and trying to re-define the truth.
In this stormy political climate, with the right and the far-right cosying up to each other, we must mobilise to realise our objectives and deliver for European citizens by making our societies more resilient. Reaching the targets enshrined in the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan needs to be a part of this effort. Studies show that be it on education, housing, quality jobs, or the fight against poverty, Europeans have high expectations. We will push for the upcoming Action Plan to deliver concrete answers and continue the work towards a strong social Europe.
We also have to keep a close eye on what is happening beyond the social field. The EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework has to be ambitious. We cannot accept that funding of social policies and the cohesion of our Union could be sacrificed in the upcoming proposals and negotiations. Regional ownership, and the partnership principle should be maintained. Initiatives put forward to deepen the Single Market, whether it be on the 28th Company regime, or on posting, it must serve both companies and their employees. We will make sure that workers’ rights are strengthened in this process, in particular pushing for public procurement rules to favour companies with best social and collective bargaining practices.”
