The European Union must follow the social democratic lead set out today by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, or risk falling behind in a changing world.
The Party of European Socialists (PES) welcomes the speech by Chancellor Scholz, from PES member party the SPD. Speaking at Charles University in Prague, the Chancellor backed EU enlargement, a sovereign Europe with strong defence, EU institutional reform, and the protection and advancement of fundamental values at a time when freedom, pluralism and democracy are threatened in the east of the European continent.
PES President Sergei Stanishev said:
“Europe is at a pivotal moment. The larger, more united, and stronger Europe Chancellor Scholz outlined today is the right path forward. I hope his message is heard throughout our Union.
“European socialists have always said that the Union must be open to all those European nations that share our values, including our friends in the Western Balkans, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Georgia. Chancellor Scholz is right to once again put this at the top of the agenda.
“Bold action is needed if we are to build a truly sovereign Europe which ensures prosperity, social welfare and world-leading infrastructure, harnessing the green and digital transitions and our international partnerships.”
The German Chancellor delivered the speech at the Charles University in Prague and also met the Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
