German Minister of State for Europe and chair of the PES GAC Ministers network Michael Roth stated:
‘The Commission is finally giving greater emphasis on social inequalities in Europe. Poverty levels are growing. The growing inequalities in our societies and between European countries are weakening our ability to support society’s needs and rights. It is high time that social issues come to the center of the debate when we discuss economic policy.’
Michael Roth added:
‘It is also a great step forward that taxation is also examined in more detail. Our political family has always stood for fair and equal societies. For us this means no tax evasion and fraud, redistributive tax systems, and effective tax rates.’
The meeting was also attended by:
- Helena Dalli, Minister for European Affairs and Equality, Malta
- Ana Paula Zacarias, State Secretary for European Affairs, Portugal
- Victor Negrescu, Minister delegate for European Affairs, Romania
- Ivan Korcok, State Secretary for European Affairs, Slovakia
- Ann Linde, Minister for European Affairs and Trade, Sweden
- George Katrougalos, Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Greece (observer)
- Frans Timmermans, First Vice President of the European Commission
- Javier Moreno, Secretary General of the S&D Group in the European Parliament
- Marije Laffeber, Deputy Secretary-General of the PES