Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament

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What Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament has said (60)

• 2026-06-18 “S&Ds call for stronger joint EU action to protect citizens and territory on the Union’s eastern border — As EU leaders gather for the European Council summit with defence once again high on the agenda, the European Parliament today adopted a robust resolution, following an initiative by the S&D Group, calling for a stronger and more European response to emerging security threats and better protection for citizens living on the EU’s eastern border. These communities are increasingly exposed to Russia’s hostile actions. The resolution highlights that common European capabilities and joint solutions are the most effective way to protect citizens while ensuring solidarity among member states. The initiative was launched by the S&D Group following the crash of a Russian drone carrying explosives on Romanian territory, which injured a mother and child. Drone incursions and airspace violations have increasingly affected several EU member states along the Union’s eastern flank, including Finland and the Baltic states. In the adopted resolution, the European Parliament underlines that attacks against communities on the Union’s eastern border are attacks against Europe as a whole and therefore require a common European response. Tobias Cremer, S&D negotiator on the resolution, said: “Russian attacks near the EU’s eastern border are a desperate and criminal attempt by Putin to intimidate Europeans at a moment of Russian weakness and ahead of possible peace negotiations. Europe must not be intimidated. We must stand united, show solidarity with those affected, and demonstrate strength in the face of Kremlin aggression. These attacks are a stark reminder that Europe must turn its defence rhetoric into action and accelerate the creation of a genuine European Defence Union. When Europe’s security is at stake, Europe must act with unity and strength.” Victor Negrescu, vice-president of the European Parliament, and head of the Romanian S&D delegation added: “Today’s vote sends a clear message: there is no time for hesitation when citizens are endangered in their own homes. Families in Romania, the Baltic states, and Finland must not live in fear of drones crossing our borders and threatening children, communities and infrastructure. Together with the S&D Group, we have secured a call for concrete European action: stronger monitoring and early warning, anti-drone and air defence capabilities, support for affected communities, and the rapid operationalisation of the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub. Security must be guaranteed for every European, wherever they live. This is our responsibility.” Note to editors: The resolution calls for: 1. targeted EU-level support, including financial assistance, for affected communities; 2. rapid operationalisation of the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub; 3. strengthened monitoring and early-warning systems; 4. enhanced anti-drone and air-defence capabilities; and 5. stronger European coordination to prevent and respond to cross-border threats. Importantly, the resolution stresses the need for a whole-of-society approach to defence, recognising that social cohesion, resilient public institutions, quality public services and the fight against disinformation are essential elements of European security.”
• 2026-06-18 “S&Ds condemn vote to delay clean water protections and shift costs onto citizens — The Socialists and Democrats deeply regret today's vote in the European Parliament, in which the EPP, backed by the far right, makes a call that undermines the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, weaken the polluter-pays principle and seek to suspend the Directive’s implementation through a stop-the-clock mechanism. The S&D Group, supported by Renew, Greens and The Left, took a pragmatic approach to the resolution. They supported an independent study to assess any potential impact on the affordability and availability of medicines, while continuing to uphold the polluter-pays principle and ensuring clean water for citizens. Europe’s waters are increasingly contaminated by harmful micropollutants, including pharmaceutical residues, PFAS chemicals and micro- and nanoplastics. The Directive introduces a new fourth stage of wastewater treatment, designed to remove these pollutants and better protect both the environment and public health. Cleaning our water is both an environmental and a public health imperative. It is also a question of fairness: those responsible for pollution should bear the costs of addressing it, as foreseen by the Directive, rather than citizens and taxpayers who are already under pressure from rising living costs. The reality is simple: wastewater must be properly treated to protect public health. By calling for the suspension of the Directive's implementation, the EPP and the far right are acting recklessly and risk shifting the costs back onto water operators and citizens, undermining the polluter-pays principle – a red line for S&Ds. Alessandra Moretti, S&D rapporteur on the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, said: "With today's vote, it is clear that the EPP never actually cared about the pharmaceutical sector or access to medicines. They just want to crush a directive aimed at providing clean water for citizens. Our proposal for an independent study to clarify data was a serious attempt to address the concerns of the industry and ensure affordability and availability of medicines, while preserving the objectives of this vital legislation. Sadly, the EPP has decided to take an ideological stand, side with the far right and attack the right of people to clean water. We, as S&D Group, will make sure that people's health and the environment are protected by pushing for a full implementation of the Directive as foreseen by the current timeline." Tiemo Wölken, S&D spokesperson for environment, climate and food safety, said: "Today's vote clearly shows the common agenda of the far right and the EPP. At a time when Europeans expect cleaner water and that polluters pay their fair share, they have once again chosen to side with powerful lobbying interests instead. This is despite the fact that the progressive groups have done everything possible to reach a viable compromise in the political centre. Refusing that compromise proves that this was never about stable access to medicines for the EPP. From the beginning, their aim was to put the costs of pollution onto ordinary Europeans – while safeguarding industry profits. This is yet another example of the EPP abandoning the pro-European majority and placing additional burdens on our citizens and municipalities all the while refusing to hold the industries responsible for pollution to account."”
• 2026-06-17 “Return Regulation: S&Ds warn final text takes Europe’s migration policy backwards — The Return Regulation undermines fundamental rights, weakens safeguards, and takes EU migration policy backwards. The Socialists and Democrats Group reject this regulation – a product of European People’s Party (EPP) and far-right cooperation – and will vote against it in Plenary later today. If endorsed by Parliament, the regulation would pave the way for legally dubious Return Hubs in third countries – to which families with children can be sent – without a clear and binding legal framework. It also opens the door to ICE-style deportation raids and reduces incentives for voluntary returns, despite evidence that voluntary return schemes are often more sustainable and effective. Moreover, it allows the detention of families with children and unaccompanied minors for up to 30 months in each member state. The S&Ds had stood ready to negotiate constructively on Returns and work towards an agreement with other pro-European parties. Instead, the EPP chose to build a majority with the far right. The S&D Group remains committed to a fair and workable European migration policy, including returns, based on solidarity, responsibility, and respect for human dignity. Ana Catarina Mendes, S&D vice-president, said: “This vote is about the kind of Europe we want to be. Returns can be part of a functioning migration system, but they must always respect human dignity and fundamental rights. “Instead, this regulation risks normalising legally questionable practices that would have been unthinkable in the European Union only a few years ago. Return Hubs raise serious legal and ethical concerns, while proposals resembling ICE-style deportation raids move Europe in the wrong direction. “Europe must show that effective migration management and respect for our values go hand in hand. This text fails that test.” Murielle Laurent, S&D shadow rapporteur on the file, said: “We negotiated throughout this process in good faith, seeking a compromise that pro-European parties could support. Instead, the EPP chose to build its majority with the far right. “The fingerprints of the far right are all over this regulation. From the substance of the text to the way the negotiations were conducted, this process has prioritised political signalling over responsible law-making. “Migration policy deserves careful, evidence-based solutions. Europeans expect workable rules, not political games.””
• 2026-06-17 “Up in smoke: EPP-far-right gamble with tobacco barons fails – a victory for public health — Today, the European Parliament voted down a harmful report on new EU legislation on tobacco taxation, which was prepared by the far-right in close cooperation with the European People’s Party (EPP). This vote should sound the alarm for the EPP – gambling with the far right simply does not pay off. Attempts to surrender public health to the tobacco lobby by forcing through a harmful European Parliament position resulted in an embarrassing failure for the EPP – and a win for public health. For the Socialists and Democrats, who together with other like-minded partners fought hard to restore the ambition of the proposals put forward by the European Commission, this outcome is the best possible conclusion to the messy and dangerous process orchestrated by the EPP and the far right. Voting down the far-right report is a step in the right direction. The S&D Group is counting on the upcoming Irish Presidency to take this message on board through an ambitious tobacco taxation reform that delivers for Europeans. César Luena, S&D negotiator on new EU legislation on tobacco taxation, said: “Today’s outcome is a win for public health and for pro-European, democratic forces in this House. Against all odds, the European Parliament prevented the adoption of a harmful far-right opinion on new EU tobacco taxation legislation. The message is clear: new rules must protect people from nicotine addiction and raise much-needed public revenue. “Tobacco taxes save lives. It is therefore indefensible that the European People’s Party, joining forces with the far right, wanted to bow to the tobacco barons at the expense of what Europeans value most: their health. “For us, reducing the staggering 700,000 tobacco-related deaths recorded across the EU every year remains a real objective, not just a slogan, as it seems to be for the EPP. The S&D Group will keep fighting to secure a reform that serves Europeans. “Today’s outcome should also serve as a stark warning to the EPP – instead of taking far-right shortcuts, it is far better for everyone to engage with the pro-European, democratic forces in this House.” Jonás Fernández, S&D spokesperson on economic and monetary affairs, added: “This is a good day for Europeans with this harmful report voted down. The ball is now in the Council's court to move forward with the tobacco taxation reform, which is long overdue, as the current legislation dates to 2010. The EU must update its rules in line with its public health and single market priorities. “In concrete terms, a meaningful reform means higher minimum rates, including newer products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco within the tax framework and introducing automatic inflation adjustments so that rates do not lose their real value over time. “These are the building blocks of a directive that actually delivers for public health and the single market. We count on the upcoming Irish Presidency to pick up today’s message, restore the ambition – and clearly put the interests of citizens ahead of those of the tobacco industry.” Note to editors: The EU Tobacco Taxation Package consists of two files: a revision of the EU tobacco taxation directive and a revision of the general arrangements for excise goods in respect of tobacco and tobacco-related products.”
• 2026-06-17 “S&Ds urge EU leaders to act on cost of living and global crises — Ahead of the European Council meeting on 18–19 June, the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament called on EU leaders to demonstrate greater courage, ambition, and responsibility in responding to the challenges facing Europe. During a plenary debate, S&D leader Iratxe García urged decisive action to address the escalating crisis in the Middle East, the rising cost of living, and the need to strengthen Europe's strategic sovereignty. She stressed the importance of fair taxation, including measures such as a tax on windfall profits, investment in renewable energy, and the full implementation of the European Green Deal. García also called for an end to hypocrisy and double standards, arguing that it is time to sanction those who violate international law, and to stop endorsing policies that undermine Europe's values. She criticised the contradiction of the EPP meeting the Pope while simultaneously approving legislation that allows migrants to be sent to third countries without adequate guarantees for their rights and safety. Iratxe García, S&D leader, said: “Today, some are celebrating the agreement between the United States and Iran. And yes, any prospect of peace is welcome. But we must not forget the reality: after more than 7,000 deaths, destroyed cities, and millions hit by inflation, we are back to where we started. “Where is the democracy that Trump and Netanyahu promised? Democracy does not emerge from bombings, and it does not flourish amid thousands of deaths. It is grotesque to hear Trump present the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a victory. Hormuz was already open before the war. “We call for more leadership from the EC and EU leaders to implement a tax on windfall profits and for investment in renewables to reduce dependency and ease the burden on millions of families facing higher energy bills, mortgages, and living costs. “We also see the same cowardice regarding the International Criminal Court. While Trump sanctions international judges for doing their job, the EU refuses to activate the Blocking Statute to protect them. We claim to defend the rule of law, but abandon it when the aggressor is Trump. “This week, an even more serious step will be taken. The European People’s Party and the far right will approve rules enabling detention centres outside the EU – black holes where even children could be sent. The same EPP who boast about meeting the Pope.””
• 2026-06-16 “The Western Balkans belong in the EU – and Montenegro can lead the way — The Western Balkans must not remain Europe’s blind spot – the region belongs in the EU, and the enlargement frontrunner, Montenegro, can lead the way. This is the message from the Socialists and Democrats, the most vocal supporters of EU enlargement, as the European Parliament today debates the region’s European future. For the S&D Group, enlargement is a geostrategic priority in securing Europe’s sovereignty. It is a strategic investment in security, stability, democracy, and prosperity. The stakes are high: the risks and costs of a potentially failed enlargement project are substantial, including security threats, destabilisation, economic losses, and the realignment of these countries towards Russia or China. Tomorrow, the European Parliament will adopt its annual reports on five Western Balkan countries. The only exception is Serbia, whose report will be voted on during the July plenary. These reports offer hope and inspiration, but they also demonstrate that the region will only move forward once there is no longer any appeasement of autocratic leaders, nor any tolerance for the erosion of democracy and the rule of law. Serbia, the largest of the six Western Balkan countries, should be leading by example. Instead, it is being pushed ever deeper into the enlargement backyard by the autocratic leadership of President Aleksandar Vučić, while its neighbour Montenegro is poised to show the way and prove that EU membership is not merely a distant promise. Kathleen Van Brempt, S&D vice-president for enlargement, said: "During our recent S&D mission to Montenegro, we witnessed a unique enlargement momentum following the EU-Western Balkans Summit, which must now be seized by both EU leaders and key political actors across the region.” "The Social Democrats have always wholeheartedly supported enlargement and will continue to do so. As Europe’s peace project, enlargement carries a particularly profound significance in a region where, barely a quarter of a century after its last war, reconciliation and stability remain essential. "Without the Western Balkans, the EU will not be whole and complete, but we must remain firm on the fundamentals – our values and our rules. This means no appeasement of Aleksandar Vučić and Milorad Dodik*, and no tolerance for human rights violations, corruption, or the erosion of democracy, justice, and the rule of law "The EU simply cannot afford to leave the Western Balkans as its strategic blind spot. Doing so would further strengthen the influence of Russia and China, while Trump’s transactional diplomacy is fuelling autocratic appetites across the region. It would be a grave strategic mistake." Notes to editors: Key messages from the S&D Group on the five Western Balkans reports to be voted on tomorrow: Albania The European Parliament will reaffirm Albania’s outstanding commitment to the EU, built on overwhelming public support, and demonstrated by the opening of all negotiation clusters in just 13 months and the recent passing of the mid-term check. At the same time, there is a clear understanding that enlargement is not about ticking boxes – it must improve people’s lives through genuine social dialogue, bold reforms, the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and media freedom. The next challenge: moving on to closing negotiation chapters. (European Parliament’s rapporteur on Albania is S&D MEP Andreas Schieder) Bosnia and Herzegovina The S&D Group supports Bosnia and Herzegovina's European path and calls on the country’s political leaders to focus on necessary reforms and ensure genuine implementation. We condemn the political forces holding BiH's citizens hostage through obstruction and secessionist politics. The EU should use all available tools, including targeted sanctions, against those undermining BiH's territorial integrity, democratic institutions, and the reform process. We unequivocally reject all narratives that fuel ethnic divisions, deny genocide, glorify war criminals, or promote fascism. This includes the chanting of the Ustaša salute “Za dom spremni” at Marko Perković Thompson’s concert. (S&D negotiator on Bosnia and Herzegovina is MEP Matjaž Nemec) Kosovo For the S&D Group, enlargement remains the EU's most powerful geopolitical and transformative tool. In support of Kosovo's European path, we call for progress through the normalisation of relations with Serbia, genuine social dialogue, and reforms that improve people's daily lives. In stark contrast to Serbia, Kosovo’s clear strategic geopolitical choice to continue aligning with the EU, including its firm condemnation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, is commendable. We reiterate our call on EU member states to advance Kosovo’s membership application. (S&D negotiator on Kosovo is MEP Elio Di Rupo) Montenegro The S&D Group wholeheartedly supports Montenegro’s bid to become the EU’s 28th member by 2028 and its steady progress towards this goal. Montenegrins want to join the EU and to live up to these expectations, political leaders must engage in genuine dialogue and amend the two alarming laws – the Law on Internal Affairs and the Law on the National Security Agency. This is the only path to a truly European Montenegro – with a more independent and trusted judiciary, better-protected media, stronger institutions free from corruption, and greater resilience against disinformation. As the frontrunner, Montenegro now has an opportunity to become a beacon of hope for the entire region and to show that the EU is not just a distant promise. (S&D negotiator on Montenegro is MEP Costas Mavrides) North Macedonia Two decades since the beginning of North Macedonia’s EU journey, the S&D Group reaffirms its full support for the country’s European future. The EU must keep its word: once the agreed conditions are met, accession negotiations must move forward without new hurdles. We call on all pro-European forces in the country to deliver needed constitutional reforms but also reforms on the rule of law, anti-corruption, and media freedom, which the citizens need right now. We warn against the illiberal influence of Serbia, China, and Russian interference. North Macedonia is Europe. Time to bring it into the EU. (S&D negotiator on North Macedonia is MEP Thijs Reuten) ---------------- *Milorad Dodik is a former president of Republika Srpska, an entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. ---------------- More about the S&D Group’s positions on enlargement:”
• 2026-06-16 “New Genomic Techniques: yes to innovation, no to patent grabs — Tomorrow, the European Parliament holds its plenary vote on the new rules for New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) – the most significant change to Europe’s rules on genetically modified food and feed in decades. Ahead of the vote, the Socialists and Democrats Group will table targeted amendments to ensure a fair framework that does not hand over control of seeds to a handful of multinationals, and thereby protects Europe’s food sovereignty. While supporting innovation in plant breeding and its potential to help agriculture adapt to climate change, the S&D Group warns that weak safeguards on patents risk strengthening the market power of a few dominant actors and driving up food prices. Fair access to these technologies must prevail. Crucially, the law must not turn farmers into suspects. If a company claims a farmer is using a patented trait, it must be for that company to prove it – not for the farmer to prove their innocence. No farmer should be dragged through court over a trait they could neither see nor know was there. Christophe Clergeau, S&D vice-president and shadow rapporteur on NGTs, said: "We need innovation to help agriculture adapt to climate change. But innovation must not be built on the loss of farmers’ freedom or Europe’s food sovereignty. The current agreement on New Genomic Techniques fails to prevent the concentration of patents in the hands of a few agrochemical multinationals, such as Bayer-Monsanto, Corteva and Syngenta. We cannot accept a system in which control over seeds and plant traits is shifted into the hands of a small number of dominant players. Europe must reject the privatisation of life. Scientific progress should remain a common good, not a source of dependency or rising costs for farmers. That is why we will table amendments to curb excessive patenting and defend farmers’ interests at tomorrow’s plenary vote. "It is also essential that detection remains possible. Even where NGT plants are treated as conventional, competent authorities in the member states and EFSA should still have the means to detect, verify and control what is on the market." Note to editors: Under the new framework, a large share of NGT plants would be reclassified as “Category 1” and treated like conventional crops, escaping the checks that have applied to GMOs until now. In Parliament’s original position, this lighter treatment came with clear safeguards – including provisions on patents, transparency, detection, and labelling designed to protect farmers and consumers. During the trilogue negotiations, however, these safeguards were stripped out of the final text, leaving the door open to the very patent concentration and loss of farmers’ rights that the S&D Group is now seeking to correct.”
• 2026-06-16 “EU-US tariff deal: Europe is now better equipped to defend its interests if the US fails to comply — Today, the European Parliament voted in favour of the two regulations implementing the EU-US Turnberry tariff arrangement after the S&D Group secured significant improvements* during interinstitutional negotiations to better protect European workers, businesses and industries. Despite pressure to approve the agreement without changes, the European Parliament's lead negotiator, Bernd Lange, supported by the S&D Group, succeeded in addressing key shortcomings in the deal concluded last summer between the European Commission and the Trump administration. The revised legislation strengthens the European Commission's ability to respond if the United States fails to honour its commitments, including by suspending the regulation, in whole or in part. Thanks to the improvements secured, the agreement is now temporary, conditional and enforceable – not a blank cheque for President Trump. The S&Ds will closely monitor the implementation of the agreement and will insist that the Commission uses all available instruments should the United States fail to respect its obligations, such as raising tariffs above the agreed 15%, discriminating against European companies, or creating harmful import surges that threaten our industries. Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's committee on international trade (INTA) and standing rapporteur on the file, said "Let's be honest: neither the Commission nor the Council really wanted to improve the Turnberry Deal, and even in the European Parliament not everybody was particularly keen to defend the Parliament's strong negotiating mandate. But we refused to accept that. European workers and industries deserved better safeguards, and we fought to secure them. "We resisted pressure and remained guided by democratic scrutiny, due diligence and European interests. In response to the uncertainty and disruption created by Trump's trade policy, we secured meaningful safeguards and enforcement tools. "This agreement is still far from perfect, but it is considerably stronger than the deal that was presented last summer. And this is not the end for us, but only the beginning. The guardrails have been set. Now we’re keeping a close eye on things to make sure everyone stays on track. The European Parliament will continue to closely monitor the implementation of this agreement. If the US side breaches either the letter or the spirit of the Turnberry Deal, the Parliament will insist that the Commission make full and timely use of every instrument provided by this regulation and the wider EU toolkit. We will remain vigilant and hold the Commission and the member states accountable." Brando Benifei, S&D coordinator in the INTA committee and head of the European Parliament's delegation for relations with the United States, added "Stability in transatlantic trade relations matters – for European businesses, workers and jobs. Greater predictability is in Europe's economic interest. But nobody should mistake today's vote for a blank cheque to Donald Trump. Our support for the deal is conditional, and the conditions are clearly spelled out in the legal text. "We have equipped the Commission with stronger tools to protect European interests, including safeguard measures and a robust suspension mechanism that must be used if necessary. We also secured a clear expiry date. Trump's tariffs must not become the new normal. Open, rules-based trade – not tariffs – should remain the foundation of the transatlantic economic relationship. "Europe needs a strong transatlantic partnership based on reciprocity and mutual respect. Today's vote is a step intended to restore trust. The next step now belongs to the US administration, which should start by addressing the unacceptable asymmetry that remains in relation to steel and aluminium derivative products." Notes to editors *Key improvements secured by the S&D Group:”
• 2026-06-16 “S&Ds back deal to boost farmers’ bargaining power and make written contracts mandatory — Today, the Socialists and Democrats supported the provisional agreement reached with the Council on the targeted revision of the Common Markets Organisation (CMO) Regulation. The deal, which goes beyond the original Commission proposal of December 2024, will increase farmers’ negotiating power in the agri-food supply chain thanks to mandatory written contracts, clear rules on price calculation so that final prices reflect the actual production costs, and a reinforced role for producer organisations in collective bargaining. Cristina Maestre, S&D negotiator on the CMO targeted revision, said: “Today’s successful plenary vote adds a vital legislative brick to help our farmers and cooperatives by shifting some of the balance of power back into the hands of those who feed Europe. By making written contracts mandatory, establishing robust mediation mechanisms and strengthening the role of producer organisations, we have ensured that the actual costs of production must finally be factored into pricing. “While the final text reflects tough compromises with the Council, including a strictly limited conditional opt-out for the dairy sector and a closed list for meat designations, we successfully held the line against full exemptions that would have diluted market transparency. Revision clauses in contracts as well as a mediation mechanism will enable farmers to adapt to unforeseen circumstances affecting production costs as well as strike fairer agreements with buyers. “The S&Ds also pushed for clear labelling when it comes to the origin and/or place of farming as well as for fairer market standards.” Dario Nardella, S&D spokesperson on agriculture and rural development, said: “The S&D Group overwhelmingly voted in favour of an agreement to deliver immediate, tangible fairness to a food supply chain that has squeezed our producers for far too long and led to the 2024 EU-wide farm protests. This targeted revision provides smallholders, family farms, and producer organisations, including cooperatives, with the legal certainty and collective bargaining strength they need to withstand market volatility, in particular when production costs sharply surge but contracts have been negotiated in fairer weather conditions. Furthermore, the newly approved rules ensure that only meat cuts will be labelled as meat. Clarifying marketing terms will empower citizens to make informed choices about the origin and nutritional value of their food. “With this mandate secured, we now look directly to the upcoming comprehensive CMO revision, where the S&D Group holds the rapporteurship.””
• 2026-06-12 “S&Ds: Member States head in the wrong direction on the next EU long-term budget — The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament are extremely concerned by the Cypriot presidency’s proposals in the draft negotiating positions of the Council regarding the next EU long-term budget 2028-2034, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The S&D Group is particularly worried by the following: 1) the proposed cut in the size of the MFF compared to the European Commission's proposal; 2) the lack of commitment to establishing separate and well-funded allocations for the European Social Fund+, Cohesion Policy, and the Common Agricultural Policy within the next MFF, with dramatic consequences for the future of these key EU policies; 3) no clear funding for pressing issues affecting EU citizens such as affordable housing or the increasing cost of living; 4) no demonstration of a will to end the stalemate in the Council where member states are so far reluctant to meaningfully discuss the establishment of a system of genuine new own resources as revenue of the EU budget. Mohammed Chahim, vice-president of the S&D Group for the next MFF, said: “It is deeply concerning that the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU intends to propose cuts to the next long-term EU budget (2028-2034) compared to the European Commission’s proposal. On the contrary, we, the Socialists and Democrats, are convinced that Europe needs a more ambitious MFF to face today’s needs and challenges. This week our group has made public our six flagships. “None of these priorities can be neglected at the expense of another; they are all vital to our citizens and our economy. We cannot afford to sacrifice any of these essential goals. However, that is exactly what will happen if the next MFF is not increased, or worse, cut further below the Commission’s proposal.” Carla Tavares, leading co-negotiator of the European Parliament on the next MFF in the EP's committee on budgets, added: “The European Commission has taken a step in the wrong direction by proposing the next EU long-term budget without a strong, separate, and well-funded European Social Fund+. Now, we see the member states are ready to follow in the wrong direction. In times of growing social inequalities, with pressing social issues throughout the entire EU, this is difficult to understand and impossible to explain to our citizens, especially the most vulnerable. We call on the Council to address what burdens the citizens: affordable housing, the rising cost of living, increasing social insecurity. If this is not dealt with in the next MFF, then where? “Time and again we repeat it – we cannot do more with less! This is an opportunity for the Council to step up. The only way to ease the pressure on fiscally-restrained governments is to agree to new sources of revenue, as these are the only credible way to avoid cuts to programmes that are essential to the Union, and to secure the additional investment needed for citizens, businesses, and regions. This is why we call on member states to put an end to the stalemate in the Council on a system of genuine new own resources for the EU budget. “We stand ready to engage in fruitful negotiations with the Council and the Commission, to have a budget in place as of the 1st of January 2028, bringing certainty and predictability to beneficiaries, citizens, businesses, regions, and international partners.””
• 2026-06-10 “S&Ds deeply disappointed by lack of ambition in Defence Omnibus trilogue — The S&D Group believes that the outcome of today's interinstitutional negotiations on the revision of the two Internal Market Directives on defence-related transfers and public procurement, which form part of the Defence Omnibus package*, does not meet the expectations of European citizens. The final compromise is clearly insufficient and falls far short of the level of ambition required to build a genuine European Defence Union. At a time of unprecedented geopolitical challenges, Europe needs much more than limited technical adjustments. It needs bold reforms that strengthen cooperation, remove barriers within the European defence market, and enhance our collective readiness and strategic autonomy. The S&D Group calls on the European Commission to present without delay a comprehensive revision of both directives, based on a robust impact assessment that goes beyond a narrow simplification agenda and delivers the level of ambition necessary to meet the objectives of Defence Readiness 2030. As the Council and the Commission have treated the three Defence Omnibus files as a single package, rejecting today’s compromise would have put at risk the agreements already reached on the two other files. For this reason alone, S&D negotiators decided not to block today’s deal to preserve progress achieved elsewhere in the package. Yannis Maniatis, S&D vice-president responsible for security, defence and space, said: “Today's outcome is a huge missed opportunity for Europe and for the European Defence Union. “It is extremely worrying that member states remain unwilling to move beyond narrow national interests, even when our collective security is at stake. Building a credible European Defence Union requires a genuine commitment to act together at European level. Without this, Europe will struggle to respond effectively to the threats we face. “Today’s outcome is particularly ironic. While 'simplification' has been presented as a guiding principle throughout the Defence Omnibus, member states opposed meaningful harmonisation of internal market rules where it would have made a real difference. They opposed the introduction of a European preference on common procurement of military equipment, a key tool for reducing dependencies and enhancing the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. “The S&D Group will continue to push for the ambitious reforms needed to strengthen Europe's defence readiness, strategic autonomy, and collective security.” * Notes to editors The Defence Readiness Omnibus is composed of three files: one related to accelerating permit-granting; one related to the simplification of the European Defence Fund and the use of chemicals for defence purposes; and one related to the two Directives of the internal market dealing with defence. A political agreement had been found for the two first files on 19 May. Despite the separate nature of the three legislative files, and unlike the Parliament, the Council has decided to work on them as a package. The two directives of the internal market dealing with defence provided an important opportunity to strengthen the single market for Defence, a cornerstone of the European Defence Union. It could have simplified and harmonised the framework for the transfers of defence products within the Union, providing important support for our industrial base and making cross-border partnerships easier. It could have stimulated procurement from Europe, introducing a procedural simplification of procurement from companies within the Union and creating more mechanisms to support a European preference. Sadly, the Council has rejected both changes proposed by the Commission, diluting the impact of this file and failing to meaningfully change the status quo in order to promote common European action for a stronger common European defence.”
• 2026-06-08 “S&Ds to set out new political priorities — Faced with a new and uncertain global landscape, Europe must stand for its citizens and reorientate to protect their living conditions and strengthen European sovereignty – this is the message that the Socialists and Democrats will deliver tomorrow at the Progressive European Future event in Brussels. Grouped together under the heading Strategic Turn , the progressive family will present six new S&D priority areas, known as the “Flagships”. These Flagships will guide the Group’s political work, with a particular focus on the 2026 State of the Union debate, while also shaping its agenda in the months and years ahead. The event will bring together leading figures from the global progressive movement, including S&D President Iratxe García Pérez, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, United States Senator Bernie Sanders, European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, President of the European Committee of the Regions Kata Tüttő , President of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies Nicolas Schmit, and ETUC Secretary General Esther Lynch , alongside many other political leaders and stakeholders. In the evening, the S&D Group will also host a Red Gala, featuring speeches from S&D President Iratxe García Pérez, President of the European Council António Costa, and President of the Party of European Socialists Stefan Löfven. The S&D Flagships are the outcome of a new democratic and grassroots internal process launched by S&D President Iratxe García Pérez following the Group’s meeting in Antwerp in December last year. They reflect the spirit of the movement and build on the progressive mobilisations held in Amsterdam and Barcelona. S&D President, Iratxe García Pérez, said: “Two insecurities demand immediate answers: how to protect Europeans’ living conditions, and how to strengthen Europe’s capacity to shape its own future. It is the mission of the S&Ds to answer these challenges for citizens. “Europe needs a Strategic Turn – a policy reorientation, combined with a new outlook on Europe’s future. Our new political priorities aim to inform that new direction. “Our members’ voices and ideas are our strength. Together as a Group, we created and chose these Flagships. This is democracy in action, and I am proud to unveil them today. “Today is just one step. We are organising to deliver, strengthening our bonds with strategic partners, civil society and progressive forces, in Europe and beyond.” Grouped together under the heading Strategic Turn , six Flagships have been selected by the S&D Group: More details about each Flagship are available on the S&D website . The Strategic Turn is the latest step in wider progressive political action. In October 2025, the S&Ds joined with other progressives from across Europe for the 2025 PES Congress on Progressive Mobilisation. In December 2025, the S&D Bureau and heads of delegation met in Antwerp to reflect on one year of the new term. A few months later, in March 2026, the S&D Group gathered in Brussels to exchange on political priorities for the mandate. In April 2026, the S&Ds rallied with progressives from around the world at the Global Progressive Mobilisation. In June 2026, S&D MEPs selected Flagships in a democratic process, which were launched on 9 June 2026 at the Progressive European Future event.”
• 2026-06-05 “EU-Western Balkans Summit in Montenegro brings a unique enlargement momentum — As EU and Western Balkans leaders meet today in Montenegro’s coastal town of Tivat, there is a unique enlargement momentum, bringing hope and trust that the Western Balkans will not remain Europe’s strategic blind spot. To seize this opportunity, two things need to happen. First, Montenegro’s leaders must act responsibly by fostering national unity in pursuit of a shared mission – making the country the EU’s 28 th member by 2028. The S&D Group calls on the government in Podgorica to amend the two alarming laws – the Law on Internal Affairs and the Law on the National Security Agency. Second, EU leaders must find the political courage to deliver the next enlargement as a necessary strategic investment in Europe’s security, stability, democracy, and prosperity. The Western Balkans is too important to be ceded to Russian and Chinese influence, while Trump’s transactional diplomacy is fuelling the autocratic appetites of regional strongmen. In this final stretch of their journey to the EU, Montenegrins can count on the progressives who gathered in Podgorica on their pre-summit mission to show unwavering support to their country’s EU bid and to enlargement as Europe’s peace project, which is also reflected in the joint statement adopted under the Friends of the Western Balkans initiative. Over the past two days, the S&D team on the ground – including S&D vice-president for enlargement Kathleen Van Brempt and MEPs Matjaž Nemec, Tonino Picula, and Marta Temido – met with the EU ambassador to Montenegro, progressive sister parties, and civil society representatives. They also visited Montenegro’s Parliament and attended the address delivered by the President of the European Parliament. Kathleen Van Brempt, S&D vice-president for enlargement, said: “Twenty-five years after the last war in the Western Balkans, the region remains deeply troubled. But what we have seen in Montenegro over the past few days gives us real hope. There is no doubt that Montenegrins want to belong to the European family. “To live up to these expectations, political actors must be willing to find compromises to move their country forward. As those in power always bear the greatest responsibility, we call on the government in Podgorica to embark on the path of genuine dialogue and cooperation. This is the only way to the truly European Montenegro – with a more independent and trusted judiciary, better-protected media, stronger institutions free from corruption, and greater resilience against disinformation. “As the frontrunner, Montenegro now has an opportunity to become a beacon of hope for the entire region and to show the way even to its much larger neighbours. They are closely watching its success, which is making some very nervous, as demonstrated by concerning reports that Vučić’s supporters flew to Tivat to disrupt the summit and had to be turned back due to security concerns. Such desperate actions will only strengthen the determination of Montenegrins – and Serbs – to move beyond toxic polarisation and embrace democracy. “The summit in Tivat creates new momentum, but it is also a strategic test for EU leaders. More and more ideas for improving the enlargement methodology are circulating, including some proposals prepared specifically for this occasion. But we must be honest with ourselves: EU enlargement is ultimately a matter of strategic choice and political courage. Only a quarter-century has passed since the last war, and we should be fully aware that abandoning the Western Balkans would be a dangerous mistake for the EU.” Notes to editors: More about the S&D Group’s positions on enlargement:”
• 2026-06-04 “No more excuses: member states must implement the Pay Transparency Directive now — The Socialists and Democrats call on all member states to accelerate the transposition of the Pay Transparency Directive, a landmark piece of legislation designed to tackle gender-based pay discrimination and strengthen workers' rights across Europe. After years of negotiations, the directive was adopted in 2023 following a long-standing demand from the S&D Group. Despite progress towards equality, women in the EU still earn, on average, 13% less per hour than men. The new rules will provide workers with greater transparency and stronger tools to enforce their right to equal pay for equal work, or work of equal value. Just days before the transposition deadline of 7 June 2026, only Slovakia and Italy have fully completed the transposition process. In most member states, implementation remains partial or has yet to be finalised. Some governments are now calling for a postponement of the deadline, while employer and business organisations seek to undermine the legislation by portraying essential transparency measures as an excessive administrative burden. Gaby Bischoff, S&D vice-president for Social Europe, said: “Enough is enough. Member states have had three years to implement the Pay Transparency Directive. There is no justification for further delays. “It is deeply troubling to see an increasing number of governments failing to meet deadlines for implementing EU legislation, while the European Commission remains largely passive. When it comes to pay transparency, the consequences are particularly serious. Equal pay for equal work is not an optional objective; it is a fundamental right and a core European value. “Let us be clear: pay transparency is not bureaucracy. It is accountability. The directive already contains proportionate safeguards and tailored obligations for smaller companies, carefully negotiated and agreed by legislators. Attempts to repackage old opposition as 'simplification' or 'deregulation' are neither credible nor acceptable. Europe must move forward, not backwards, on gender equality.” Heléne Fritzon, S&D vice-president for a Feminist Europe, said: “Transparency is one of the most effective tools we have to combat pay discrimination and advance equality in the workplace. Without transparency, unfair pay structures often remain hidden and unchallenged. “Women across Europe still do not receive equal pay for equal work. The Pay Transparency Directive gives workers – and particularly women – tools to uncover discrimination and enforce their rights. Implementing it is not only a legal obligation for member states; it is a matter of fairness and equality. “Every delay means millions of women continue to face discrimination in the workplace, lower lifetime earnings, lower pensions and a greater risk of poverty in old age. Those seeking to postpone or weaken these rules are asking women to wait even longer for rights they should already enjoy.””
• 2026-06-03 “No more EU money for Vučić’s democratic backsliding — The European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee today adopted its annual report on Serbia, negotiated by S&D MEP Tonino Picula, urging the European Commission to halt further disbursements of funding to Serbia under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans in light of continued rule-of-law backsliding. Tonino Picula, European Parliament’s rapporteur on Serbia, said: "This year’s report has been prepared against the backdrop of a highly polarised political environment in Serbia, our committee’s ad hoc mission to the country in January, and the violence, intimidation, and irregularities reported during the local elections held in ten municipalities in March. "The situation in Serbia, which has been very worrying for a long time, has deteriorated further over the past year, with a steady erosion of political rights and civil liberties, the systematic weakening of institutions, backsliding on the fundamentals of the accession process, and anti-European political choices. "In these alarming circumstances, the European Parliament supports the announced suspension of funds earmarked for Serbia and urges the Commission to halt further disbursements of funding to Serbia under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. "Moreover, relevant existing and future EU funding should be reprogrammed to redirect more funds towards supporting judiciary reforms, anti-corruption measures, independent media, civil society organisations, and the independent cultural sector. "The Parliament also reiterates its message that, if Serbia wishes to advance on its EU path, it must make a clear strategic choice, align itself with EU sanctions against Russia, and demonstrate measurable and sustainable progress in the fundamentals cluster." Kathleen Van Brempt, S&D vice-president for enlargement, added: "In the current turbulent geopolitical environment, the European Parliament must continue to clearly support EU enlargement, which must be based on concrete results, genuine reforms and full alignment with European values and foreign policy decisions. "In Serbia, unfortunately, we see none of these, while its neighbour Montenegro is a frontrunner and is well on track to become the 28th EU member by 2028, demonstrating that progress is possible and that EU membership is within reach. "The S&D Group, the most vocal advocate of EU enlargement, has stood with students and all those who have been protesting in large numbers across Serbia since the Novi Sad tragedy – which claimed 16 lives and exposed widespread corruption and cronyism among Serbia’s ruling elite led by autocratic President Aleksandar Vučić. We share the same goal: a free, proud, and democratic Serbia within the EU. "We also reiterate our call on all key EU actors to take a firm stance towards President Vučić and his elite. For too long, the EU has tried to buy stability in the region by tolerating and appeasing Vučić. This is not the way to secure a better future for Serbia and for the EU."”
• 2026-06-03 “EPP-far-right pact backs tobacco lobby, at the expense of public health — Today, the European Parliament’s economic affairs committee adopted a harmful – and indefensible – report on new EU legislation on tobacco taxation, with the European People’s Party (EPP) again joining forces with the far right – this time bowing to the tobacco lobby. For the Socialists and Democrats, this undermines EU public health ambitions and breaches the pledge taken by all pro-European forces in this House not to cooperate with the far right. The S&D Group worked hard on alternative compromises, together with other like-minded partners, to restore the ambition of the proposals put forward by the European Commission, but the EPP-far-right pact unfortunately prevailed. Today’s outcome is also a public display of the EPP’s hypocrisy. While they claim to strongly support Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, which aims to reduce tobacco use to less than 5% of the population by 2040, they align with the far right to dismantle it. Cesar Luena, S&D negotiator on new EU legislation on tobacco taxation, said: “This is a deeply damaging result – for public health, for taxpayers, and for every European whose life could be saved by bolder action on tobacco. The only winners today are the tobacco barons, and now we know who works for them in this House. “The tobacco taxation reform is long overdue, as the current legislation dates to 2010. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make tobacco less affordable, protect people from nicotine addiction – especially youngsters – and secure greater public revenue. The Commission’s proposals were ambitious, but the EPP-far-right alliance stripped the reform of its purpose, reducing minimum tax rates, increasing transition periods, and watering down the mechanism that keeps the directive relevant over time. “While the PfE rapporteur, along with the EPP, argues that tobacco taxes are an excessive burden, that more taxes lead to higher smuggling rates, and that taxes on nicotine products should be lower, the S&Ds favour strengthening the fight against fraud, a strong internal market, safeguarding each country’s revenue, and reducing the staggering 700,000 deaths caused by tobacco every year across the EU. Jonás Fernández, S&D spokesperson on economic and monetary affairs, added: “The report adopted today delivers an unacceptable outcome. The EU must update its rules on taxing tobacco in line with its public health and single market priorities, but this report fails on both counts. The S&D Group will make the case for an ambitious approach to tobacco taxation again when the full Parliament votes, because Europe deserves better. “In concrete terms, this means higher minimum rates, bringing newer products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco into the tax framework and introducing automatic adjustment of rates with inflation, so they do not lose their ‘real value’ over time. These are the building blocks of a directive that actually delivers for the single market, for the generation of public revenues, and for public health.” Note to editors: The EU Tobacco Taxation Package consists of two files: a revision of the EU tobacco taxation directive and a revision of the general arrangements for excise goods in respect of tobacco and tobacco-related products. Next step: a plenary vote, expected in June.”
• 2026-06-02 “S&Ds head to Podgorica to support Montenegro’s bid to become the 28th EU member by 2028 — This week, the Socialists and Democrats will head to Montenegro to support the country’s bid to become the next new member of the European family by 2028, ahead of the key EU-Western Balkans summit taking place on Friday in Tivat, a Montenegrin coastal town. For the progressives, support for Montenegro’s goal embodies support for enlargement as Europe’s peace project, as this would be much-needed proof that this remains a credible process and that the EU is serious about asserting its strategic sovereignty. On Thursday, the S&D team on the ground, led by vice-president for enlargement Kathleen Van Brempt, and including MEPs Matjaž Nemec, Tonino Picula and Marta Temido, will meet progressive sister parties as well as civil society organisations and government representatives in Montenegro. On the same day, the S&D Group will also host a seminar on Montenegro’s path to the EU in the framework of its iconic Willy Brandt Programme for EU enlargement , designed to support the enlargement process and strengthen progressive forces in the countries aspiring to join the EU. On the second day of this progressive pre-summit mission, the S&D delegation will be joined by partners cooperating within the framework of the Friends of the Western Balkans for a conference, with a view to adopting a joint statement. Kathleen Van Brempt, S&D vice-president for enlargement, said: “For Montenegrins, this week must be full of pride. 20 years of independence, hosting an EU-Western Balkans summit, just weeks after the EU started drafting its accession treaty. This is not only highly symbolic, but also a genuine sign that the EU is serious about taking the next step. “We are coming to Podgorica with a message of strong support for enlargement as Europe’s peace project in today’s turbulent geopolitical context, and for Montenegro’s goal of becoming the 28th EU member by 2028, provided all conditions are met. For us, this is not a new message, but one worth repeating time and again, and especially this week. “While we wholeheartedly support Montenegro’s goal, we are urging its current leaders to live up to the expectations of its people and EU partners by upholding democracy and the rule of law. Those in power always bear the greatest responsibility. Any democratic backsliding, such as the recent adoption of the Law on Internal Affairs and the Law on the National Security Agency , only pushes the country away from the EU. “For us, the progressives, this is a week that could mark a turning point with a renewed commitment from EU leaders that, from now on, they will take greater responsibility – for the peace, security, and prosperity of our continent. Because without the Western Balkans, Europe will not be whole and complete. “There are many ideas and plans about how to make enlargement happen, including our progressive plan based on four key principles . But discussions on methodology must not serve as an excuse to keep candidate countries indefinitely in the waiting room . We must be honest with ourselves: what is lacking is not creativity, but political courage.””
• 2026-05-21 “S&Ds succeed in push for stronger rights and support for victims of crime — Stronger rights and better support for victims of crime – Socialists and Democrats celebrate today’s European Parliament vote to endorse the new Victims’ Rights Directive. Thanks to S&D pressure, a number of progressive measures have been added to the updated law, which was presented under the last mandate, with negotiations finally concluding late last year. Thanks to the updated directive, access to safe and legal abortion for victims of sexual violence and rape is explicitly mentioned in EU law for the first time. Additional measures have been introduced to protect the LGBTIQ+ community, for example by preventing discrimination based on gender identity, including discrimination against trans people. Free legal aid is now extended to all victims who do not have sufficient means to pay for it. And, irregular migrants who have been victims of crimes will have more secure ways to report offenses. Alessandro Zan, S&D shadow rapporteur in the LIBE committee, said: “Today’s vote is positive news for every one of the estimated 75 million people in the European Union who fall victim to crime each year. Too often in the past, victims of crime have not felt heard, or they have been re-victimised and re-traumatised as they attempt to obtain justice. The new directive will help to change that. “With today’s vote, we are strengthening the rights and support everyone can receive. The new law includes provisions focused on groups who have historically faced more barriers accessing support and justice, such as members of the LGBTIQ+ community, people from migrant communities, and other minority groups. All victims of crime deserve help, and today’s vote to back the revised Victims' Rights Directive is an important step to achieve that.” Maria Noichl, S&D shadow rapporteur in the FEMM committee, said: “The previous Victims’ Rights Directive had serious shortcomings, especially when it came to the support provided for women, who are tragically often the victims of some of the worst and most violent criminal offences. For example, research show that almost one third of women across the EU say they have experienced violence. We must do better for them. “I strongly welcome today’s vote to endorse the revised Victims’ Rights Directive. With this new law, we are updating EU rules to make sure women can access the support they need and the justice they deserve. Thanks to this directive, for the first time access to safe and legal abortion services for victims is included in EU law. And the provision ensuring free legal aid for people who cannot afford it is vital, particularly for vulnerable people like women fleeing abusive partners.” Notes to editors: Today’s successful European Parliament plenary vote is the last parliamentary step to formally adopt the revised directive. Following an evaluation in 2022, in July 2023 the European Commission proposed to revise the directive. Parliament's report on the Commission proposal was adopted in a joint LIBE/FEMM committee meeting in March 2024, and the plenary confirmed the committees’ decision to enter into interinstitutional negotiations in April 2024. Parliament and the Council reached an agreement on the revised text on 10 December 2025, which was today backed by MEPs. According to the Commission , an estimated 75 million people in the European Union fall victim to crime annually. Eurostat reports that, in 2024, 3,953 intentional homicides and 256,302 sexual violence offences, including 98,190 rapes, were registered in the EU. There were also 5,261,267 registered thefts, 1,197,932 burglaries and 251,162 robberies. Research by the Fundamental Rights Agency has found that one in three women in the EU experiences physical and/or sexual violence.”
• 2026-05-21 “EPP does not care for carers – applauded during the pandemic, now abandoned — Today, the European Parliament was expected to endorse a report reaffirming the value of those who care for our health, children, and elderly people, thereby helping to hold Europe’s social fabric together. It was also an opportunity to set the record straight: in our society, care work is overwhelmingly carried out by women, and this reality must be adequately addressed in the upcoming European Care Deal. To the regret of the Socialists and Democrats, the European People’s Party (EPP) pushed through a report devoid of ambition. It is incomprehensible and disappointing that the EPP led the campaign to remove key progressive commitments from the report: a strong European Child Guarantee with a dedicated budget of at least €20 billion, binding measures and increased investment for the Care Deal, and ensuring that gender equality remains at the heart of all EU financial and political decisions. The S&D Group, which could not support this weakened report and therefore abstained from the vote, will continue its efforts to ensure an ambitious and comprehensive European Care Deal, expected to be presented by the European Commission next year. Emma Rafowicz, S&D negotiator on the Care file in the FEMM committee, said: “Applauded during the pandemic, today abandoned by the right wing of this House, proving once again that they do not care about the women who provide most care work, often at the expense of their careers, health, personal time, and economic independence. “We do care for carers because their work is key to ensuring dignity and gender equality in our societies. That is why we are calling on the Commission to present an ambitious European Care Deal that delivers for both formal and informal carers and brings care to the heart of political debate. “We can no longer continue to build our care systems on the exhaustion and invisibility of women. Investing in care is not an optional expense: it is a political choice for equality and dignity. Every euro spent and every political decision taken in the EU must contribute to gender equality.” Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, S&D negotiator on the Care file in the EMPL committee, added: “Today’s report is no applause for Europe’s care workers. We clapped for them and called them essential during the pandemic. Now we should treat them as such, yet this report fails them instead. We cannot support a report so significantly weakened by the EPP. “The new European Care Deal must be fully equipped with binding legislative, non-legislative, and financial tools for investing in and ensuring universal access to affordable and high-quality childcare, educational after-school programmes and long-term care services. “In this context, we need a strong Child Guarantee with a dedicated budget of at least €20 billion, increased investments to improve working conditions, health and safety in the care sector, and specific quantitative targets, including a goal of dedicating at least 2% of EU GDP to care services by 2030.””
• 2026-05-20 “S&Ds: EU-US tariff deal now includes real safeguards for European workers and businesses — The Socialists and Democrats congratulate their member and Chair of the European Parliament’s committee on international trade (INTA), Bernd Lange, for securing key safeguards in the EU-US Turnberry tariff agreement. Following months of negotiations in the European Parliament and discussions with the European Commission and the Council, the negotiators reached an agreement last night to strengthen the original deal and better protect European workers and businesses. The revised agreement introduces a safeguard mechanism, reinforces the suspension clause, and provides for stronger review procedures and democratic oversight. It also includes a sunset clause, ensuring that the agreement is temporary, and that the European Parliament will retain the final say on any future extension or modification of the arrangement. In addition, the Commission will be empowered to suspend concessions on steel and aluminium products if, by 31 December 2026, the United States continues to apply tariffs exceeding 15% on steel and aluminium derivative products imported from the European Union. Kathleen Van Brempt, S&D vice-president responsible for trade, and Brando Benifei, S&D coordinator in INTA committee said: “The S&D Group and our negotiator Bernd Lange fought hard to protect the interests of European workers and businesses. Turnberry was never the deal we wanted. It is unbalanced and based on an illegal tariff policy in which President Trump disregards both US and international trade rules. We have never hidden that view. “But a trade war between the EU and the United States serves no one. European companies and workers need certainty and stability. So rather than accepting the deal as it stood, we pushed for meaningful safeguards that protect European interests. “Thanks to the European Parliament and the hard work of our chief negotiator, those safeguards are now in place. The Commission is better equipped to suspend the regulation, in whole or in part, if the United States fails to respect its commitments. “Bernd Lange negotiated under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, facing pressure from all sides. Neither the Commission nor the Council wanted to reopen Turnberry. But we made a promise to consistently stand up for European interests and push back against the Trump administration’s trade agenda. We have kept that promise.” Notes to editors: The INTA committee will hold an extraordinary meeting to discuss and vote on the outcome of negotiations on 2 June 2026. Following the vote in committee, the file can then be tabled for a vote at the following plenary session in June. It will then be the turn of the Council to approve the agreed text. Once the text has been formally approved by the co-legislators, the new legislation will enter into force on the day after its publication in the EU’s Official Journal.”
• 2026-05-20 “S&D: We want new own EU money from online gambling for Europe's budget — The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament are putting forward a new concrete proposal for a European own resource based on a targeted levy on major online gambling operators and betting and betting-like digital activities operating across the European market. The proposal aims to generate significant new revenues for the EU pluriannual budget to support investments in joint EU priorities, including education, youth, mental health, addiction prevention and the protection of minors. The S&D proposal foresees a limited European levy – for example around 1% – on the revenues or turnover generated by large online gambling and betting operators active in the EU. The measure would complement, not replace, national taxation and licensing systems, while fully respecting member states’ competences in regulating gambling activities. The S&D Group stresses that a comprehensive basket of new genuine own resources is essential for an ambitious EU long-term budget capable of responding to the increased needs of citizens and businesses. In line with the Parliament’s Interim Report on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 adopted by an absolute majority in April 2026, the Group reiterates its support for sustainable, predictable and resilient revenue streams for the Union budget. The Socialists and Democrats also call on the Council to unblock negotiations on new own resources capable of generating at least €60 billion annually in order to ensure an ambitious MFF 2028-2034. Victor Negrescu, vice-president of the European Parliament, said: "Every day in this House, we call for more investments, but citizens also expect us to answer how we finance everything fairly and responsibly. Our group has an answer by making this concrete proposal: a new European own resource to finance, among others, education, youth, mental health, addiction prevention and the protection of minors by taxing online gambling, online betting and betting-like digital activities. This is not a tax on citizens. It is a targeted contribution for education and youth, focused on large online operators active across the European single market. We take up the initiative in times when Europe’s online gambling and betting market continues to expand rapidly, generating tens of billions of euros annually while increasingly operating across borders and benefitting from the single market. According to industry estimates, illegal online gambling already represents around 71% of the market in Europe, leading to major losses in public revenue, weaker consumer protection and increased risks linked to money laundering and organised crime. "Considering a 1% flat tax on the revenues or turnover, the increase of the market share of the online industry, and new actions against illegal platforms, this proposal could generate between €2 and €4 billion annually during the next long-term EU budget cycle, potentially reaching between €14 and €28 billion between 2028 and 2034 – an amount comparable to the current budget for Erasmus+ student exchanges. This proposal opens up the discussion about potential new own resources but also about the possibility to develop topic-based financial streams, as it is done at national level in particular for these industries, that could generate the support of all EU member states." Sandra Gómez López, co-negotiator on own resources for the EU budget in the committee on budgets, said: "According to the S&D Group position, an ambitious basket of new genuine own resources is a condition for having an ambitious MFF that can respond to the increased needs of our citizens and business. As already stated in the MFF Interim Report adopted in April 2026, we need sustainable, predictable and resilient revenue streams for the Union budget. "We welcome the Commission’s efforts to identify new own resources. The interim report on the next MFF we adopted in plenary last month also puts new ideas on the table such as an online gambling and betting services levy, a digital services levy aimed at major digital platforms as well as a levy based on a uniform call rate on capital gains from crypto assets. We call on the member states in the Council to unblock the stalemate observed since 2020 on a basket of new genuine own resources to reach a level of revenue of at least €60 billion per year. This is necessary to not only ensure the repayment of the NextGenerationEU debt but also to finance the Union’s enhanced policy ambitions in the next seven year period, starting in 2028."”
• 2026-05-20 “S&Ds call for a single market that tackles the affordability crisis — While the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament welcome the roadmap One Europe, One Market signed by the three EU institutions on 24 April, they believe there is still significant room for improvement. During a plenary debate in Strasbourg, they stressed that Europe cannot choose between competitiveness and social justice, and called for a single market that does not leave the social dimension behind, with measures such as a Quality Jobs Act and further progress on the green transition. The S&D Group criticises the hypocrisy of speaking about competitiveness while millions of Europeans remain at risk of poverty, and when wages no longer guarantee access to decent housing. It is time to deliver on the single market by providing certainty and predictability for EU businesses and quality jobs. Iratxe García, S&D Group President, said: “Our single market is a historic achievement. But it will not survive in the 21st century if it becomes a machine serving only the privileged few while poverty, insecurity, and fear continue to grow. We cannot speak about competitiveness when nearly 95 million people in the European Union are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, or when having a job no longer guarantees a way out of poverty. “That is why we must say it loud and clear: European competitiveness will only be sustainable if it has a social soul. That is why we urgently need an ambitious Quality Jobs Act, a true European Care Pact, and the full implementation of the Minimum Wages Directive. “A strong single market is impossible in a territorially fragmented continent, where young people are forced to leave their cities because they can no longer afford housing. We need regulation of tourist rentals and protection against speculation. “And we need to accelerate, not slow down, the Green Deal; and reduce our energy dependency. We must invest massively in renewable energy, clean industry, and quality green jobs. The European Competitiveness Fund must serve exactly that purpose: supporting our industry while helping workers through fair labour transitions. “‘Made in Europe’ will only have meaning if it also means decent jobs in Europe.””
• 2026-05-19 “EU to better protect its steel sector from the devastating effects of global overcapacity”
• 2026-05-13 “S&Ds: EU Passenger Package must make cross-border rail travel simple, fair, and accessible for all”
• 2026-05-06 “Europe’s first anti-poverty strategy gives hope, but 93 million people need strong action now — The Socialists and Democrats welcome today’s Social Package*, including Europe’s first-ever anti-poverty strategy. The package, presented by the European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, contains promising proposals on how to combat poverty, including by strengthening the Child Guarantee, fighting housing exclusion and improving the lives of persons with disabilities. The EU has committed to lifting at least 15 million people out of poverty by 2030, including five million children. In addition, there is a goal to eradicate poverty by 2050 – a personal commitment made by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union speech in September 2025. However, to achieve these long-term goals, concrete and decisive action is needed today. The S&D Group therefore urges the Commission President to stay true to her promise and use all her political weight to work not only for businesses, but also for Europe’s most vulnerable. The S&D Group – long at the forefront of the fight for social justice and the eradication of poverty – will hold the President accountable. As highlighted in the November letter sent to her by the S&D leader Iratxe García, the urgency of fighting poverty has never been greater. Gaby Bischoff, S&D vice-president for social Europe, said: "More than a fifth of Europeans – almost 93 million people – live at risk of poverty or social exclusion, according to the latest data for 2025. We therefore welcome today’s Social Package as a necessary and firm step towards the goal of ending poverty, giving us hope. “The Package contains many promising proposals. In particular, we support the launch of a consultation with social partners to strengthen the rights of persons excluded from the labour market, and we call on the Commission to act swiftly to begin this process with the aim of delivering legislation in this regard. “However, hope and promises are not enough. The grim statistics and the current multiple unprecedented crises demand immediate and determined action to tackle soaring energy, food, and housing prices, as they risk further increasing the number of people living in poverty. “The Commission President must leverage all her influence to deliver a powerful affordability shield, proving that she works for all Europeans, including the most vulnerable. To this end, she must ensure the full use of all available tools linked to the European Semester and EU funds. Good intentions must be matched by decisive implementation, including investments. “As we have made clear time and again, we also demand a new EU law on adequate minimum income schemes and a significantly strengthened European Child Guarantee with a dedicated budget of at least €20 billion. “It is shocking that no progress has been made in reducing child poverty over recent years. One in four children in Europe lives at risk of poverty or social exclusion. It is our duty – as leaders, parents, and responsible adults – to ensure that no child grows up in poverty, without access to education, healthcare, a decent home, or adequate nutrition.” Note to editors: *The Social Package is composed of four key elements: Read more about the S&D demands to tackle the affordability crisis , and the S&D anti-poverty strategic plan outlining concrete demands as the progressives' contribution to the first-ever European strategy to end poverty by 2050.”
• 2026-05-04 “EU traineeships talks continue as Parliament pushes for strong and meaningful agreement — Tomorrow, negotiators representing the European Parliament, EU member states, and the European Commission will gather for a trilogue meeting to discuss new EU legislation aimed at ensuring that more than three million trainees across Europe receive pay, rights, and protection. Currently, half of them work for free. The Socialists and Democrats, who have long pushed for a ban on unpaid traineeships, underline the importance of maintaining a strong level of ambition in the negotiations and call on all institutions to continue engaging constructively to deliver for young Europeans. The Parliament remains fully committed to ensuring that this legislation brings real improvements for young people across Europe. In this context, the S&D Group fully supports the European trade unions’ action to push for stronger commitments on quality traineeships across the EU. The petition can be signed here . Alicia Homs, S&D MEP and European Parliament’s rapporteur on traineeships, said: “Tomorrow’s trilogue comes at a crucial moment in a complex negotiation on quality traineeships for young people. Over recent months, the Parliament has worked intensively to bridge positions and identify workable solutions, but key differences remain. “We are not yet at a point of agreement, but the discussions are clearly entering a more decisive phase. What is needed now is genuine engagement from all sides to move forward. “The Parliament will continue to stand by young people and work towards a meaningful and balanced agreement, because young people deserve nothing less. “For too long, young people have been used as a source of cheap, disposable labour. An ‘experience only’ approach does not pay for their food and rent. Work is work. And young people cannot afford to work for free. “Our message is clear: Stop fooling around. Negotiate responsibly. EU governments must act. Employers must pay their trainees. Because only good and fair traineeships open the door to decent living conditions and promising careers.” Note to editors: Read more about the alarming reality faced by trainees in Europe, the risks posed by the lack of regulation for workers’ rights, and solutions to secure fair pay and full rights for trainees in the S&D report, conducted by Joanna Helme, University of Oxford. The current situation of trainees in Europe, according to Eurobarometer and Eurostat: The process towards European legislation on traineeships: On the European Parliament’s position:”
• 2026-04-30 “Who We Are - Our progressive Priorities — Message from Iratxe García Pérez, President of the S&D Group Europe’s future must be in Europe’s hands – this is how we guarantee that the European Union remains a force to improve people’s lives. For decades, the EU has been our tool to build a better future, together as Europeans. Today, that mission continues. But the world has changed. And the European Union must change too. Our political movement is built on a simple idea: we are stronger together as Europeans. The power of this idea is clear: together, our societies beat the coronavirus pandemic. Together, our economies are becoming more sustainable, guided by the European Green Deal. And together, we stand with civilians worldwide, advocating for peace and an end to the illegal wars in Ukraine and across the Middle East Now, together, we must ensure sure that Europe’s future is fully in Europe’s hands, leaving no one behind. That means a sovereign Europe, with the power to decide its own democratic, economic, social, digital and military future and a stronger, autonomous Europe that stands up to autocrats and puts people before speculation. As Socialists and Democrats, we believe in the power of Europe. When times are difficult, our Europe supports people. That means good jobs, decent homes, fair tax, opportunities for young people, action on the cost of living and bridging the gap to affordability Our Europe guarantees equality, so everyone has the opportunity to succeed, whatever their gender or background. Our Europe protects citizens’ rights, especially if authorities try to take them away. We celebrate open, diverse and democratic societies. Our Europe leads the fight against climate change, propelling a green transition that creates jobs, enhanced competitiveness and prosperity for people. Our Europe ensures that everyone’s health is promoted, and a clean environment is protected for this generation and future generations. Our Europe makes sure the digital world benefits everyone – young people, consumers, businesses and all citizens – and protects the most vulnerable, especially minors. Our Europe delivers security for citizens. It works for a better world, with trade and development that promotes mutual respect, multilateralism and democracy. Our Europe is outward looking, supporting a European future for countries in our neighbourhood. That is our vision for Europe: a Union that upholds its people. Because when we act together, we are stronger. The Socialists and Democrats are the biggest progressive force in the European Parliament. We bring together MEPs from all over Europe, united by our commitment to: Affordability Freedom Equality Solidarity Diversity Fairness Sustainability Democracy Rule of Law We are a big political family, and we are proud of our history. Our commitment to the European political project stretches right back to the founding fathers of the European Union. Working with governments, European Commissioners, national member parties and international partners, we fight for a more progressive Europe for its citizens. Our mission is delivered alongside our sister organisations working at an EU level, like the Party of European Socialists (PES), the Young European Socialists (YES), PES Women, the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions, and the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS). Our Europe: - Decides its own future by upholding and reinforcing its sovereignty in every area: democratic, economic, social, digital, and military. - Supports people in the workplace, in the housing market, and with the rising cost of living. - Promotes rights by standing up for women and equality for all, delivered through concrete step-by-step action at EU level. - Saves the planet and creates jobs and a cleaner environment for everyone. - Looks after health through quality healthcare, healthy food and a healthy environment for all. - Defends citizens’ voices by strengthening democracy, media freedom, and the role of civil society. - Safeguards online spaces so that citizens are protected from hate speech, children are safe, and consumers have strong rights. - Works for a better world standing by our values and with our international partners, to promote human rights, sustainability and just global trade.”
• 2026-04-29 “Third time’s a win for millions of Europe’s mobile workers — On the third attempt, after a decade of tough negotiations, EU member states today finally endorsed a groundbreaking agreement on the modernised coordination of social security systems in the EU, known as the 883 file. The Socialists and Democrats welcome this breakthrough, paving the way for a long-overdue reform that will provide legal clarity and strengthen social rights for millions of Europe’s mobile workers. Gaby Bischoff, S&D vice-president for social Europe and European Parliament’s lead negotiator on social security coordination, said: “This is a historic day for more than 14 million Europeans who live, work, or retire in an EU country other than their own. After a decade of twists and turns, EU member states today finally showed political courage and sealed the deal that strengthens social rights for mobile workers – from truck drivers to carers – who keep Europe’s economies and societies afloat.” “Every European country needs these workers; every European country must also respect and protect their rights. They deserve to know where they are insured, where they receive benefits, and what happens if they fall ill or lose their job. “Congratulations to the Cypriot presidency for taking on – and winning – this challenge. This is also a big day for the Parliament’s team, which has worked tirelessly over the past decade to deliver legal clarity and fairness for these workers. It has been a long and bumpy journey, but it was worth the effort – because this deal means a better life for millions of people.” Notes to editors: Timeline of key milestones: Why this legislation matters:”
• 2026-04-29 “S&Ds call for urgent action on energy prices and affordability crisis — Given the growing difficulties faced by citizens as a consequence of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have called for immediate measures to mitigate its impact — not only on civil society in the region but also on citizens worldwide. They urged strong and decisive EU leadership to put forward measures addressing rising energy prices as well as the broader affordability crisis. In a plenary debate in Strasbourg, the S&Ds called for a tax on windfall profits of oil companies, decoupling gas prices from electricity prices, and the full implementation of the Green Deal as the only way to reduce fossil dependency and advance on EU's strategic autonomy, sovereignty, and social justice. Read the S&Ds proposals here . S&D President, Iratxe García, said “The ongoing crisis in Middle East is the result of irresponsible actions by Trump and Netanyahu, with implications not only for civilians in the Middle East but also for citizens worldwide. “We deplore the European Commission’s and the Council’s failure to act on suspending the EU–Israel Association Agreement and to provide a strong response to the ongoing deterioration in Gaza, the continued expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank, and the Knesset’s adoption of a death penalty bill targeting Palestinians. Regarding Lebanon, we are talking about 2,000 deaths, 1.2 million displaced people, and the occupation of 10% of its territory. This is devastation. The EU response should include targeted sanctions, an arms embargo and stronger measures to uphold international law. “We call on the European Commission to address not only the impact on energy prices and fertiliser availability, but also the unprecedented affordability crisis. It is European families who are paying the price — with soaring electricity bills, wages eroded by inflation for workers, and our economies trapped in an energy dependence that leaves us exposed and vulnerable. “We need decisive, bold, and fair action. A European tax on the windfall profits of oil companies is not optional; it is a matter of social justice. Citizens have already paid €24 billion in excess costs — money that has become unearned profits for a privileged few. We must decouple gas prices from electricity prices now to bring immediate relief to households and businesses. We must also fully mobilise our fiscal capacity by making State aid rules more flexible and activating the escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact to protect our economies. “We need concrete measures to mitigate the impact of the current crisis on social inclusion and poverty. We must protect the most vulnerable through direct income support, social energy tariffs, and a ban on disconnections for those who cannot pay. We must reactivate instruments such as SURE to safeguard jobs. “Last but not least, there must be an urgent implementation of the Green Deal. Today, we are paying the price of inaction and of our dependence on gas and oil. It’s a matter of sovereignty and social justice”.”
• 2026-04-28 “Microchipping, stricter imports, digital passports: EU adopts major pet welfare law — Today, the European Parliament gave its final approval to a landmark EU law aimed at cracking down on illegal pet trade and abandonment, while strengthening the welfare of cats and dogs. The S&D Group successfully secured mandatory microchipping and registration for these companion animals through interoperable national databases — providing a powerful tool to fight illegal breeding, trafficking, and abandonment. The law also strengthens welfare standards for breeding, housing and care, ensuring better conditions for animals across the EU. These stricter provisions will apply to imports as well. Dario Nardella, S&D spokesperson of the European Parliament’s agriculture committee and shadow rapporteur, said: “We are putting an end to the blind spots that allow illegal breeding and trafficking to thrive. With mandatory microchipping and registration of all cats and dogs — including privately owned pets — we are creating, for the first time, a system that makes our companion animals traceable across Europe. “With around 100 million stray cats and dogs across the EU, abandonment and mistreatment are not marginal issues — they are systemic problems. This law equips authorities with the tools to act, from better oversight of breeders to stronger control of imports. “By ensuring that animals entering the EU meet the same standards, we are closing the loopholes that criminals have exploited for too long. “Thanks to our efforts, the agreement paves the way for the future implementation of a digital pet passport, complementing existing paper documents and improving the tracking of pets’ health and movements. “This is about responsibility, transparency, and finally treating animal welfare as a European priority.””
• 2026-04-28 “Only yes means yes: S&Ds call for new EU law to combat rape — It’s time to deliver a common European definition of rape based on the absence of consent – this is the call from Socialists and Democrats ahead of a vital vote today in the European Parliament. This afternoon, MEPs will decide whether to back a key women’s rights report that addresses a significant barrier to justice for victims of rape: inconsistent and outdated laws across EU member states. Whilst many member states today define rape as a lack of consent, others still require victims to prove the use of force or threat. To address this injustice, the report – Importance of consent-based rape legislation in the EU – follows up on the Directive on violence against women and calls on the Commission to propose legislation establishing an EU-wide definition of rape based on the absence of freely given and revocable consent. Only this approach – a longstanding call from the European Parliament – can ensure access to justice across the EU, and guarantee that Europe lives up to international human rights standards, such as the Istanbul Convention. Evin Incir, co-rapporteur on the report in the civil liberties, justice and home affairs committee, said: “It is both morally and legally unacceptable that women are not protected by ‘only yes means yes’ legislations across the EU. It is time to make it a legal fact in every member state. “We have been calling for a common European definition of rape for years. Whilst the Council prevented this from happening in the last mandate as part of the Directive on combatting violence against women, there is more and more evidence that governments are recognising the need for this approach. Since negotiations on the Directive on combatting violence against women in 2023, France, Finland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands have shifted position and introduced consent-based laws. Momentum is with us: it’s time to deliver a common European definition of rape based on the absence of freely given and revocable consent.” Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, co-rapporteur on the report in the women’s rights and gender equality committee, said: “One in three women in the EU has experienced gender-based violence. One in twenty has been raped. Thanks to brave women like Gisèle Pelicot, there are growing calls for action. But we know that in our communities there are countless victims — many of whom will never see justice “By backing this report, Parliament can speak up for justice for victims of rape. By calling on the Commission to propose legislation, we can actively improve the situation for women, moving beyond outdated laws to guarantee the same level of protection across the EU. The European Parliament must show courage today. We owe it to women everywhere.” The report also calls for: better care for victims; training for law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, healthcare professionals and frontline services; action to address online misogynistic propaganda; and calls for gender-based violence to be added to the list of EU crimes under Article 83(1) TFEU. To mark the international day for combatting violence against women, MEPs Evin Incir and Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus published an OpEd on the need for a clear and effective European definition of rape. In March, the report was endorsed by the Parliament’s committees on civil liberties and women’s rights, with 75 votes for, 27 against and 3 abstentions. S&Ds have consistently called for a harmonised European definition of rape. It was a central demand during the 2023 negotiations on the Directive on combatting violence against women, but it was not realised following opposition from the Council.”
• 2026-04-28 “S&Ds: Time is up — Member states must get moving on the EU’s multiannual budget — The Socialists and Democrats led a pro-European majority in the plenary of the European Parliament today to adopt the interim report on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034. The EP has done its part of the work so far – it has set out a clear, responsible position on the EU’s long-term finances. Following the positive outcome of the vote today, the S&D Group calls on the Council to catch up. Member states have yet to agree on a common position for the next multiannual budget nearly one year after the Commission made its own proposal. The Socialists and Democrats urge them to act urgently and adopt their common position by the end of June, in order for real negotiations between the institutions to get underway, in the interests of European citizens and businesses. Carla Tavares, European Parliament’s co-rapporteur on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034, said: “Today’s vote strengthens and consolidates Parliament’s position on the next multiannual budget. Our message has never wavered: we will not sign off on a budget that falls short of meeting Europe’s real needs. This report delivers the improvements that were essential for the Socialists and Democrats, and we are proud to have made them happen. The ball is firmly in the Council’s court. “From the outset, the S&D Group and the pro-European majority have been clear: new challenges require new solutions, but never at the expense of Europe’s core pillars of solidarity. The European Social Fund+, Cohesion Policy and Common Agricultural Policy, are not optional – they are the foundation of our Union and must be preserved, alongside continued funding for actions under the LIFE and EU4Health programs. “The everyday concerns of European citizens – the cost of living, housing affordability, education, food security, and infrastructure – must be at the heart of the EU budget. We insist on dedicated funding and full budgetary transparency – also for the policies that project Europe’s strength and values on the global stage. We, the Socialists and Democrats, are convinced that an ambitious next MFF capable of addressing the challenges we face requires new, genuine own resources for the EU’s multiannual budget, and we call on member states to urgently unblock progress in the Council on this pressing matter.””
• 2026-04-23 “NGT deal risks monopoly over seeds — Christophe Clergeau, NGT shadow rapporteur for the S&D Group, and Tiemo Wölken, S&D spokesperson for the European Parliament’s committee on environment, climate and food safety take note of the Council’s adoption of the regulation on new genomic techniques (NGTs). While they recognise the potential of innovation in plant breeding in the face of the worsening impacts of climate change, this agreement falls short of providing the safeguards that farmers, consumers, and the environment across Europe need. This is not an opposition to new genomic techniques. However, to ensure they deliver real benefits for consumers and farmers alike, the regulation must prevent the privatisation of living organisms through widespread patenting. Otherwise, it will place NGT seeds under the control of a handful of multinational corporations, driving up costs and limiting access for smaller farmers. The regulation must also guarantee robust detection methods for NGTs in the interest of transparency. The concentration of the NGT production market resulting from patents and the absence of detection methods would undermine affordable and sovereign food production. They will therefore work with all pro-European forces in the European Parliament ahead of the plenary vote in May to improve this legislation. Innovation must genuinely serve the public interest. Christophe Clergeau, S&D shadow rapporteur on NGTs in the European Parliament’s committee on environment, climate and food safety, said: “NGTs make it possible to reproduce what nature already does. Tomorrow, these characteristics could be patented as industrial inventions – amounting to the privatisation of living organisms. Allowing such patents would strengthen the grip of a few large companies, often non-European, to the detriment of small seed producers and farmers. It also risks stifling future innovation and the continued improvement of plant varieties. “We must avoid creating a system that places a toll on genetic resources. Farmers could end up paying more for seeds, while small and medium-sized seed producers would be exposed to the arbitrary power of large patent holders, who could effectively control their survival. “We need to ensure fair access to genetic resources through European Commission-certified platforms in which NGT producers are required to participate; ban patents on traits that occur naturally; and protect farmers from unjustified legal action.” Tiemo Wölken, S&D spokesperson in the European Parliament’s committee on environment, climate and food safety, said: “This regulation, as it stands, fails to uphold the fundamental principle of transparency, which begins with detection. Competent authorities and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) currently lack robust methods to identify and track NGT products effectively. This creates a structural enforcement gap: if products cannot be reliably detected or traced, their environmental and health impacts cannot be properly monitored or addressed. We will strive to make detection a mandatory part of the regulation.””
• 2026-04-22 “Third time’s the charm: millions of mobile workers must finally get clarity on their social rights — After a decade of negotiations, representatives of the European Parliament, led by S&D vice-president Gaby Bischoff, and of EU member states, have today reached a groundbreaking agreement on the coordination of social security systems in the EU, known as the 883 file. The Socialists and Democrats welcome this breakthrough and call on EU member states to act responsibly and finally provide long-overdue legal clarity on social rights to more than 14 million Europeans who live, work, or retire in an EU country other than their own. This marks the third attempt to ensure fairness in Europe’s labour market – failure is simply not an option. Gaby Bischoff, S&D vice-president for social Europe and European Parliament’s lead negotiator on social security coordination, said: “Today’s breakthrough is great news for millions of mobile workers – from truck drivers to carers – who play an essential role in Europe’s economies and societies. The Parliament’s team has worked tirelessly over the past decade to deliver legal clarity for those workers. They deserve to know where they are insured, where they receive benefits, and what happens if they fall ill or lose their job. “The number of Europeans living and working across borders has increased significantly in recent years. Work patterns have evolved, and new risks of abuse have emerged, yet the relevant legislation has remained largely unchanged since 2010. That is why the stakes are so high. The EU’s responsibility to deliver is clear. “We commend the political courage of the Cypriot presidency in taking on this challenge. The ball is now – for the third time – in the court of EU member states. We are hopeful that there is now sufficient political awareness to move forward. This is about tangible benefits for people. Every European country needs these workers; every European country must also respect and protect their rights. “It is unacceptable for someone to pay taxes and social security contributions in one country for years, only to be referred to another country in the event of unemployment. Lex loci laboris – the law of the place of work – is not only a matter of fairness; it is a logical consequence of the single market we all champion.” Notes to editors: Timeline of key milestones: Why this legislation matters:”
• 2026-04-22 “S&D Group calls for urgent EU action to accelerate electricity infrastructure and protect citizens from energy crisis — The Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament has called on the European Commission to take urgent and decisive measures to address the ongoing energy price crisis and strengthen Europe’s security of supply. The S&D Group stresses that European citizens and businesses need a comprehensive set of actions to accelerate the deployment of critical electricity infrastructure, boost system flexibility, and ensure a socially just energy transition. Central to the proposal is the creation of a temporary energy emergency regulatory tool to fast-track permitting procedures and prioritise key energy projects, while maintaining essential environmental and safety safeguards. This instrument would serve as a bridge between immediate crisis response and the long-term transformation of Europe’s energy system, enabling faster integration of renewables, increased electrification, and improved grid capacity across the EU. The call from the S&D Group comes in the context of today’s College of Commissioners meeting, which addressed the energy crisis triggered weeks ago by the war in Iran and the ensuing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Mohammed Chahim, vice-president of the S&D Group for the Green Deal for Industry, Energy and Climate, said: “Europeans cannot afford delays in tackling the energy crisis. We need immediate, coordinated action to expand our electricity infrastructure, integrate renewables faster, and bring down energy costs for citizens and businesses permanently. Our proposal for a temporary emergency regulatory tool would accelerate projects for the expansion and strengthening of critical infrastructure while safeguarding essential standards. Our Group is convinced that coordinated EU outreach to oil and gas suppliers must not entrench new fossil fuel dependencies or stranded assets. Instead, it should accelerate the structural shift away from fossil fuels while ensuring diversification serves long-term sustainability goals. “At the same time, this crisis response must be fair and socially just. We are calling for strong measures to protect vulnerable households, including an EU-wide social leasing scheme to give people access to clean energy solutions without upfront costs. Those who have profited the most from this crisis – particularly in the oil and gas sector – must also contribute through a fair windfall levy. The S&D Group believes that any windfall tax measures must strictly target the fossil fuel sector and channel into social support for consumers, avoiding any measures that risk prolonging fossil fuel use or undermining electrification and clean energy investment. “This is about delivering relief now while building a resilient, sustainable and affordable energy system for the future. The European Commission must act swiftly to ensure no one is left behind in the transition.””
• 2026-04-21 “S&Ds engage with youth to shape new plan to advance EU enlargement — Tomorrow, the Socialists and Democrats will host an annual conference under the Group’s flagship Willy Brandt Programme for EU Enlargement. Inspired by the student movement in Serbia, this year’s event brings together young leaders from the ten countries aspiring to join the EU. The S&D Group, which has consistently championed enlargement as Europe’s peace project, will engage with young people to discuss a new plan to advance enlargement , based on three key solutions and four basic principles. Iratxe García, S&D Group leader, said: “Enlargement is Europe’s peace project and a geostrategic priority in our efforts to secure Europe’s sovereignty. It is a strategic investment in peace, freedom, security, stability, and shared prosperity. “In the current turbulent geopolitical context, there is a clear and urgent need to move EU enlargement forward, and the S&D Group is once again leading this discussion. “We are pleased to welcome so many young leaders from the ten countries aspiring to join the European family, who will bring their firsthand experience to Brussels. Young people are our future, and we are listening to what they have to say.” Kathleen Van Brempt, S&D vice-president for enlargement, underlined: “The S&D Group is open to new ways forward in EU enlargement, provided they respect four key principles: no compromises on fundamentals, full alignment with EU foreign and security policies, the EU’s social model as a guarantee of prosperity, and equal treatment for all candidates. “Based on these core principles, we propose three key solutions for an enlarged EU: removing the unanimity requirement for intermediate steps in the accession process, more ambitious gradual integration across key policy areas, and granting observer status at an earlier stage. “It must also be clearly underlined that enlargement and EU internal reform are parallel processes. There is no conflict between them. A stronger EU is one that is prepared for enlargement, and an enlarged EU is a stronger EU.” Note to editors: Ahead of the 2004-2013 EU enlargement rounds, the S&D Group played a key role in preparing political partners from aspiring countries through the landmark Willy Brandt Programme for EU Enlargement, named after the visionary social democratic leader and Nobel laureate who dedicated his life to reconciling Eastern and Western Europe. For the 2024-2029 parliamentary term, the Group has relaunched this initiative with renewed determination. Throughout this mandate, the programme will actively support the enlargement process and strengthen the role of progressive forces and civil society in EU candidate countries. This includes providing practical assistance to pro-European actors on the ground, helping them navigate the path toward EU membership.”
• 2026-04-21 “S&D Group: Council once again fails to suspend EU–Israel Association Agreement despite clear breaches — The S&D Group deeply regrets today’s failure of the Foreign Affairs Council to move forward with the suspension of the EU–Israel Association Agreement. While no vote on the matter was ultimately put on the agenda, this reflected the absence of a qualified majority among member states to support such a decision. Yet the suspension is a necessary and long-overdue step in response to the clear and sustained breach of Article 2 of the agreement, which enshrines respect for human rights and democratic principles as an essential condition of the partnership. For months, the S&D Group has been calling for the suspension of the agreement in light of grave and continuous violations of international and humanitarian law by Israel – from the mass killings of civilians and the weaponisation of humanitarian aid in Gaza, to indiscriminate attacks in Lebanon, as well as the recent Knesset vote advancing the reintroduction of the death penalty targeting Palestinians. S&D vice-president for foreign affairs, Yannis Maniatis, said: “Today’s outcome is yet again deeply disappointing. The fact that no vote was held, due to the lack of a qualified majority among member states, underlines the continued unwillingness of the Council to take decisive action. EU member states can no longer turn a blind eye to the systematic violations committed by Netanyahu’s government and the collapse of respect for international law. With over 70,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, ongoing policies of de facto annexation in the West Bank, hundreds of civilians killed in Lebanon, and the recent decision by Netanyahu’s coalition to advance the reintroduction of the death penalty targeting Palestinians, the scale and gravity of the violations are clear. The failure to suspend the Agreement undermines the credibility of the European Union and weakens its claim to stand for human rights and international law.” S&D vice-president for international trade, Kathleen Van Brempt, said: “By choosing not to act, the Council and Commission are making a choice. And it is the wrong one. The absence of a qualified majority – and consequently of a vote – does not absolve EU member states of their responsibility to act. For months, the Netanyahu government has crossed red lines and systematically targeted civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. The failure by both the European Commission and the EU member states to act appropriately according to international law, human rights and its own values and beliefs, is making Europe complicit in the war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated by Israel. “By leaving the EU-Israel Association Agreement untouched, the European Union is sending a signal that human rights clauses can be ignored without consequence. It further erodes international law and destroys what remains of Europe’s credibility as a defender of human rights. We will continue to call for the suspension of the Agreement, and for the EU to take meaningful measures to ensure accountability.””
• 2026-04-21 “S&Ds: Social leasing can deliver a triple win for people, climate and industry — The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament set out their vision for a European social leasing scheme designed to make clean mobility accessible to all, while strengthening Europe’s industrial base. This took place today at an event, organised in the EP by the S&D Group, ‘Taking the wheel on social leasing,’ hosted by the president of the Group, Iratxe García Pérez, and S&D vice-president on the matter, Mohammed Chahim. At a time when the green transition must deliver tangible benefits for citizens, Socialists and Democrats underline that social leasing offers a ‘triple win’: accelerating the decarbonisation of transport and boosting Europe’s energy security; reinforcing the competitiveness of the European automotive sector and safeguarding jobs; and tackling transport poverty by ensuring affordable access to clean mobility for low- and middle-income households. Iratxe García Pérez, president of the S&D Group, said: “The reckless actions of the Trump and Netanyahu administrations have triggered a regional escalation and a global economic crisis. As oil prices explode, European citizens are paying the price for a disaster fuelled by fossil fuel dependency. While families struggle with the mounting cost-of-living crisis, energy giants continue to amass obscene windfall profits. Enough is enough. “We demand that the European Commission present urgent proposals to reclaim our energy sovereignty. This requires market reforms to lower electricity prices and a Green Social Deal that invests in energy efficiency to cut costs permanently. We must protect the vulnerable through direct aid and a ban on supply cut-offs, while taxing windfall profits to combat ‘greedflation.’ Additionally, instruments like SURE must be reactivated to shield our workers from macroeconomic shocks. “Furthermore, we reiterate our call for social leasing to ensure mobility remains a right, not a luxury. This tool will decarbonise transport and tackle transport poverty simultaneously. Making electric mobility affordable is more than ever a matter of social justice. We refuse to let the most vulnerable pay for a war they did not start. It is time to invest in our people, our planet, and our independence.” Mohammed Chahim, S&D Group vice-president for the Green Deal for Industry, Energy and Climate and Financing the Just Transition, said: “Social leasing can make a real difference for millions of households. Fuel costs have, on average, soared by tens of euros on a full tank. Social leasing can directly and permanently lower the bills for citizens, protecting them against future price shocks. There is no clearer moment for a European Social Leasing Scheme than today. “Transport remains the largest source of greenhouse-gas emissions in Europe, surpassing both industry and power generation. If we are serious about delivering a fair and effective green transition, we must act decisively to decarbonise mobility while ensuring that no one is left behind. “In order to make social leasing a reality, the S&D Group calls for a strong, coordinated European approach. This includes pooling demand to enable the leasing of up to 10 million battery-electric vehicles between 2027 and 2032, establishing common eligibility and vehicle standards, and embedding strict sustainability, social, privacy, and ‘Made-in-Europe’ criteria for production and use of such vehicles. “The scheme should focus on those most affected by transport poverty, particularly in underserved areas, and be supported by robust public charging infrastructure and clear guidance for member states. Ensuring simple, transparent leasing conditions and mobilising EU funding tools – such as starting with the ETS2 Frontloading Facility via the European Investment Bank– will be key to a swift and fair rollout.” This content is hosted by a third party You have not yet given permission to place the required cookies. Accept the required cookies to view this content. Show content This content is hosted by a third party You have not yet given permission to place the required cookies. Accept the required cookies to view this content. Show content”
• 2026-04-21 “Size matters: S&D’s case for a stronger banking union — In anticipation of the European Commission’s report on the competitiveness of European banks, expected before the summer, the Socialists and Democrats have prepared their strategy as a progressive contribution to shaping the European savings and investments union. The Group expects the Commission to take their proposals on board. The S&D strategy for banking competitiveness – Size matters – feeds into the debate that followed the targeted consultation on the competitiveness of the EU banking sector, which has just ended. Jonás Fernández, S&D spokesperson on economic and monetary affairs, said: “The debate on Europe’s competitiveness has been largely confined to regulatory simplification, if not outright deregulation, which delivers only marginal short-term gains at the cost of greater dysfunctions in the long term. With our strategy for banking competitiveness, we are refocusing the debate on positive and lasting outcomes, both for the European economy and for the European project as a whole. “Our Group has consistently advocated competitiveness centred on the completion of the banking union. After more than a decade of stagnation, it is time to finish the job and equip ourselves with a fully-fledged European deposit insurance scheme. This means protecting Europeans’ bank savings if their bank fails with a truly European instrument. It also means strengthening the resilience of our banking sector, which is expected to finance the profound economic, industrial, and technological transformations under way in our societies. “None of this will be achieved through simplification, capital relief, or the voluntaristic expansion of supervisory mandates. If we want a truly European financial sector, we must first complete our banking union, secure a proper single market, integrate merger and acquisition rules, and adjust macroprudential rules without undermining resilience. This is the only path to a more productive, inclusive, sustainable, and autonomous Europe.” Note to editors: A list of key actions proposed by the S&D Group:”
• 2026-04-20 “S&D strategy for banking competitiveness - size matters — A single market agenda for banking competitiveness The debate on the competitiveness of the European banking sector is increasingly shaped by a conceptual shortcut that deserves to be challenged. What does banking competitiveness mean for Europe? Comparing like with like The debate is often framed as if European banks were simply underperforming compared to their American rivals. The real source of the “competitiveness gap” Once this structural context is taken seriously, the picture becomes more precise: European banks’ “competitiveness problem” is not best captured by a single scoreboard of shareholder metrics. Where Europe is structurally weaker Europe’s real weakness is not traditional balance sheet banking as such. It is in capital-light, scale-driven activities - investment banking, market-based finance, digital financial services - where size and market integration are decisive. Digitalisation: fragmentation becomes a strategic liability The digital transformation of finance makes the problem sharper. Competitiveness is no longer mainly about marginal capital requirements. It is about data, platforms, and networks. The political bottom line If Europe wants banks that can finance the green transition, support the digital economy and accompany European firms globally, the binding constraint is that EU still does not offer banks a genuine home market commensurate with those ambitions. From fragmentation to scale: a political agenda for European banking The policy objective should be to expand the relevant market for European banks - so that efficiency gains, digital investments, and fee-based business models can scale - while preserving the resilience that EU has worked hard to restore since the financial crisis. Completing the Banking Union The single most powerful competitiveness reform is to complete the Banking Union because it simultaneously addresses Europe’s two binding constraints: the absence of a genuinely single banking system and the persistence of incentives for national ring-fencing. Completing the single market: make scale an explicit policy objective The competitiveness gap is not primarily about banks’ efficiency. Markets value banks internalising expectations about future growth and fee-based revenues. Digitalisation is a single-market test The profitability gap across the Atlantic is partly linked to stronger IT innovation and higher non-interest income in the US. But digital transformation in banking is not primarily about technology - it is about scale. Streamline prudential rules... without weakening resilience Europe’s capital stack and loss-absorbency architecture has become highly complex, in part because of the coexistence of national and European decision-makers beyond the SSM - especially in macroprudential policy. Make proportionality real... and risk-based In the EU the CRR/CRD framework applies Basel-based standards broadly, even though supervision already distinguishes between significant institutions and less significant institutions and some limited reporting relief exists for smaller banks. Competitiveness is a political objective, not a regulatory mandate Competitiveness is fundamentally a political objective. It involves choices about the balance between growth, financial stability, consumer protection, and the distribution of risks and benefits across the economy. As such, it should remain firmly within the remit of legislators. Be honest about the limits of banking policy Finally, Europe must recognise that bank competitiveness reflects broader economic expectations. Banks cannot outperform the growth prospects of the economies they serve. Weaker growth expectations for Europe cannot be fixed through banking policy alone . The full 13 page publication is available below. Read more here - Press release : Size matters”
• 2026-04-20 “S&D letter on immediate action to respond to geopolitical and affordability crisis — The war waged by the US and Israeli administrations against Iran, and the recent escalation, represent serious breaches of international law and a dangerous step towards further destabilization in an already volatile region. These actions, notably under the leadership of US President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, fuel wider conflict and undermine decades of multilateral efforts aimed at preserving peace and security. We are particularly alarmed by President Trump’s claims about “erasing a civilization.” This rhetoric has prompted action from the US Congress and demands a principled response from the European Union, rooted in its own values and political DNA. Furthermore, while we welcome the ceasefire brokered under the auspices of Pakistan, we note with concern that attacks by Israeli armed forces against civilians and infrastructure in Lebanon have not ceased. The European Union cannot remain a bystander. A strong, proactive diplomatic stance is urgently needed for the people of Iran, the wider region, and European citizens alike. The consequences of this escalation are already being felt across Europe through rising energy prices, soaring housing costs, market instability, and renewed inflationary pressures. Families and workers, still recovering from successive crises, are once again being asked to pay the price for geopolitical decisions over which they have no control. Let us be clear: this is a crisis of both geopolitics and affordability. It demands immediate political action at the European level. In this context, the Commission and the European Council must exercise maximum diplomatic pressure on both Trump and Netanyahu to uphold international law without ambiguity or double standards. This must be matched by the greatest possible pressure on the Iranian regime through lawful measures, including sanctions. Read the full S&D letter addressed to President von der Leyen, President Costa, and High Representative Kallas here .”
• 2026-04-15 “S&Ds: We improve EU long-term budget that must work for people — The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament led a majority for the adoption of the interim report on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 in the EP’s committee on budgets today. This framework represents the EU’s finances for the next programming period following the end of the current one on 31 December 2027. Carla Tavares, European Parliament’s co-rapporteur on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028 – 2034, said: “With the adoption of the interim report on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 in the committee on budgets, we have set out our first formal response to the Commission’s proposal. Our position was clear from day one: we cannot greenlight a budget that is not sufficient to deal with our needs. “From the outset, the Socialists and Democrats, together with the pro-European majority, have made it clear that while new challenges require new approaches, this cannot come at the expense of our farmers, our regions, or the most vulnerable in society. The policies that bind the Union together are the backbone of European solidarity. This is why we insist on stand-alone policies with dedicated financial envelopes and proper budgetary accountability. The cost of living, the affordability of housing, food security, education, transport and infrastructure are too pressing to be sacrificed on the altar of budgetary flexibility. “We are particularly concerned by proposals that would introduce new forms of macroeconomic conditionality – effectively making fiscal austerity a precondition for accessing EU funds. This risks fuelling far-right populists, giving them exactly the ammunition they need: narratives of punitive, top-down interference by Brussels, and undermining trust in the European project. We draw a clear and firm line here. When it comes to a choice between solidarity and austerity, we will always choose solidarity. “During the negotiations with the Council, we will make sure that the next EU budget delivers on its core mission: reducing inequalities, supporting social inclusion, strengthening regions and local authorities, investing in culture and civil society, and ensuring Europe remains a reliable global partner – above all for developing countries and those who depend on our solidarity. Parliament has set out its mandate. We Socialists and Democrats stand ready to defend a fair, democratic and future-proof EU budget. We call on all political groups to uphold the outcome of the committee vote in plenary – because the question before Europe’s leaders is straightforward: will we equip the Union for the challenges ahead, or leave it underfunded and outpaced?””
• 2026-04-15 “S&Ds put people’s safety before corporate profits in chemicals vote — Today, a joint vote by the European Parliament’s committees on the environment, climate and food safety (ENVI) and on the internal market and consumer protection (IMCO) has significantly improved the Commission’s Chemicals Simplification Omnibus . The Commission proposal would have seriously weakened key protections for human health and consumers in favour of a deregulatory approach prioritising industry interests over public safety, but the S&Ds prevented this. The S&D Group led a coalition of democratic forces and exerted pressure on the conservative EPP to secure a compromise that preserves a high level of protection for human health and consumer safety, ensuring a balanced framework for regulating hazardous substances in products ranging from cosmetics to fertilisers. While the Group had aimed for higher ambition, its efforts reinstated crucial safeguards compared with the Commission’s original text. Kristian Vigenin, S&D negotiator in the ENVI committee, said: “We cannot speak of simplification when the price is people’s health. The original proposal contained deeply troubling provisions – easing restrictions on known carcinogens in everyday personal care products like toothpaste and mouthwash, and allowing cosmetics containing toxic substances to remain on shelves for years. That was a line we were not prepared to cross. The agreed compromise gives businesses clearer, more transparent and predictable rules, but not at the expense of the essential protections that keep European families safe.” Idoia Mendia, S&D negotiator in the IMCO committee, added: “At the core of our efforts was a simple but fundamental principle: consumers have the right to clear, accessible information. We opposed proposals that would have made safety warnings harder to read on everyday products Europeans trust and use, from household cleaners to laundry detergents. True simplification means making rules easier to understand, not making safety information harder to find. By securing clear formatting standards, including minimum font sizes on labels, and rejecting the shift to ‘digital-only’ access for essential safety data, we have upheld every European’s right to know exactly what is in the products they bring into their homes.” The S&D Group will continue to defend these standards as the file moves towards the final plenary vote and subsequent negotiations with member states.”
• 2026-04-15 “Getting the digital euro right: Small merchants hold the key to Europe’s financial independence — Europe is on the cusp of the biggest financial infrastructure project undertaken since the inception of the eurozone. The digital euro has the potential to be a genuine alternative to the dominance of private payment giants – a sovereign public instrument that puts people before profit. But that potential will only be realised if the digital euro works in the real economy – in the bakery, the pharmacy, the small boutique, the market stall. And that means it must work for merchants. The Socialists and Democrats have always championed a fairer European payment system that brings tangible benefits to all Europeans. In 2025, the S&D Group secured highly progressive payment services legislation that better protects people from falling victim to fraud when making payments. Building on this legacy, the Group now calls for a public digital currency that works for the benefit of citizens and businesses alike. Therefore, we must do better than existing private card schemes that seek profit by charging fees to merchants. Nikos Papandreou, S&D negotiator on the digital euro, added: “To survive and prosper in the emerging new world order, Europe must regain its monetary independence by introducing a reliable public digital means of payment for everyone. “In this context, it is crucial that Europe’s businesses – especially small merchants – are better off from the introduction of the digital euro from day one. The digital euro should represent a genuine alternative to the fees charged by existing private payment schemes. This matters to us all: to the local coffee shop or grocery store on our street, and to all of us who buy our coffee and fruit there. “Any merchant fee should be predictable, affordable, transparent, and fair. The commitment of legislators should be clear: merchant fees should be substantially lower and beneficial to the merchants and the European economy. “The goal is to make payments more user-friendly, cheaper, and safer – both for consumers and shop owners. This is not a black-and-white battle between countries, nor between merchants and banks. We want to protect European citizens and small businesses while at the same time supporting European banks in making the digital euro available.” Note to editors:”
• 2026-04-14 “Global Progressive Mobilisation unites in Barcelona, with S&Ds at the forefront — On 17-18 April, S&D President, Iratxe García Pérez, will lead a high-level delegation to Barcelona to mobilise alongside global progressive leaders. The mission: to prove that progressive solutions are the only credible engine for shared prosperity in a changing world. As co-organisers of the event, the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament will play a central role by hosting four panels to tackle global crises and the skyrocketing cost of living. These discussions will bring together local, regional, and international progressive representatives, as well as trade unions and NGOs. The panels will reflect the Group’s key priorities and ongoing legislative work in the European Parliament, with a focus on affordability and the rising cost of living, multilevel cooperation and dialogue in policymaking, and the defence of multilateralism as the only way forward, amid global uncertainty. The S&D Enlarged Bureau delegation will participate in a range of debates alongside more than 3,000 participants from over 100 progressive organisations worldwide. Notable participants include the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez; the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro; the President of Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi; the Vice-President of Ghana, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang; the Leader of the Opposition in India, Rahul Gandhi; the President of the European Council, António Costa; Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa; the President of the Center for American Progress, Neera Tanden; and the Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, who will join online. Iratxe García, S&D Group leader, said: “In Barcelona, we stand united with progressives across the world to shape a fairer, more democratic, and more peaceful future. In times of uncertainty, our message is clear: only together – through solidarity, cooperation, and justice – can we meet global challenges. “We will not stay silent in the face of suffering. United, we defend democracy, stand for peace, and work every day to make progressive solutions visible, credible, and effective. “Above all, the progressive family is committed to delivering concrete results for our citizens – making life more affordable and addressing the real difficulties people face, from rising prices to housing challenges. “Because when we act with courage and solidarity, we have the power to change the world – and to improve people’s lives.” The Global Progressive Mobilisation takes place this week, 17-18 April, in Barcelona, and will be live-streamed here .”
• 2026-03-31 “Death penalty vote: The tipping point for suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement — The S&D Group expresses deep concern following the Israeli Knesset’s approval of legislation introducing the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism. While all acts of terrorism are to be condemned, the reintroduction of the death penalty by the Netanyahu-led coalition in Israel and the territories it occupies represents a grave democratic regression for a partner of the European Union. The Knesset decision, taken yesterday, ignores repeated warnings from the international community, the European Union, and grassroots civil society organisations working toward peace. The S&D Group is calling on the European Council to urgently suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement in light of Israel’s continuous and grave violations of Article 2 of the Agreement on human rights, which is central to the partnership. Yannis Maniatis, S&D Group vice-president for foreign affairs, said: “Reintroducing the death penalty is a step back into the past and yet another blow to the values that underpin our partnership with Israel. We cannot and will not remain silent. When a partner repeatedly ignores the warnings from its friends and civil society alike, there must be consequences. It is high time the Council suspended the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The time to act is now.””
• 2026-03-26 “EU–US trade: Green light for negotiations, but no final deal without guarantees — Today, the Socialists and Democrats voted in favour of a strong European Parliament mandate for trilogue negotiations with the member states on two legislative proposals concerning the EU–US Turnberry tariff deal, originally concluded last year by the European Commission and the US administration. Negotiated by S&D MEP and INTA Chair Bernd Lange, and adopted today by a large cross-party majority, the Parliament’s mandate addresses the significant shortcomings of the unbalanced Turnberry deal. It introduces a robust set of conditions to better protect the EU from Trump’s uncertainty, coercion and unilateral threats, providing greater stability and predictability for European workers and businesses. The comprehensive package of safeguards, suspension mechanisms and clear boundaries includes a new “sunrise clause”. This ensures that the EU will reduce its tariffs on US products only once the conditions set out in EU legislation have been fully met by the United States. However, today’s vote should not be seen as a green light for the final agreement. By adopting this mandate, the S&D Group sends a clear message to the Commission and the Council ahead of the trilogue negotiations: we vote yes now, but only on the basis of strict conditions for the final deal. Bernd Lange , Chair of the European Parliament’s committee on international trade and standing rapporteur on this file, said: “We have corrected key shortcomings of the Commission’s proposal and significantly strengthened the Turnberry deal. This mandate makes clear that Parliament will not endorse any agreement without firm guarantees. Our approach is built on a multi-layered safety net, with clear conditions, enforcement tools, and the possibility to suspend the deal if the US fails to comply. “We are ready to negotiate constructively, but the negotiations are not a foregone conclusion and won’t be a walk in the park. The EU will remain in control, and Parliament will have the final say on whether the conditions for stability, fairness and legal certainty are truly met.” Brando Benifei , S&D coordinator in the INTA committee and Head of the European Parliament Delegation to the US, added: “The S&D Group urges the member states not to weaken the safeguards we have adopted – trying to appease Trump would only derail any possible agreement. From the outset, we made clear the original deal lacked sufficient guarantees, and recent US actions have only increased uncertainty. That is why we secured strict conditions: tariff limits, automatic suspension mechanisms, a precise sunset clause, the protection of our regulatory autonomy, and safeguards and preconditions on steel. If the negotiations fail to deliver on these guarantees, we will not support the final agreement.” Note to editors The adopted mandate includes:”
• 2026-03-26 “No trade-off for S&Ds: Safeguarding children’s safety and e-privacy together — The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament reaffirm that there can be no compromise between the protection of children online from sexual abuse and the e-privacy of citizens. Both are fundamental rights that must be upheld simultaneously. Any claims suggesting that one must come at the expense of the other are misleading and made in bad faith. For this reason, the S&D Group continues to push for balanced, effective legislation, equipping authorities with the tools necessary to combat child sexual abuse online while ensuring strong safeguards for privacy. Birgit Sippel, the European Parliament's negotiator on the matter in the committee on civil liberties, justice and home affairs, said: "Two weeks ago, with the support of a broad majority, we adopted a strong parliamentary position that protects both children and the confidentiality of communications and users’ privacy in equal measure. It was essential for us to ensure that already identified or flagged child sexual abuse material can be detected and used by law enforcement. "The conservatives have failed in their responsibility, acting as the Council’s yes-men and ultimately rejecting even a revised Commission proposal. We are sending a clear signal: the European Parliament stands firmly by its position and will not be reduced to a rubber-stamping institution. Genuine progress requires trust, cooperation, and a willingness to compromise on all sides. The Parliament was ready to engage constructively, but the lack of flexibility from member states has brought negotiations to a standstill, leaving the interim regulation to expire without renewal."”
• 2026-03-25 “Return Regulation: S&Ds will vote against the European Parliament mandate shaped by far-right alliance — Tomorrow, the Socialists and Democrats will vote against the European Parliament mandate to start the trilogue negotiations with the member states on the Return Regulation. The proposed mandate is the result of a deeply troubling political alliance and opaque negotiations between the European People's Party (EPP) and the far right. It is inspired more by the Trump administration's policies and an ICE-style deportation regime than by European values. But beyond that, it ignores core fundamental rights laid down in our Charter, such as the right to human dignity, the right to liberty, the right to asylum and the right to an effective remedy, and undermines international law. Ana Catarina Mendes, S&D vice-president, said: "The outcome of this file confirms our concerns. What we are seeing is not a balanced European approach, but a political shift driven by the EPP's desire to align with the far‑right. Recent revelations about coordinated contacts, including WhatsApp exchanges, make this even clearer. Democratic law-making must respect the boundaries that our primary law establishes, most notably respecting the rights laid down in our Charter. It cannot simply treat these rights as optional. "Returns are part of a functioning migration system, but they must be effective, sustainable and dignified. This mandate moves us in the opposite direction by removing safeguards and dismantling fundamental rights. Europe must stand by its values, not compromise with anti-European forces to undermine them. "We urge the EPP to rethink its position and work together with pro-European groups on a Return Regulation that guarantees effective, sustainable, and dignified returns." Murielle Laurent, S&D shadow rapporteur on the file, added: "We engaged in these negotiations in good faith, aiming for an agreement among pro-European forces. Instead, the process was cut short and replaced by a coalition of the far right, confirming a deeply disturbing political strategy. "This mandate raises serious concerns – from return hubs without any binding legal framework to rules on automatic large-scale detention, the abolition of voluntary return, and an absence of meaningful procedural safeguards. Migration policy is complex and requires careful, responsible law-making. This text, and the way it was put together, is the opposite of that."”
• 2026-03-25 “S&Ds: Trump and Netanyahu’s illegal war cannot determine the cost of citizens’ lives — Citizens must not bear the consequences of the illegal war waged by Trump and Netanyahu. The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have urged the Commission to tax windfall profits driven by rising oil prices, cap gas prices, accelerate the green transition through renewable energy and strategic energy independence, and strengthen the emissions trading system to address the impact of rising energy costs. In a plenary debate on the outcome of the March European Council, the leader of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Iratxe García, expressed concern over the devastating consequences of this illegal war – not only because of the high number of casualties and the destruction in the region, but also because of its global impact, which is pushing our citizens to the brink of an unprecedented energy crisis. Iratxe García, S&D Group leader, said: “This war is not only destroying lives in the region. It is also hitting our citizens hard here. Oil has already reached 120 dollars per barrel. Gas, 60 dollars per megawatt-hour. With rising energy prices come inflation, collapsing consumption, business closures, unemployment, and inequality. “In the midst of this tragedy, Trump says that higher oil prices are good for the United States. Better for whom? Not for families or workers facing a rising cost of living. Better for big oil companies. The truth is that we are facing a war that benefits a few while impoverishing the majority. In just three weeks, major oil companies have made €369 billion – profits stained with blood. “Enough hypocrisy. We must protect our families and our small and medium-sized businesses before it is too late. To do so, the Commission must tax these windfall profits and cap gas prices. Dismantling the Green Deal, as the European People’s Party and the false patriots of the far right propose, is not a solution. It is the problem. It condemns us to continued dependence on fossil fuels. The only way forward is to accelerate the green transition: renewables, strategic autonomy, and clean energy. We will not accept that this crisis is used as an excuse to weaken the emissions trading system. Those who pollute must pay – not working families. “While we speak of responsibility, we cannot ignore those who block European solidarity. Orbán’s veto of the €90 billion loan to Ukraine is a disgrace. It violates the principle of sincere cooperation. The time has come to bring him before the Court of Justice and to put on the table the confiscation of Russian assets. “Europe cannot be held hostage – neither by external autocrats nor by internal accomplices. It cannot remain silent in the face of illegality. It cannot allow war to determine the cost of its citizens’ lives.” You have not yet given permission to place the required cookies. Accept the required cookies to view this content. You have not yet given permission to place the required cookies. Accept the required cookies to view this content.”
• 2026-03-25 “Progressive forces unite to defend Europe’s democracy — Today, progressive leaders and trade union representatives joined forces to reaffirm their commitment to the defence of democracy across Europe. This commitment was expressed during a joint meeting between the Socialists and Democrats Group (S&D Group) in the European Parliament and the Workers’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), held in Brussels on 25 March 2026. The meeting brought together members of the European Parliament from the S&D Group and members of the EESC Workers’ Group, representing over 80 trade union organisations across Europe. Participants exchanged views on the growing challenges facing European democracy and the role that progressive political forces and trade unions must play in protecting democratic institutions, social rights, equality, good working conditions, and respect for the rule of law. Iratxe García Pérez, President of the S&D Group, said: “Social justice, as embodied in the EU Pillar of Social Rights, is not a burden – it is the foundation of economic growth and stability. We will not accept any excuses to sideline it from the EU agenda. Europe must move forward on its strategic autonomy and sovereignty, guaranteeing decent, high-quality jobs. There can be no competitiveness without fair wages, and no future without protecting people. “The Socialists and Democrats are the only force capable of standing up to those who seek to dismantle the social policies that are the pillars of our democracy. We are here to listen, to protect, and to move forward: to defend collective bargaining, strengthen public investment, and guarantee rights. “We represent the true voice of labour in Europe – the alternative that looks to the future with autonomy and coherence. Because without workers, there is no Europe, and without justice, there is no progress.” Lucie Studničná, President of the EESC Workers’ Group, said: “When people feel left behind, when they struggle to make ends meet, when they no longer trust institutions, and when inequalities among workers, among citizens, and among countries continue to rise, then democracy becomes fragile. This is why progressive forces need to unite.””
• 2026-03-18 “S&Ds: EPP and far right wrong to kill Fundamental Rights report — Protecting fundamental rights should be a political priority for all pro-European parties – this is the reaction today from the Socialists and Democrats after a key report was struck down in the European Parliament’s constitutional affairs (AFCO) committee. The report on the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union in the EU legal framework, which marks 25 years of the landmark law, was rejected today by the EPP and far right in the AFCO committee. In an attempt to ensure the report passed through the committee stage, the rapporteur on the file, S&D MEP Alessandro Zan, had negotiated compromise amendments with pro-European groups, including the EPP. Despite this, the EPP and far-right MEPs ultimately voted to reject the report. Inexplicably, AFCO Chair Sven Simon (CDU / EPP) was not present for the vote. The meeting was instead chaired by Vice-Chair Gabriele Bischoff. Rapporteur and S&D MEP Alessandro Zan said: "I am bitterly disappointed that the EPP decided to play politics with fundamental rights today. This is a new low – openly voting against the fact that the Charter is a binding constitutional cornerstone of EU law, a part of the DNA of this Union. "As rapporteur, I negotiated in good faith on 14 compromise amendments to secure support from across the platform. That meant making tough choices. This text is not as ambitious as my group wanted, yet we were ready to stand by our word and vote for it. "Despite this constructive S&D approach, the EPP teamed up with the far right to kill the report, meaning that the European Parliament will not take stock of the implementation of the Charter, one quarter of a century after this landmark law was secured. "With this vote, the European Parliament sends the signal that it does not care about fundamental rights. The responsibility for that rests solely with the EPP." Despite expected EPP amendments which deleted key texts from the report – in areas such as gender-based violence, victims rights, same-sex partnerships, and gender – the S&D supported the report in the final vote, reflecting its commitment to progressing the report. In the now-rejected report, the S&Ds had secured several priorities. This included: restating that the Charter is binding EU law, with Treaty rank; strong language on anti-discrimination and combating hate crimes; a clear focus on respecting the Charter in the online dimension; text on EU funds, conditionality and respect for the rule of law; reaffirming the obligation of all EU Institutions, bodies and member states to respect and comply with the Charter; strong language on civil society; and a clear call in support of funding for civil society, freedom of assembly and peaceful public protest. Following the rejection by the AFCO committee, the process for this Own-initiative procedure (INI) report stops, and the text will not go to Plenary.”
• 2026-03-18 “S&Ds to back stronger EU safeguards in key INTA vote on EU–US trade deal — Tomorrow, the Socialists and Democrats will vote in the committee on international trade (INTA) in favour of strong guarantees and conditions* to better protect the interests of European workers and businesses in the EU–US Turnberry tariff deal, originally concluded last year by the European Commission and the US administration. However, tomorrow’s vote should not be seen as a green light for the final agreement. By supporting this position, the European Parliament will be able to enter negotiations with the Council – the so-called trilogues – with a much stronger mandate. The S&D Group congratulates its MEP, INTA Chair and European Parliament standing rapporteur on this file, Bernd Lange, for delivering on key priorities. Thanks to his leadership, last year’s unbalanced deal has been significantly improved, providing greater certainty and stability for the EU. The revised text contains a comprehensive list of safeguards and clear boundaries, agreed by all key political group negotiators, including the introduction of a new “sunrise clause”. This means that the EU will reduce its tariffs on US products only once the conditions laid down in EU legislation have been fulfilled by the US side. The S&Ds insist that the European Parliament’s strong position must be preserved during negotiations with the Council. Moreover, should there be any unexpected developments from Washington, the S&D Group stands ready to reassess its support for the agreement. In addition, the S&Ds urge the EPP to join all other pro-European groups in agreeing to schedule the plenary vote on this important file in April in Strasbourg. Holding the vote already next week would prevent political groups from conducting a proper democratic debate, putting the plenary outcome at risk. Bernd Lange, Chair of the European Parliament’s committee on international trade and standing rapporteur on this file, said: “I am happy the European Parliament’s INTA committee has corrected key shortcomings left unresolved by the Commission and wants to significantly strengthen the Turnberry EU–US agreement. We sent an unequivocal message to the US administration: We won’t be taking any decisions blindly, and the broader framework with a multi-tiered safety net is clearly defined. We are, and will always remain, in the driving seat! “And to be clear: this is not a blank cheque. The current US administration has too often surprised us with unfair announcements and unjustified threats – behaviour that should have no place among allies. “Our engagement will remain serious and constructive provided that the United States respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Union and its member states, their foreign policy decisions, and honours the terms of the Turnberry deal. That is precisely why we inserted clear boundaries into this agreement. The EU must be ready, at any moment, to suspend negotiations or freeze the application of the EU–US deal if circumstances require it. “I am prepared to defend Parliament’s position in the trilogues with the member states and the Commission. If Parliament is to co-own this agreement, then its voice must be heard – including the final say on any future extension or modification.” Brando Benifei, the S&D coordinator in the INTA committee, added: “The S&D Group’s line is clear. We support the European Parliament’s position – reflected in a strong and balanced text – which sets out the necessary guarantees and preconditions to ensure stability and predictability for a deal that would otherwise rest on fragile legal foundations and an even more uncertain political context. “But let me be even clearer: without adequate guarantees, our Group will not support the deal after negotiations with the Council. Forcing a plenary vote next week in the March mini-session is a highly risky move; a vote in April would be the more responsible choice. The EPP should reconsider its position to avoid a repeat of the CJUE opinion on the Mercosur deal – a precedent that should invite us all to utmost caution.” Note to editors The revised text includes:”
• 2026-03-18 “28th Regime: Commission proposal a step forward, but social balance is necessary — The European Commission cannot cherry pick; market liberalisation must go hand in hand with coherent social safeguards, say European Socialists and Democrats in response to the much-anticipated presentation today of the ‘28th Regime’ proposal by the European Commission. Under the name "EU Inc.", the 28th Regime proposal aims to establish a new truly European corporate legal framework. It is primarily intended to enable startups and scale-ups to establish and operate more quickly and across borders, but it will also be open to all entrepreneurs in the EU who opt for the European limited liability company model. Earlier this year, under the leadership of MEP René Repasi, the Socialists and Democrats successfully steered an own initiative report on the 28th Regime through the European Parliament . Key demands were faster and fully digitalised company registration recognised across member states; attracting investment in SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups; and a strong and safe framework that protects employees and their rights of participation. The proposal presented today falls short of the ambitions set out previously by the European Parliament. René Repasi, rapporteur for the INL on the 28 th Regime in the Legal Affairs committee (JURI), said: “Europe needs bold and smart choices. The competitiveness crisis cannot be tackled with one omnibus after another; we must create a space for innovation, risk, and entrepreneurship. The option to set up a company quickly and digitally – within 48 hours – without minimum share capital requirements, flexible governance tools, boosted access to investment, and the harmonisation of ESOs to allow companies to attract and retain talent – these are all vital steps for the integration of our internal market. “But compared to the Parliament’s INL report, important and substantial elements are missing from the proposal, such as genuine rules on asset locks to prevent killer acquisitions and prevent abuse regarding creditor protection, labour law and employee board participation. Without robust safeguards, the company form risks misuse by charlatans and irresponsible actors from the outset. “If we want to boost entrepreneurship, we need to start thinking outside the box. Specialised court chambers and an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for ‘EU Inc.’ companies could help solve disputes quickly and create real trust with investors. This, however, requires solutions that are much bolder than those set out by the European Commission. As Europeans, we cannot simply imitate foreign company law. Instead, we must recognise and strengthen the competitive advantages of our social market economy.” The S&D Group stands ready to push for a 28th company law regime that does not leave workers stranded and sets out strong social safeguards while allowing room for creativity and disruptive innovation.”
• 2026-03-17 “Commissioner Hoekstra must reveal the cost of Trump’s harmful tax deal for Europe — The Socialists and Democrats have sent a letter to European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra demanding clarification of the economic losses resulting from a harmful deal brokered with US President Donald Trump in January, which exempts American multinationals from crucial parts of the landmark global agreement on a minimum effective corporate tax rate of 15%, agreed in 2021*. The global tax deal was intended to curb global tax competition and was expected to generate €64 billion annually in additional tax revenues for the EU. However, under the revised framework agreed at the G20/OECD Inclusive Framework, US multinationals will no longer be bound by minimum taxation rules under the original agreement. The Group is therefore calling for a transparent evaluation of the estimated revenue losses for EU countries – and ultimately for European taxpayers. As the S&D letter has been sent to Commissioner Hoekstra, the EU’s role in shaping fairer taxation in a rapidly changing economy is being discussed at the EU Tax Symposium 2026, taking place at the beginning of this week in Brussels. The debate is also focusing on another key tax issue: digital taxation. The S&D Group has repeatedly condemned the continued efforts by the Trump administration to undermine EU tax and digital sovereignty, calling for urgent EU action on fair corporate taxation, including for digital companies. This is necessary to break with the current system, which allows tech giants to avoid paying their fair share. Bruno Gonçalves, S&D spokesperson on taxation, said: “Despite the major significance of the safe harbours established by the OECD/G20 side-by-side agreement, there are, unfortunately, no published studies or estimates of its economic impact. The S&D Group therefore calls on Commissioner Hoekstra to provide a transparent assessment of its impact on EU member states and to release any available data or analysis on the estimated revenue losses for EU countries. “The agreement risks distorting the concept of a global minimum corporate tax, while introducing a lopsided advantage to US-based companies by partially shielding profits booked in tax havens. It is equally crucial to understand this framework's implications on the level playing field, especially if leading to a significant corporate relocation of headquarters and/or investments. The Commissioner should also monitor this closely and assess whether rebalancing is required.” Jonás Fernández, S&D spokesperson on economic and monetary affairs, added: “The OECD/G20 parallel tax agreement represents a significant rollback. We are extremely concerned about its effects. It could reignite the harmful corporate tax practices that the original global deal was designed to curb. The global minimum tax framework is a cornerstone of international tax cooperation, and its successful implementation is vital for ensuring fair taxation, protecting public revenues, and supporting sustainable economic growth. “The January deal is yet another reminder that Europe must be ready to move forward with alternative solutions that guarantee fair taxation, particularly in the digital economy. The EU must not abandon its commitment to tax justice, which is essential for tackling inequality and restoring citizens’ trust. Europe must lead the way where global progress has stalled.” *Note to editors: In October 2021, 137 countries reached a landmark deal to introduce a minimum effective corporate tax rate of 15%, which for the first time curbs global tax competition. This agreement, concluded under the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework, needed to be translated into European law and into the legislative frameworks of all other signatories. The EU adopted legislation implementing the global agreement in December 2022. In July 2025, the G7 agreed with US President Donald Trump to exempt US multinationals from the historic global minimum tax deal. The S&D Group deplored this move as a betrayal of tax justice and demanded clarifications from Commissioner Hoekstra . This deal was nevertheless formalised in January through the OECD/G20 agreement on a “side-by-side” package of measures – a set of parallel rules operating alongside the original deal.”
• 2026-03-11 “S&Ds to von der Leyen: No to war, Yes to International Law — In light of the escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament called for a stronger response from the European Union. During a plenary debate, the S&D Group censured what it described as a vague reaction from the EU to the illegal military operation carried out by the United States and Israel against the Iranian regime, while firmly condemning the dictatorship of the Ayatollahs. Referring to the recent declarations made by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, S&D Group president Iratxe García called on the EU to uphold the international order and defend international law. García also called on the EU to present a plan to prevent the impact of the war on the cost of living for European citizens. Iratxe García, S&D President, said: “Ursula von der Leyen, you have said that Europe can no longer be the guardian of the old-world order. But the real question is not whether the order is old or new. The real question is whether we are willing to defend it. Your responsibility is not to declare the international order obsolete. Your responsibility is to defend it – by demanding respect for rules, and by acting when they are broken. “No democrat cries for the dictatorship of the Ayatollahs. It is a regime that has brutally repressed its own people. That is why we will always support sanctions against it, and our end is to see the Iranian people freely decide their future. But refusing to mourn a regime does not mean remaining silent when innocent people die. Every life has equal value. And we must state the obvious: the military attack by the United States and Israel against Iran violates the Charter of the United Nations. “When Europe responds with complacency and appeasement, when autocrats like Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu violate international rules, it sends a dangerous message and international law ceases to exist. “This war is already affecting European workers and companies through rising oil and gas prices. Europeans should not have to pay the cost of an illegal war. “The European Union was born to replace the law of the strongest with the strength of the law. That is the principle at stake today. That is the principle we must defend against autocrats. And that is the principle that must guide the voice of our Union in the world: peace, justice, and the dignity of all peoples.””
• 2026-03-11 “From fragmentation to cooperation: S&Ds push for a European single market for defence and joint flagship projects — As the European Union seeks to strengthen its military readiness, capabilities and industrial competitiveness, the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have proudly led negotiations on two important reports that will be voted today by the European Parliament. Together, they represent a significant step towards a genuine European Defence Union capable of protecting its citizens and the Union’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. First, Parliament will vote on a report drafted by Tobias Cremer on removing existing barriers to building a European Single Market for defence – ensuring that every euro invested delivers maximum innovation, security and value for money. The proposed roadmap is built around five key elements: Second, a report drafted by Lucia Annunziata sets out the European Parliament’s vision for ‘flagship European defence projects of common interest’. These projects would mark a decisive shift from fragmented national defence efforts towards coordinated, large-scale multinational capability development. They offer a significant opportunity to boost the competitiveness, efficiency and innovative capacity of Europe’s industrial and technological base, while ensuring that national growing defence budgets deliver real joint capabilities rather than duplication. The European Commission has already presented an initial set of four European Readiness Flagships aimed at addressing key capability gaps and strengthening Europe’s defence preparedness. Tobias Cremer, S&D MEP and EP rapporteur on the single market for defence, said: “In the new world of great-power politics, a European single market for defence is not an ambitious ideal but an urgent necessity. The EU is home to the world’s second-largest economy, yet when it comes to defence, we still maintain 27 separate small markets instead of acting as one. This fragmentation makes us weaker, slower and far more expensive than necessary. “Europe must finally unleash the full potential of its single market to build a competitive and innovative defence ecosystem. Only then can every euro invested deliver the maximum in innovation, security, and cost-effectiveness. It would thus strengthen European capabilities, support our armed forces and create high-quality jobs across Europe. This report shows how we can move from national silos to genuine European cooperation in defence. Now it is up to the Commission and the member states to show the political will to turn this roadmap into reality.” Lucia Annunziata, S&D MEP and EP rapporteur on flagship European defence projects, said: “The conflict in the Middle East, following the war against Ukraine, highlights that Europe remains highly exposed to security threats and is still not fully prepared to defend itself. Modern warfare has changed dramatically: new technologies are reshaping strategies through smaller, more decentralised systems – drones, AI-enabled weapons, smart mines, and portable missiles. Even the role of human power is evolving. Our task is not merely to increase defence spending, but to ensure Europe can truly protect its citizens through a unified strategy. The fastest way forward we can take together is to strengthen technological development and build a common architecture – an integrated system of command, control, communication, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance – so European forces can operate together effectively and alongside NATO.””
• 2026-03-11 “Facing global upheaval, Europe’s economy needs a social compass — Confronted with wars in its neighbourhood, economic blackmail, and attacks on democracy from former allies, Europe needs a strong, resilient economy guided by a social compass. For the Socialists and Democrats, this is the main takeaway from this year’s annual reports on the European Semester, adopted today by the European Parliament. Idoia Mendia, S&D negotiator on employment aspects of the European Semester, said: "Geopolitical tensions will inevitably exacerbate rising costs of living, energy prices and poverty. For Europe to be resilient, independent, and confident, we cannot be guided only by the competitiveness compass. The European Pillar of Social Rights must be our compass, guiding reforms, and investments. Fairness and social rights must have the same weight as economic targets. "We must strive for an inclusive socio-ecological transformation of our economies, focused on people, preventing social, economic, and environmental imbalances by fighting poverty, reducing inequalities, and creating decent jobs with adequate wages and working conditions. "The European economy must be grounded in solidarity, social justice, equality, high-quality public services, including quality public education and healthcare for all, access to housing, quality employment and sustainable development. This is the safety net that makes Europe resilient and the true driver of progress." Matthias Ecke, S&D negotiator on economic aspects of the European Semester, highlighted: "Europe’s economy is under pressure from geopolitical tensions, sluggish growth, and rising costs. As the Recovery and Resilience Facility ends, Europe risks a significant investment gap at a time when massive funding is needed for the green and digital transitions. "For the S&D Group, Europe’s economic strength lies in innovation, skills, and a reliable framework for long-term investment. While we strive to deliver prosperity in a socially fair and sustainable way, the right-wing strategy of deregulation, wage cuts, and austerity would ruin Europe’s economy. "In this context, the Group is seriously concerned about the Commission’s plan to channel a large share of the EU’s long-term budget using country-specific recommendations issued under the Semester as a reference, with no transparent methodology. The Semester, so far, has limited democratic legitimacy. Expanding its role must go hand in hand with stronger parliamentary scrutiny." Note to editors The European Semester, introduced in 2010 in response to the financial crisis, is a cycle of fiscal, economic, and social policy coordination within the EU. Its purpose is to closely coordinate and follow the policies of EU member states to avoid similar crises in the future. The European Parliament traditionally presents its positions on this process before the European Commission adopts country-specific recommendations to EU member states regarding their fiscal, economic, and social policies. The Parliament adopts two separate reports – one on economic aspects and the other on employment aspects.”
• 2026-03-10 “S&Ds on Hormuz tensions: Europe must protect citizens in energy turmoil — In a plenary debate on the Energy Package, adopted earlier today by the European Commission, the S&D Group in the European Parliament calls for immediate measures to stabilise energy prices while accelerating structural reforms that will deliver a resilient and affordable energy system for citizens and businesses in the long term, particularly for the most vulnerable households and small and medium enterprises. The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament warn that the recent escalation in the Middle East and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz have once again exposed Europe’s vulnerability to external energy shocks. The S&D Group stresses that strengthening Europe’s energy independence through the clean energy transition is essential to guarantee stable and affordable prices, as the EU is still heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels for its energy. The Socialists and Democrats are convinced that homegrown renewable energy remains the cheapest and most secure source of power for the EU. Delivering on the European Green Deal framework is therefore crucial not only for climate neutrality, but also for affordable energy for households and industry and for strengthening Europe’s economic competitiveness. Energy sovereignty is a precondition for affordability, economic competitiveness, and security. Mohammed Chahim, vice-president of the S&D Group for the Green Deal, industry, energy and climate, said: “We are time and again confronted with the uncertainties that our reliance on fossil fuels brings. Households face sudden price hikes, and factories risk closing because of high energy prices. Decarbonising our economy is a prerequisite for energy security, economic prosperity, and affordable energy. Social justice and energy security must go hand in hand: no European should have to choose between heating their home and paying their bills. “Europe cannot leave citizens exposed to volatile global energy markets. Families and small businesses are paying the price for geopolitical tensions and market speculation. We need strong long-term contracts, flexible grids, and strategic storage to protect people now – while fully implementing the electricity market reform. “The energy transition must serve citizens, not profits. Home-grown renewable energy is the cheapest, safest, and most democratic source of power. Accelerating the Green Deal and investing in vulnerable communities ensures that affordable, clean energy reaches those who need it most, leaving no one behind.””
• 2026-03-05 “S&Ds: Commission’s Gender Equality Strategy needs greater ambition — The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament express disappointment with the European Commission’s newly adopted Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030. At a time when gender equality is increasingly under pressure from far-right extremists across Europe and beyond, the S&D Group expected to see a stronger and more forward-looking agenda from the Commission. While the strategy places an important focus on implementing recently adopted legislation, it contains limited new legislative initiatives to further advance women’s rights and gender equality in the EU. The implementation of recently agreed directives is essential, but the S&D Group believes the European Union must also take new decisive steps to address persistent inequalities, gender-based violence and growing anti-gender movements. Marko Vešligaj, European Parliament's negotiator on the matter in the EP's committee on women's rights and gender equality, said: “While we welcome the Commission’s commitment to fully implement the important legislation adopted in recent years, this strategy falls short of the ambition Europe needs. At a time when women’s rights are increasingly challenged and anti-gender narratives are gaining ground, simply relying on existing tools is not enough. “On gender-based violence, the focus on combating online violence against women and girls and strengthening enforcement tools through the Digital Services Act is important. However, the Commission’s approach remains too cautious. The commitment to review the landscape following the Violence Against Women Directive and to consider further action to ensure that sex without consent is recognised as rape across the EU is a step in the right direction – but it is far too weak. European women deserve clear and binding protections everywhere in the Union. “We do welcome several positive elements in the strategy. The Commission’s firm commitment to implementing the Pay Transparency Directive is crucial for finally addressing the gender pay gap, and we strongly support the announcement of a comprehensive European care deal in 2027, including investments in care services. These measures can make a real difference in women’s economic independence. The possibility of new legislation on sexual harassment in the workplace is also an important signal. “At the same time, the strategy acknowledges a worrying trend: the spread of anti-gender narratives, illegal online content, and their artificial amplification, which increasingly threaten our democratic space and fuel polarisation between young women and men. The Commission’s plans to study online networks and narratives targeting young men and boys, as well as to strengthen engagement with civil society and organise discussions on misogyny and incel ideology, are necessary steps. But research and dialogue alone will not be enough. We also need stronger political action to tackle the root causes of these movements and defend equality as a core European value. “Europe must remain a global leader on gender equality. For that, we need courage, new legislative initiatives, and a clear political commitment to move forward – not just to maintain what has already been achieved.””