Quote of the week by S&D president, Gianni Pittella:

There are many battles ahead of us in 2018. First and foremost, the battle to end social inequalities, create more jobs, growth and sustainability. This is our main battle. Then, there is the battle against terrorism. The one to manage migration flows and to help asylum seekers. And then, there’s the fight against tax avoidance and tax evasion. And finally there is the social agenda and the issue of citizens’ rights, children’s rights and families’ rights, and a European unemployment scheme, and much more. And all this we need to do together!

                                        
Past activities

During the past 12 months we have strengthened our stance on the integration of refugees, on Tax Justice, ending energy poverty and social rights were just a few of our priorities. We have also taken our #EuropeTogether debates further into Europe.


Upcoming activities

We’re starting the year by getting ready for the upcoming Plenary session. Important topics, among which the presentation of the working programme of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council, the fight against trafficking of women and girls for sexual and labour exploitation in the EU, the jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement of decisions in matrimonial matters and matters of parental responsibility, and international child abduction are on the agenda, so we are getting ready for a busy session.

Besides these, we will be also getting ready for the joint debate on clean energy, the debate on the composition of the European Parliament and an important debate with the Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, on the Future of Europe.

Also, next Thursday our members of the committee on constitutional affairs will be holding a vote on the composition of the Parliament.
 
As we are getting ready for a year full of challenges, we are looking forward to our upcoming edition of the Youth for Gender Equality Forum.

Step it up for Gender Equality is an interactive and inspiring initiative to promote dialogue, exchange, learning and networking for people engaged in promoting gender equality in their daily lives. Our Group is organising it in collaboration with the Foundation for European Progressive Studies, PES Women, Young European Socialists, Rainbow Rose and the Global Progressive Forum.

Also, keep an eye on our #EuropeTogether Facebook page. On January 23rd we’re joining forces with SOLIDAR in organising the fifteenth edition of the Silver Rose Awards. From the vast number of nominations the Jury, composed of MEPs and representatives of major trade unions and civil society organisations, selected six awardees in several categories: Together for Social Europe, Building Learning Societies, Organising International Solidarity, Lifetime  Achievement Award and the Special Award by the Jury.

This year the Jury had to make some sensitive choices as each of the awardees is active in the highly discussed field such as women’s Rrghts, workers’ protection or the highly politicised topic, the protection of whistle-blowers.
 
Our Press team and our Members would like to thank you all for your engagement and collaboration in 2017 and to wish you a great New Year!

Our fight continues in 2018. Follow us on Twitter for daily reactions, proposals and comments on EU an international politics!

S&D press contact