Following three days of discussions, MEPs and national parliamentarians belonging to the Socialist and Democrat family have adopted a joint declaration calling for a progressive economic policy in 2017 focused on investments for the future and the well-being of citizens.

Vice-president of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, Maria João Rodrigues MEP, said:

"We are sending a clear message to the Commission and to the Council of Ministers that Europe needs a progressive economic policy focused on sustainable development and people’s well-being. More investment, less inequality and a stronger fight against tax avoidance are crucial priorities in our efforts to build a prosperous European economy that functions for the benefit of all citizens.

"In these times of turbulent geopolitics, a common European course of action is needed for Europe to strengthen its economic recovery and reassure citizens about their life prospects and working conditions.

"The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament and in national parliaments are working for a united Europe where prosperity can grow thanks to skilled work and productivity improvements, and where prosperity is broadly shared so that all members of society can live a good life and each generation does better than the previous ones."