Quote of the week
"This is a clear humanitarian appeal to end the bloodshed in Yemen, and call on Saudi Arabia to pursue a political rather than a military solution to the conflict. Europe and the world must not ignore the unacceptable death toll in Yemen." Richard Howitt on Saudi arms embargo vote.
The week ahead – events
The week ahead is busy with visits, seminars, workshops and a packed committee schedule before the March I Plenary session in Strasbourg.
S&D Group President Gianni Pittella is in Greece today and tomorrow to meet with Prime Minister Tsipras. During the visit, he will also meet with the President of the Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos and leaders of Social Democratic parties. More details are available here.
A major concern for the Group is the plight of the European steel industry, which is facing major difficulties in the face of unfair competition from China. S&D MEPs have signed a joint letter calling for the Council and Commission to take immediate action to counter these unfair practices and protect Europe's industrial base.
From 2 to 4 March, the S&D Group is hosting the Youth for Gender Equality Forum 2016 at the European Parliament in Brussels. The event is designed to promote dialogue, exchange, learning and networking for people engaged in promoting gender equality in their daily lives.
On 2 March, the S&D Group is holding a high-level seminar on Counter Terrorism, Security and Human Rights. The seminar will look at the EU's counter-terrorism response and how to combat terror while complying with obligations under international law and international human rights standards.
The Group is also hosting a seminar on Saving the Jordan River on 3 March. It focuses on water, environmental protection and trust-building in the Middle East.
