Wednesday 18 December

Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 12 and 13 December 2019

“EU leaders have taken an important step forward in committing to a climate neutral Europe by 2050. The framework and some of the tools to achieve climate neutrality are there in the European Green Deal, and now so is the political will. But we also need the resources to match our ambitions. Leaders stressed the importance of a Just Transition and the S&D Group could not agree more. If we are going to make sure that no one and no region is left behind, we need to agree on a fit-for-purpose long-term budget that guarantees a fair transition towards a greener future in Europe.”

Iratxe García Pérez, president of the S&D Group

S&D Press officer: Victoria Martin de la Torre

 

Wednesday 18 December

Election of the Ombudsman

"During next week's plenary session MEPs will be voting for the European Ombudsman following a series of public hearings that were held in the Petitions Committee. There to improve the quality of the EU institutions and to enhance the accessibility and quality of the services that it offers to European citizens, the European Ombudsman plays an important role, particularly when it comes to transparency. The S&D Group will meet in Strasbourg to discuss the candidates putting their name forward and will expect whoever is elected to continue the crucial work in making the EU more open and accessible to EU citizens."

Jude Kirton-Darling, S&D coordinator Petitions committee

S&D Press officer: Ewan Macphee

 

Tuesday 17 December

Commission and Council statements - EU Pollinators initiative

"Bees and other pollinators are fundamental for our ecosystems, our food production and hence for the future of our society. It is high time Europe switches to a greener agricultural model and more sustainable use of pesticides to better protect our pollinators. That’s why the S&D Group demands mandatory EU-wide reduction targets for pesticides in order to create a non-toxic environment and to put an end to pollinators’ decline."

Jytte Guteland, S&D coordinator on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety committee 

S&D Press officer: Jan Bernas

 

Friday 13 December

Outcome of the UK elections

"The UK election results are not good either for the EU or the UK but, as always, the vote has to be fully respected. The House of Commons now has a Conservative majority with a mandate to pursue an orderly Brexit and ratify the Withdrawal Agreement as negotiated, avoiding any no deal scenario. The S&D Group will continue to take a constructive approach in building a future relationship that serves our common interests while safeguarding the integrity of the single market and protecting citizens' rights."

Pedro Silva Pereira, S&D Group spokesperson on Brexit

S&D Press officer: Ewan Macphee

S&D-Pressekontakt(e)