Quote of the week
"Answers to the various challenges the EU faces today can only be European; whether it is economic policy, the migration crisis or the fight against terrorism. Only together can we find solutions to the huge problems Europe is faced with today." Gianni Pittella
 
This week the S&Ds have been hard at work in the committees and with a range of important events, most notably the return of our highly successful School of Democracy. Our roving team have sent this report:
"For two days we've been away on an important mission. We have had the privilege of meeting and talking to 100 young democrats from across the world during the second edition of the School of Democracy in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
We've joined them in debates on reconciling the European democratic left with workers and citizens and the new, progressive model of development. Joined by local politicians, specialists – and by European Parliament president Martin Schulz – we have discussed Europe's hottest issues.
Follow us on social media and on our site to see more details on our #DemocracyDays!"
 
Next week:
The Parliament sits in Brussels this week for another mini-plenary and the S&D Group will be busy with many topics on the agenda.
On Thursday we'll be voting on the Reintke report on 'Gender equality and empowering women in the digital age'. This is an issue close to our hearts – especially for our shadow rapporteur, Iratxe García Pérez – and we're very pleased to see that the 28 April, when the vote takes place, is alsoInternational girls in ICT day!
Wednesday will see a vote in the plenary on the 'Women domestic workers and carers in the EU' report, calling for the professional recognition of domestic and care work. The work of women carers in particular must not be overlooked and should be granted a real status.
Gianni Pittella and the S&D Bureau will visit Berlin on Monday and Tuesday to meet with the SPD leadership, including Sigmar Gabriel and Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The refugee crisis will be on the agenda and they will go to visit Neukölln mayor Franziska Giffey and visit the Wilmersdorf refugee camp.
On Tuesday we'll be hosting Together for Tax Justice, a high-level conference on the impact of EU tax policy on developing countries, with experts, academics and MEPs taking the floor.
And the 28 April is International workers' memorial day, an important moment to pay tribute to workers who have died or been injured at work.
Our friends at FEPS will also be organising a lunchtime debate on 26th April prompted by the #PanamaPapers scandal: 'EU taxation: how could it be fair and progressive?'Register to join them for what promises to be a lively debate.
 
Looking ahead:
As we start May we'll be focusing on real solutions to the refugee crisis with a conference in Brussels: The end of Dublin: towards genuine solidarity and full integration of refugees 14:30-18:00 on 04/05/2016. Register now to join us or follow the discussions via webstreaming.
Progressive Economy will be setting the economic agenda with the Progressive Economy Forum 2016 on 31 May. The theme this year is 'Investment & Innovation' and we're looking forward to welcoming Mariana Mazzucato to deliver the keynote speech.
Coming up very soon: the European Parliament's Open Days. Come and talk to us and bring your friends! We'll be organising a range of activities and information for all ages on 8 May in Strasbourg and 28 May in Brussels.
And of course, Relaunching Europe will be visiting Porto on 1 July for a debate on 'From austerity to growth'. Register now or get the date in your diary to join us online #RelaunchEU.
Contacto(s) de prensa del Grupo S&D