Quote of the week by S&D Group president, Iratxe García on the Recovery Plan

“This week’s proposals include the necessary new instruments to face the post-COVID-19 crisis to re-activate our economy and be better prepared for any future crisis. It is the time to invest in more social cohesion, and also in economic, social and environmental sustainability. We owe it to the next generations of the European Union.”

This week, Commission president Ursula von der Leyen presented three proposals for a Recovery Plan, a Multiannual EU Budget and an updated Commission Working Programme. to the plenary of the European Parliament

During the debate, S&D Group President Iratxe García welcomed the proposals but called on EU leaders not to give up on solidarity or convergence in the recovery. You can watch the President’s plenary speech here.

The S&D Group also agreed a Recovery Plan for democracy and fundamental rights. We believe that we need to look closely at how governments’ responses to the Covid-19 pandemic have impacted on people’s rights. In the plan, we call for any emergency measures to be removed as soon as is safely possible.

On Tuesday 2 June, Commission President von der Leyen will join S&D MEPs at the Group meeting, held remotely, to discuss this week’s proposals on the Recovery Plan and new budget. There will also be a meeting of Bureau members next week, as well as core parliamentary committee work.

On 1 June, Global Parents Day, we will be recognising the challenges parents are facing in balancing work life and family duties during the Covid-19 crisis. Parents are currently caring for and, in many case, teaching the next generation and they have our support all the way.

Next week, the fourth round of talks on the EU and the UK future partnership takes place from 2-5 June. The S&D Group this week expressed full support for Michel Barnier and the EU negotiating team, with S&D MEPs calling for significant progress to be made in this crucial round of negotiations.

We will be following the Commission’s proposals on Fair Minimum Wages in the EU, expected on Wednesday 3 June. As we have said throughout this crisis, it is not enough just to applaud workers that have ensured our safety and well-being: they deserve decent salaries!

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Contatto/i stampa S&D