Reacting immediately after the hearing of Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner-designate for Jobs, Agnes Jongerius, MEP and S&D coordinator for the employment committee said:

“In today’s hearing, Nicolas Schmit proved beyond any doubt that as Commissioner for jobs, he will be the right man in the right place at the right time. With his many years of experience as a minister of Labour and Social Affairs in Luxembourg, his impressive network and his truly European spirit, he is simply the perfect candidate for the job. 

“Nicolas Schmit is fully committed to implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights; therefore he can count on the support of the S&D Group. Ensuring that every European will be able to live from their work, or get the necessary support to find a job, will be his focus for the next five years. I was particularly happy about his ideas on how to better protect platform workers. All workers, including self-employed workers, deserve social protection and decent working conditions, offline and online.

“We again call on Commission president-elect Ursula von der Leyen to correct the omission in the title of the Commissioner’s portfolio: social affairs should be added as a crucial part of Nicolas Schmit's work. For the European project to endure, Europe must grant its citizens improved social rights.”

Heléne Fritzon, MEP and vice-president of the S&D Group, added: 

“The Socialists and Democrats are leading the drive for a just transition to a sustainable society that will bring social progress to the many. We need a social Europe of equality, cohesion and strong rights. Implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights must ensure fair and decent working conditions for everyone. The clear and ambitious commitments in improving workers’ health and safety at work are important. 

“With a comprehensive European Strategy to combat poverty, we can lift 10 million people out of poverty by 2024, ensuring social inclusion, gender equality and inclusive labour markets. Our group continues to fight for a Child Guarantee in order to ensure that every child has access to free quality education, free quality care, free quality healthcare, decent housing and adequate nutrition. 

“It is good news for all Europeans that they will now have Nicolas Schmit on their side in the fight for a more social and sustainable Europe.”

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