Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats
S&D Group President Hannes Swoboda spoke today in the Parliament's plenary in Strasbourg on the preparation of the EU Summit and the debate on the EU budget after 2013.
Responding to the speech from Commission President José Barroso and the proposed inter-institutional agreement to revitalise Europe, Hannes Swoboda said:
"Commission President, we the S&D Group are willing to support your suggestion for an inter-institutional agreement. But we must make sure that it is not just empty words but offers real solutions and actions.
"We need immediate decisions now. Heads of state and government need to understand this. Young people all over Europe need our help now and we need to help find them jobs and opportunities to give them faith in their future."
On the EU multiannual financial framework (MFF), he added:
"The MFF is a crucial element for a revitalised future for the EU. The EU budget is part of the alternative growth strategy that we support. Instead of reducing the budget we must have a strong and efficient EU budget that allows us to invest in economically weak areas and increase our competitiveness on a global level.
Hannes Swoboda concluded by calling for a clear commitment to Europe instead of recent divisive messages:
"We must prevent fragmentation in Europe. The distinction between 'good' net contributors and 'bad' net receivers among the member states is dangerous.
"We are a strong and united Europe and we must defend our future budget and the MFF because it benefits all and not only parts of Europe."
S&D Press contact: Utta Tuttlies
Head of Press and Communications
Spokesperson of the Group Leader
+ 32 2 284 37 44
+ 33 3 88 17 29 98
+ 32 473 85 34 07
Contact
SWOBODA Johannes (Hannes)
+ 33 3 88 17 57 16
+ 33 3 88 17 97 16
+ 32 2 284 57 16
+ 32 2 284 97 16
hannes.swoboda@europarl.europa.eu
+ 33 3 88 17 57 16
+ 33 3 88 17 97 16
+ 32 2 284 57 16
+ 32 2 284 97 16
hannes.swoboda@europarl.europa.eu
Associated media
Hannes Swoboda: 'We need a strong Europe and an efficient EU budget to invest in growth'. Responding to the speech from Commission President José Barroso and the proposed inter-institutional agreement to revitalise Europe, Hannes Swoboda said: 'Commission President, we the S&D Group are willing to support your suggestion for an inter-institutional agreement. But we must make sure that it is not just empty words but offers real solutions and actions'
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