Tomorrow the S&D Group will put the need for a social and fair Europe that delivers to all at the heart of the debate with citizens.
The "Our Choice: A Social Europe" event - part of the "Together" initiative launched by the progressive family - will take place in Tallinn, Estonia and focus on an interactive debate with politicians, trade unions, academics and citizens. The key challenges of making Europe more social and sustainable and responding to the digital revolution will be at the center of the discussions.
Commenting on the Together event Gianni Pittella said:
"The recent elections in Europe and worldwide have clearly shown that there are many people who feel left behind or excluded.
"The austerity-driven policies by neo-liberal forces have led to a growing divide between rich and poor in our societies all over Europe. We must overcome these inequalities and make Europe a social power, in which decent jobs and living conditions are ensured for all.
"Thanks to our call for a Social Pillar, the EU Commission has put forward an Action Plan. Investment in people, in education, in healthcare and housing and in the digital transition are among the key priorities we must concretely address now. Together with the citizens and our partners all over Europe it is time to act for the people now!"
Mariju Lauristin, Head of the Estonian S&D Delegation added:
"The Social Pillar will be one of the major challenges for EU and its citizen. It will also from a central part of the Estonian Presidency. As such our event here comes at a crucial time.
"I am glad that for our event in Tallinn tomorrow we have managed to ensure such a high turn-out of both Estonian and European participants, among the speakers as well as the audience.
"It is important to bring in the Nordic angle and input into this debate. The experience of upward convergence in the Baltic region, where we have on the one hand the richest countries, and on the other hand the new member states who had to build up the modern social systems from scratch, is of crucial value for this wider debate".
Tomorrow's Together event will be webstreamed here
