Plenary Times - What's on the S&Ds' agenda for Strasbourg

A unified EU response to unjustified US trade measures and global trade opportunities for the EU

Debate on: Tuesday, 6 May

GARCÍA PÉREZ Iratxe - President of the S&D Group

The US tariffs are a direct threat to our economies, our workers, and our values. They will disrupt supply chains, raise prices, and harm both sides of the Atlantic. Europe must respond with unity, and put all efforts into avoiding a trade war – we must find a common deal that benefits all citizens. Nevertheless, strengthening our own market and deepening ties with global partners should remain a priority. Europe must lead with openness, fairness, and solidarity.

Press contact: MACEIRAS CASTRO Andrea

A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world

Debate on: Tuesday, 6 May

Vote on: Wednesday, 7 May

TAVARES Carla - European Parliament's co-negotiator on the matter in the committee on budgets

The post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework has to be endowed with more resources to allow the Union to meet people's needs. There should be no dilemma between social spending and spending on security and defence: we need both to ensure the prosperity of our Union and we can only achieve this through modernised sources of revenue, including joint borrowing. For the S&D Group, it is key that the European Pillar of Social Rights is implemented, cohesion policy is preserved, and that the competitiveness of our economy and the fairness of our society are ensured.

Press contact: STANCHEV Alexander

High levels of retail food prices and its consequences for European consumers

Debate on: Wednesday, 7 May

DIBRANI Adnan - S&D member in the European Parliament’s committee on internal market and consumer protection

Over the past three years, consumer food prices have risen about 60% more than the average price level in the EU. Furthermore, inflationary dynamics and unfair practices such as shrinkflation and skimpflation have exacerbated the situation. For many families, being able to put food on the table has become an urgent issue. Consumers are counting on us. The issue of rising prices and the cost of living were key motivators for voters in the European elections, and tackling these concerns must also be our top priority. We urge the Commission to present concrete measures to end the excessive rise in grocery prices.

Press contact: MOMBO RASERO Georgina

Preparation of the EU-UK Summit

Debate on: Monday, 5 May

MANIATIS Yannis - S&D vice-president for foreign affairs, security and defence, international energy security and cooperation

In an increasingly unstable world, the United Kingdom remains one of the EU’s most important and closest partners. We strongly welcome the UK Labour government’s commitment to re-engage with the EU and the initiation of the 'coalition of the willing' by Prime Minister Starmer. When leaders gather in London later this month for the EU-UK summit, we urge them to use this geopolitical moment. Let the summit deliver real progress on structured cooperation.

Press contact: MURPHY Robin

2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye

Debate on: Tuesday, 6 May

Vote on: Wednesday, 7 May

SÁNCHEZ AMOR Nacho - European Parliament’s negotiator on the matter in the EP’s committee on foreign affairs

Türkiye’s EU path cannot advance while democratic backsliding continues. The recent arrests of opposition figures such as Ekrem Imamoğlu, dismissal of elected mayors, and crackdown on peaceful dissent violate core European values. Accession depends not on geopolitics but on full respect for democracy and the rule of law. As the European Parliament prepares to vote on a crucial Türkiye accession report next week, the EU must stand with Türkiye’s pro-democracy voices and demand accountability.

Press contact: DEROBERT Nicolas

EU support for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine | Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia

Debate on: Wednesday, 7 May

REUTEN Thijs - S&D negotiator on the matter in the European Parliament’s committee on foreign affairs

The US’ approach towards negotiating a ceasefire is problematic. Forcing Ukraine to cede territories to Russia means abandoning international law and the millions of Ukrainians who call these areas home. Instead of rewarding aggression, a just and lasting peace demands security guarantees, the return of the approximately 35,000 abducted children, the release of political prisoners, and accountability for war crimes. Europe can ensure a better outcome for Ukraine by providing additional financial and military support, ending Russian fossil fuel imports, seizing assets, and further sanctions, including against those responsible for the deportations of children.

Press contact: STEIGSTRA Cazper

2023 and 2024 reports on Serbia

Debate on: Tuesday, 6 May

Vote on: Wednesday, 7 May

PICULA Tonino - European Parliament’s negotiator on the matter in the EP’s committee on foreign affairs

Next week, the European Parliament is set to adopt a report urging Serbia to seriously demonstrate its strategic orientation towards the EU. The report highlights significant concerns with little-to-no progress in meeting EU membership criteria. Major shortcomings persist in critical areas, such as the rule of law, media freedom, electoral legislation, public administration reform, and alignment with EU policies. In light of the massive civil protests in Serbia, the report also shares concerns about systemic issues highlighted by protesters.

Press contact: MIKLAVC Petra

CO2 emission performance standards for cars for 2025 to 2027

Debate on: Tuesday, 6 May

WÖLKEN Tiemo - S&D spokesperson in the European Parliament's committee on environment, climate and food safety

The car industry is facing challenges. While electric vehicles have yet to reach broad market uptake, we support the proposed amendment to the CO2 emission regulation introducing a compliance window for 2025 - 2027. This allows manufacturers to offset underperformance in 2025 by exceeding targets later, avoiding fines. But this is a one-off adjustment. The long-term phase-out path for the combustion engine remains, giving manufacturers the investment certainty needed to protect jobs and drive innovation in Europe.

Press contact: DEROBERT Nicolas