Message from S&D Group Leader Iratxe García:
“Next Thursday, 6 March, leaders of the PES family will meet to discuss European security and defence in the context of the continuing Russian aggression in Ukraine. This meeting will take place right before a special European summit the same day where President of the Council Antonio Costa summons European heads of state and government. The centre of discussion for this summit will be European security and peace in Ukraine. This matter is extremely important in the context of uncertainty in transatlantic relations because of the Trump administration and the questions arising on US commitment to European security and to the just cause of Ukrainian people fighting for freedom. We are expecting a thorough discussion fromthe European heads of state and government. We would want to hear concrete proposals for genuine European autonomy in security as well as what guarantees can be given to Ukraine for a just and lasting peace. The S&D Group has no doubts: no international talks on European security must be held without the EU and no deals on Ukraine’s future must be made behind the back of Ukrainians and their President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.”
Up next:
Last Wednesday, 26 February, the Commission held its regular meeting of the College of Commissioners where they adopted its idea for the future of European industry (Clean Industrial Deal) as well as a package of legislative proposals that had been announced as measures to simplify the existing EU rules for how business should work (the Omnibus simplification package). While we welcome the Clean Industrial Deal and identify the access to clean and affordable energy as key for the EU re-industrialisation, we are disappointed by the proposals on the “Omnibus package”. The Taxonomy regulation is essential for mobilising green investments and providing stability to the financial system where the Commission at least preserves the ‘do no harm’ principle. Yet, on the rest we will not accept backtracking on social and environmental standards and established policy goals, no jeopardising of workers' rights, no break to reaching climate neutrality and sustainability. The recently agreed rules on due diligence aim to prevent economic activities from exploiting people and harming the environment. We cannot empty them now in the name of simplification and put profit before people and the planet. This is therefore an ill-conceived and ideologically driven proposal. The Parliament must now succeed where the Commission has failed: to simplify without deregulating.
Mark next Saturday, 8 March, in your calendar – it’s International Women's Day. This is another occasion to remind society there is much more to be done in order to achieve true gender equality. The pay gap between men and women for the same job is still a reality. Private businesses often prefer to hire men over women, even if they have comparable education and professional background, because they are afraid women might go on long maternity leave. And the horror of domestic violence is a dark reality in too many families worldwide, including in the EU. The S&D Group is at the forefront of fighting for women's rights – this is in the DNA of our political group and we remain true to it, not only on 8 March, but every single day of the year!
Also, next week we will be preparing for another busy plenary session in Strasbourg between 10 and 13 March 2025.
Upcoming events:
As the European Parliament prepares to revise the EU Public Procurement legislation, we are bringing together policymakers, experts and civil society to push for mandatory social and sustainable criteria. These criteria are essential to ensuring that public procurement spending promotes quality jobs, fair wages and decent working conditions, while also supporting the greening of the economy and strengthening Europe's resilience and strategic autonomy.
On Wednesday, 5 March, starting at 15:00, we're organising a public hearing on progressive public procurement. S&D Group leader Iratxe García, vice-president Gaby Bischoff, and MEPs Estelle Ceulemans, Laura Ballarín and Pierre Jouvet will host the event.
Join us for a key discussion on the future of EU public procurement. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the latest trends and help shape an ambitious reform for Europe!
And as always don’t forget to stay updated on all our initiatives and reactions on Facebook, Bluesky, X, Instagram, Telegram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and TikTok!
