Message from Tonino Picula, S&D MEP and European Parliament rapporteur on Serbia:
Putin’s Parade and the EU cannot go together. With his trip to Moscow, Vučić’s message to the EU is unmistakable. As long as Serbia’s leadership aligns itself with Putin, there can be no progress on its path to EU membership. Accession negotiations should be reviewed.
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Celebrating Europe
Each year on 9 May, Europe Day celebrates peace and unity across the continent, marking the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, a visionary proposal in 1950 that laid the foundation for what is now the European Union.
Born from the ashes of war, the EU has become one of the world’s most ambitious peace projects, uniting diverse nations in the shared pursuit of democracy, human rights, and solidarity.
Europe Day is more than a commemoration. It is a reminder of what can be achieved when countries choose cooperation over conflict. In an age of global challenges, from climate change to digital transformation, the EU stands as a beacon of hope – proof that unity can drive progress and safeguard peace.
Today is a celebration of what unites us. And a call to shape the future of our continent with courage, compassion and common purpose!
2,000 km student relay for democracy
On Monday, we are welcoming students from Serbia who are literally running to Brussels with a message of unwavering commitment to Europe’s founding values. Their 2,000 km student relay for democracy, civic freedom and European solidarity is part of the mass student-led protests that have been taking place across Serbia since last November. We stand with the people of Serbia in their demand for justice, accountability, the rule of law, and fight against corruption. We share the same aspiration – a better future for Serbia.
EU Court of Auditors in the European Parliament
Next Wednesday, 14 May, the EU Court of Auditors is coming to the European Parliament's committee on budgetary control to present its report on the EU funding received by civil society organisations.
The Court – the controller of all things related to the use of EU money – is formal in its findings: it is legal for NGO advocacy to be supported from the European budget, and they have respected all transparency rules of the EU Financial Regulation. This will be another opportunity for the EPP, the conservatives and the far-right, to stop their campaign of disinformation and their attacks on democracy. Contrary to what they claim, NGOs and their expertise are crucial for the European decision-making process, and they deserve adequate funding for their proper functioning. We will not allow them to be silenced. It is a matter of democracy!
Crucial vote on the Ethics Body
On Wednesday, 14 May, a crucial vote for the EU Ethics Body is on the agenda of the committee on constitutional affairs. The committee will vote on the report on amending Parliament’s Rules of Procedure to implement the agreement establishing the Ethics Body. Following the Huawei scandal, the S&D Group is pushing for the full implementation of the Ethics Body – which the European Parliament and other institutions agreed in May 2024 – to ensure common ethical standards and transparency across the EU institutions.
Short-term rentals – balanced regulation is possible!
The rapid growth of short-term accommodation rentals via platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com has been reshaping housing markets and tourism across the EU. But this reality is also posing severe challenges to housing affordability, community stability, and regulatory enforcement in our cities.
For years, the European Commission has been reluctant to regulate the short-term rental sector at EU level, leaving many cities alone when finding solutions to ensure access to housing, thus creating legal uncertainty for local authorities who are unsure of what rules they can apply or how far their powers go. Affordable and decent homes for all is a priority for Socialists and Democrats. This is why, on 14 May, our Group will publish a legal study proving that regulating the short-term rental sector across the EU – in a balanced manner – is possible. Our Group is leading the way to ensure fair, sustainable, and accountable practices in the sector.
Seminar on EU enlargement in Ljubljana
On Thursday, we continue our work within the S&D Willy Brandt Programme for EU Enlargement, this time with a seminar in Ljubljana. The focus will be on political developments in Serbia and their implications for EU integration. This S&D seminar is part of the broader Friends of Western Balkans conference, taking place on 15-16 May in the Slovenian capital.
Our message is clear: we have always championed EU enlargement – Europe’s peace project. We believe that a credible merit-based enlargement process is an investment in peace, stability and shared prosperity across Europe.
The People’s Peace Summit
Our Group fully supports The People’s Peace Summit – an important initiative for peace taking place in Jerusalem, promoted by "It's time", a coalition of 60 Israeli peace and civil society organisations, many of which are long-standing partners of the progressive family and whom we also met during the recent S&D Group mission to the Middle East.
Therefore, on Thursday, 8 May, venues and organisations across Jerusalem will host peace tours, cultural events, music, in-depth discussions and more. On Friday, 9 May, the International Convention Center will feature panels and immersive experiences, offering a vivid glimpse into life in Israel when peace becomes reality.
This historic gathering will showcase the fact that peace is not only essential but achievable, recognising that amidst grief and devastation, we must focus on solutions by presenting a clear, substantive, and actionable vision for change that will provide a compelling and galvanizing alternative to the status quo.
Upcoming events:
Come and meet us this Saturday, 10 May, in the European Parliament in Brussels, for this year’s edition of Europe Days!
Our team (and MEPs) will be there from 10:00 to 18:00, to listen, talk to you, and explain what our progressive vision for Europe is.
Games & music included!
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!
