Message from S&D Group Leader Iratxe García:
"We denounce the ongoing unjustified attack of the right wing in this Parliament against NGOs. The Socialists and Democrats are in favour of transparency.
We reject the creation of an inquiry committee focused on NGO funding. We recall the European Court of Auditors’ opinion confirming the legality and transparency of NGO funding. Moreover, the proposal is not in compliance with the Treaty for the Functioning of the European Union, nor is it in line with the European Parliament's Rules of Procedure.
We will always agree with the principle of transparency. This is why we were ready to work on a compromise on a working group that would have broadened the scope to all beneficiaries of EU funds. We regret the EPP opposition to our proposal and their alignment with the far right."
Up next:
EUCO time!
On June 26, 17 EU leaders will meet up in Brussels for the European Council Summit. Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, migration andthe Western Balkans are just a few of the topics on the agenda.
Group Leader Iratxe García will join the pre-summit meeting of the Party of European Socialists (PES) to set out our priorities.
We stand with the LGBTIQ+ community in Budapest
On Friday 27 and Saturday 28 June, an S&D delegation will be in Budapest, Hungary, to defend the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community. On Friday, S&Ds will gather citizens, NGOs and the progressive political family for an outreach event in the heart of the Hungarian capital. Under the title ‘Banned by Law - Backed by Love’ the event will discuss the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights in the context of the banned Budapest Pride. Sign up now to attend the event in person, or follow the livestream on the S&D website.
On 28 June, S&D President Iratxe García and other members of the delegation will march with the LGBTIQ+ community in Budapest, side-by-side, proud and loud.
Housing! Housing! Housing!
Next Wednesday, we continue our efforts to ensure the right to a home. The European Parliament’s committees on housing and employment will jointly discuss key aspects of the housing crisis – from tenants’ rights to evictions and homelessness. Our position is clear: we must protect tenants and eradicate homelessness once and for all. Read more about our call for action in the S&D Lisbon Declaration.
Passengers’ rights ahead of the summer break
A couple of weeks before citizens go on holidays, our Group is dealing with major issues related to passengers' rights.
S&D vice-president, Alex Saliba, will be dealing with the Package Travel Directive in the committee on internal market and consumer protection, to secure travellers’ rights from tour operators. At the same time, the committee on transport and tourism will vote on the enforcement of passenger rights in the Union with our MEP Matteo Ricci as the leading rapporteur. Again in the committee on transport and tourism, our MEP Andreas Schieder is ensuring the rules work for you when you take different types of transport in the report ‘Passenger rights in the context of multimodal journey’.
All eyes on Amazon!
On Thursday, we will again address the appalling working conditions in Amazon warehouses. Since February 2024 – when the European Parliament banned Amazon lobbyists from its premises over worker exploitation and disregard for European democracy – nothing has changed. Amazon still refuses to take responsibility. Top management hides, avoiding any serious dialogue. Our message is clear: No respect for workers and democracy – no access to the European Parliament.
NATO Summit
As the NATO Summit approaches, we call on EU leaders to move beyond promises. It’s time to deliver: guaranteeing our collective security by increasing investments in defence and social cohesion.
To counter foreign threats and adapt to a changing security landscape, we urgently need a stronger European pillar within NATO, more support for Ukraine, and an alliance grounded in shared democratic values. The security of one member state is the security of all – it must not be treated as transactional.
Silver Rose Awards – get your nominations in!
Just a few days left to get your nominations in for the Silver Rose Awards! As we strive to tackle the climate, environmental and social crises collectively, it is crucial that we acknowledge the people, communities and movements fighting to keep these issues front and centre in the face of today's political challenges.
That's why this year's Silver Rose Awards will focus on highlighting these initiatives. The Just Transition Award aims to celebrate initiatives pushing to keep just transitions on the political agenda.
If you know of a civil society organisation, activist or trade union whose hard work and dedication should be acknowledged, nominate them now!
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!
