Quote of the week by: Juan Fernando López Aguilar MEP, European Parliament negotiator on the certificates

 “We need to put in place the EU Covid-19 certificate to re-establish people’s confidence when exercising their right to free movement while we continue to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Member states must co-ordinate their responses in a safe manner and ensure the free movement of citizens within the EU. Vaccines and tests must be accessible and free for all citizens. Member states should not introduce further restrictions once the certificate is in force.”

With our S&D civil liberties, justice and home affairs chair, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, leading negotiations, the European Parliament is calling for a Covid-19 certificate that could finally help lift travel restrictions in the EU. With 540 MEPs supporting our position, the S&D Group insisted that certificates are free and available to every EU citizen equally and that they fully respect people’s right to privacy.

 

NEXT WEEK

S&D EVENT IN ROME: OUR EUROPE, OUR FUTURE

On Monday 3 May, our Progressive family will gather to discuss and shape our progressive vision for Europe.

Join S&D President Iratxe García Pérez, PES President Sergei Stanishev, and Partito Democratico Secretary Enrico Letta, and many other leading progressives for a special event, broadcast live from Rome, and live streamed from 11h45 on the S&D website.

You can also join the Facebook event to follow the debate.

OPEN DAY EVENT: ON THE PATH TO PORTO

As part of the European Parliament’s Open Week, on Tuesday 4 May the S&D Group will be joined by students for a discussion on our fight for a social Europe.

Join our Group president Iratxe García Pérez, vice-president Pedro Marques, and employment and social affairs spokesperson Agnes Jongerius, for the debate on the European Parliament website.

EVENT: S&D/PES PRE-PORTO SUMMIT CONFERENCE

Ahead of the Porto Summit, the S&D Group will host the event From Gothenburg to Porto: The Path Towards a Social Europe on Thursday 6 May in Porto, Portugal. Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa will join S&D president Iratxe García Pérez and co-host PES president Sergei Stanishev.

The event will be live streamed in English, Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese from the iconic Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões in Portugal on from 7pm until 9pm. Register for the event here!

On Friday 7 May 2021, EU leaders will meet in Porto for the Social Summit. This high-level summit will be an opportunity for EU leaders to commit to our priorities on Social Progress and Wellbeing for All by 2030. You can find the 2030 Porto Declaration for Sustainable Wellbeing jointly adopted on the 21st of April 2021 by social partners, civil society and the S&D Group here.

Find out more about the S&Ds' social rights campaign.

EUROPE DAY LAUNCH OF THE CONFERENCE ON FUTURE OF EUROPE

On Europe Day, Sunday 9 May, the EU will officially launch the Conference on the Future of Europe in a hybrid event based in Strasbourg.

There will be many ways to get involved in online activities so save the date! While you are waiting...#Progressives4Europe have set up a new debate platform on the Conference on the Future of Europe to bring people together to discuss the challenges ahead and how we can reshape Europe for the better.

We want to hear what you think so join us to decide on the Future of Europe.

You can follow all our activities and reactions throughout the week on FacebookTwitter and Instagram

MEPs involved
President
Spain
Vice-president
Portugal
Head of delegation
Coordinator
Netherlands
Member
Bulgaria
S&D press contact