Following the vote in the European Parliament today on the Commission work programme 2015 and the presentation of the resolutions from the different political groups, S&D vice-president Enrique Guerrero Salom, said:

"With our resolution we have clearly set out the position we stand for. We regret that it has not been possible to find a compromise within the Parliament for a joint resolution; however, a common position should not come at any cost and we are not prepared to give up on our key positions.

"Europe is facing a long period of low growth, high unemployment, rising inequalities and social exclusion, and there is a real risk of deflation if the economy is not stimulated by a strong investment plan and courageous monetary policies.

"In our resolution we highlight what the Juncker Commission must tackle urgently as its main priorities: a strong investment programme to foster jobs and growth and close Europe's dramatic investment gap; investment-friendly budgetary rules to encourage member states to participate in the forthcoming European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI); the inclusion of a real social dimension for Europe; and taking the lead in laying down the foundations for sustainable economic development. Finally, the Commission must come forward with legislative proposals for an energy union with energy efficiency, renewables and smart infrastructure as its backbone.

"We welcome the Commission's intention to make the fight against tax fraud and tax evasion a clear priority. However, we call for additional legislative proposals within the next six months.

"We have seen too many tragedies and innocent people dying in the Mediterranean Sea recently. It is therefore more urgent than ever for the Commission to adopt a holistic approach to migration and asylum policy.

"Finally, we have made it clear that there are urgent legislative proposals which should not be withdrawn by the Commission. These relate to air-quality legislation, the waste package and the Maternity Leave Directive, for which our Group has fought for so hard over recent years. We are proud that a majority could be found in the Parliament for these important dossiers not to be withdrawn."

To read the full text of the S&D resolution, please click here: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-%2f%2fEP%2f%2fNONSGML%2bMOTION%2bB8-2015-0035%2b0%2bDOC%2bPDF%2bV0%2f%2fEN

S&D press contact