Quote of the week

“The Conference on the Future of Europe is a unique opportunity to make sure the EU is fit to face the future. We are not here to build a market, but a community. We have focused too much on economic aspects and neglected the social dimension. The Socialists and Democrats want the conference to be about real, inclusive dialogue with concrete results. I hope it will open up spaces to enrich the debate and find fresh and innovative ideas that improve our Union.”

S&D president Iratxe García Pérez

Next week, on Wednesday 22 January, the Commission will present its vision for the Conference on the Future of Europe. The Commission’s proposals follow the call from the European Parliament earlier this week for the conference to be a bottom-up, inclusive format with citizens at its heart.

 

On Tuesday 21 January, MEPs on the trade committee will hold a first vote on the EU-Vietnam trade agreement. The S&D Group has led the push for commitments on the respect of human rights and labour standards in the trade agreement.

On Wednesday, the Commission will also present the Review of the Stability and Growth Pact. The S&D Group is calling for more flexibility for member states to stimulate sustainable investments.

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Looking ahead to February, the S&D Group is organising a number of workshops. On 5 February there will be an S&D event on a Civil Liability Regime for Artificial Intelligence. The event is chaired by Tiemo Wölken, S&D spokesperson on legal affairs with opening remarks from S&D vice-president for transformation, innovation and a strong digital Europe, Ismail Ertug. You can register here.

On 5 February, we will also have a workshop on Decent minimum wages across Europe. With opening remarks from S&D Group president, Iratxe García, and a key note speech from Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for jobs and Social rights. You can register for the event here.

S&D press contact