Quote of the week by acting S&D Group leader Udo Bullmann

We are determined not to turn the clock back. The Socialists and Democrats are strong supporters of the Spitzenkandidat process, which we originally launched in 2009. Its relevance has certainly not declined. Europe urgently needs a new vision, one that provides clear guidance on how to master the transition to a model of sustainable development in times of growing economic, social, and environmental imbalances that currently remain unaddressed.


Upcoming activities

It will be a busy week in the Parliament, with various important committee votes and hearings taking place.
 
On Wednesday, the Parliament’s economic affairs committee will vote on S&D MEP Paul Tang's report on a Common Corporate Tax Base, which would create a single set of rules for calculating a firm’s taxable profits.

On the same day the Parliament’s budget committee will vote on its vision of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) co-written by S&D vice-president Isabelle Thomas, which sets the framework and spending ceilings for the EU’s annual budgets for the next seven years.

The international trade committee will vote on a resolution on the implementation of the conflict minerals regulation on Tuesday. While the civil liberties, justice and home affairs committee will hold a debate on citizenship and on the Schengen area on Monday and Wednesday respectively. 

Lastly, the employment committee will hold a public hearing on how to improve the work-life balance in Europe, a key topic for the S&D Group.
 
On February 20th our MEP Alessia Mosca will be hosting a discussion on Trade for Sustainable Development - Fashion Focus: the Fundamental Right to a Living Wage. The event will feature a presentation of The Circle report on the topic and will be followed by a debate with Carlo Calenda, Italian Minister of Economic Development, Bernd Lange, chairman of the international trade committee, Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Trade and Guy Stuart, Executive Director, Microfinance Opportunities.

Our next Together event is also next week. On February 22nd we will be going to Bruges, to talk about Democratic Participation in the 2019 European elections. The debate features specialists, as well as students and members of the European Parliament.

February 22nd is the date you need to save in your agendas. So follow all updates on the programme here and register to catch the best seats.
 
This year we’re organising our fourth edition of the School of Democracy, from 6 - 8 June, in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Over the course of three days, 100 young people from both inside and outside the EU will discuss the major issues facing Europe and the world. Participants will have the chance to debate with experts from the political, economic and academic worlds.

To be eligible to apply you have to be between 18 and 25 and be passionate about progressive politics. Travel, hotel and meal expenses will be paid by us.

Registrations are open until the beginning of March!
 
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