Who we are - Our progressive priorities
A message from Iratxe García Pérez, president of the S&D Group
The European Union must always be a force to improve people’s lives. In times of crisis, it must bring security. In times of despair, it must offer hope. And when we face challenges, it must be our tool to find a way forward, together.
Our political movement is built on a simple idea: we are stronger together.
We acted together to beat the coronavirus pandemic and supported our healthcare systems, businesses and citizens. We mapped out the path to a more sustainable future with an ambitious European Green Deal. We stepped up and supported Ukraine’s fight for freedom. Now, we are reinforcing our continent’s security and defence.
These successes show we are stronger when we act together. It is true for global issues. It is also true for citizens’ everyday lives. As Socialists and Democrats, we believe in the power of Europe.
In a more complicated world, our Europe delivers security for citizens through an EU security and defence strategy. It works for a better world, with trade and development that promotes our values. Our Europe is outward looking, supporting a European future for countries in our neighbourhood.
Our Europe guarantees equality, so everyone has the opportunity to succeed, whatever their gender or background.
Our Europe protects citizens’ rights, especially if authorities try to take them away. We celebrate open, diverse and democratic societies.
Our Europe defends a fair society. That means fair work, decent homes, fair tax and opportunities for young people.
Our Europe leads the fight against climate change, propelling a green transition that creates jobs, enhanced competitiveness and prosperity for people.
Our Europe ensures that everyone’s health is promoted, and a clean environment is protected for this generation and future generations.
Our Europe makes sure the digital world benefits everyone - young people, consumers, businesses and all citizens - and protects the most vulnerable, especially minors.
That is our vision for Europe: a Union that acts for people. Because when we act together, we are stronger.
The Socialists and Democrats are the biggest progressive force in the European Parliament. We bring together MEPs from all over Europe, united by our commitment to:
Freedom
Equality
Solidarity
Diversity
Fairness
Sustainability
Democracy
Rule of Law
We are a big political family and we are proud of our history. Our commitment to the European political project stretches right back to the founding fathers of the European Union.
Working with governments, European commissioners and national member parties, we fight for a more progressive Europe for citizens.
Our mission is delivered alongside our sister organisations working at an EU level, like the Party of European Socialists (PES), the Young European Socialists (YES), PES Women, the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions, and the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS).
Our Europe:
- Provides security
by working with our international partners, standing by our values, and ensuring we can defend ourselves.
- Offers hope around the world
by working to promote human rights, sustainability and just global trade.
- Promotes rights
by standing up for women and equality for all, delivered step-by-step with concrete action at an EU level.
- Delivers fairness
in the workplace, in the housing market, and across all of society.
- Saves the planet
and creates jobs and a cleaner environment for everyone.
- Looks after health
through quality healthcare, healthy food and a healthy environment for all.
- Defends citizens’ voices
by strengthening democracy, media freedom, and the role of civil society.
- Safeguards online spaces
so that citizens are protected from hate speech, children are safe, and consumers have strong rights.
