• "We are disappointed that the Commission President continues to describe the customs deal between the EU and the US as a guarantee for stability in relations with the US. machinery companies, which have been hit hard by the additional punitive tariffs on steel and aluminum, see an urgent need for renegotiation."

One year after the EU welcomed Mario Draghi’s landmark report on boosting Europe’s competitiveness, delivering a stark warning that Europe needs €800 billion in annual investments beyond what banks can finance, enthusiasm has faded. Only 11% of his recommendations have been acted upon. 

The first debate on the State of the Union of the 10th legislative term comes at a crucial time, shaped by an increasingly unstable and demanding global scenario. The Socialists and Democrats see the months ahead as an opportunity for the Union to lead with urgency, unity and ambition.

The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament remain firm in their priorities by not supporting the report on public procurement at today’s plenary session. The report fails to clearly call for mandatory social and sustainability criteria, which are key priorities for our Group.

Russia has proved once again it’s not interested in peace. Reacting to the largest Russian air attack so far in the war against Ukraine – which killed at least five people and set a government building in Kyiv ablaze on Sunday – the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament today called on EU member states to increase pressure on Russia.