The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament have always been staunch supporters of EU enlargement – Europe’s peace project. A credible, merit-based enlargement process is an investment in peace, stability, and shared prosperity in Europe.

Today, pro-European forces – the European People’s Party, S&D Group, Renew Europe and the Greens – have laid the foundations for long-lasting cooperation to ensure democratic stability and predictability for our citizens and businesses.

The guidelines for the EU budget 2026 were adopted by the plenary of the European Parliament with the support of the S&D Group. The Socialists and Democrats consider this result as a demonstration of what the pro-EU forces can deliver when they work together for the common good. 

Social Europe stands at a historic crossroads, where all major political forces share the responsibility of defending a common vision of peace, security and prosperity. At today’s plenary debate, the Socialists and Democrats urged unity in protecting this joint project.

Today, the Socialists and Democrats have voted against the request for the urgent procedure on the so-called “stop-the-clock” that delays the implementation of agreed legislation on due diligence and corporate reporting requirements.