Next week, the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament will be in Opatija and Rijeka to stand with workers striving to reclaim respect and dignity in Europe’s digital and green transformations.
In Croatia, the S&D Group will also pay tribute to our late colleague, former MEP Predrag Fred Matić – a true champion of social justice and women’s rights, who passed away a year ago. By naming one of our traineeship programmes after him, his vision of a Europe built on equality, justice, and human dignity will live on.
The visit will furthermore provide an opportunity to exchange with our sister parties in the Western Balkans and reaffirm our commitment to EU enlargement – Europe’s peace project. A credible, merit-based enlargement process is an investment in peace, stability and shared across our continent.
Iratxe García, S&D Group leader, said:
“Workers’ rights are at the core of the socialist family's fundamental values. We are travelling to stand up for workers, to sit with them, talk and listen to them. We are working for a fair digital and green transition – and this will only happen if we bring our workers on board. The voices of our citizens cannot be ignored.
“A fair Croatia, just like a fair Europe, begins with higher salaries, social dialogue, strong trade unions, and equal opportunities. This is the Europe our citizens want, and the one we are working for. Workers’ rights should be at the heart of Europe’s agenda, just as they are at the heart of the Socialists and Democrats.”
Biljana Borzan, S&D MEP and Head of Croatian Delegation, added:
“We stand with people in Croatia and across Europe who testify that even with stable jobs they cannot make ends meet because prices are skyrocketing, that their working lives feel as unpredictable as the weather, and that workers are too often treated like spare parts.
“Without workers, nothing works. It is in everyone’s interest to restore respect and dignity back to every worker. Every worker deserves a good job – with decent pay and safe working conditions. We stand for a Europe that always puts people over profit."
Media Advisory
Programme of press events during the external meeting of the S&D Group in Croatia, from 29 September to 2 October:
16:30 - 17:30
Tribute to the life and work of Predrag Fred Matić
Speakers:
Iratxe García Pérez, President of the S&D Group
Siniša Hajdaš Dončić, President of the Social Democratic Party of Croatia
Biljana Borzan, Head of the Croatian Delegation
Where: Grand Hotel Adriatic, Ceremonial Hall, Opatija
Live streamed and open to media
9:00 - 9:30
S&D MEPs and SDP MPs engage with citizens on protecting workers’ rights and decent wages, fair contracts, platform work regulation and social protection.
2 locations:
1. Korzo 24 (next to Radio Rijeka)
2. Jelačićev trg (next to fountain)
20:00 - 22:00
S&D Outreach event – Shaping Future Workers’ Rights
With the participation of representatives of the S&D Group, the Socijaldemokratska partija Hrvatske (SDP), trade unions, feminist associations and NGOs from Croatia
Cultural event featuring Eurovision local band Let 3
Speakers:
Iratxe García Pérez, President of the S&D Group
Biljana Borzan, Head of the Croatian Delegation
Where: Main Square, Rijeka
Wednesday, 1 October
8:00 - 9:45
Visit to Jadran-galenski laboratorij
Where: Svilno 20, Rijeka
Open to media
9:05 - 9:30
Press conference
Speakers:
Iratxe García Pérez, President of the S&D Group
Biljana Borzan, Head of the Croatian Delegation
Ivica Lukanović, President of Primorsko-goranska County
Eva Usmiani Capobianco, JGL Director
Where: Svilno 20, Rijeka
Open to media
Thursday, 2 October
9:00 - 12:00
The S&D Group Western Balkans meeting
Where: Ceremonial Hall, Grand Hotel Adriatic, Opatija
Live streamed and open to media
