Today, the Socialists and Democrats have adopted the Opatija declaration, standing up for workers’ rights and for fair green and digital transitions.

 

This declaration comes at a crucial time – labour rights in Europe have reached their lowest point in a decade, as highlighted in a recent report by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

 

With the Opatija declaration [1], we put forward a set of concrete demands to defend and strengthen the Europe of workers. Among them: 

 

 

“We are here in Opatija to support workers. At the heart of this city stands a statue, the Maiden with the Seagull, gazing out over the Adriatic. For us, this symbolises what social democracy must be – a beacon of hope, standing strong against the waves, reaching out to the future.

 

“Over the past century, our political family has brought to life a social Europe – workers’ rights, universal healthcare, collective bargaining, equal pay, pensions, holidays, maternity leave. Without us, there would be no social Europe. And without us, our social Europe will not survive the storm of extremism.

 

“We must be clear: the far right does not only threaten democracy – it directly harms workers. It feeds on anger and despair but offers only division and exploitation. Our response must be bold and concrete: workers’ rights are not up for negotiation. 

 

“That is why here in Opatija, we adopted the declaration on workers’ dignity. Every worker must earn a salary that matches the cost of living. No one should die or fall ill because of their job. Every woman deserves equal pay. Every young person must have access to paid traineeships and real opportunities. This is social democracy.”

 

 

“The S&D Group came to Opatija and Rijeka to send a strong and clear message: workers are the heart, soul, and driving force of Europe’s green and digital transitions. That is why we fight for decent pay, dignity and safe workplaces – the foundations of the Europe we want.

 

“This is a moment to bring forward the voices of Croatian citizens who struggle to make ends meet - even with a stable job or while juggling two jobs. We are here to listen – tonight at the concert, tomorrow at the factory visit – and take their concerns with us to Brussels.

 

“It is no coincidence that we are here in Opatija and Rijeka – cities with a proud industrial and workers’ tradition. Croatia has much to contribute to shaping a better future for Europe –a Europe that always puts people above profit.

 

“While focusing on social justice, it is natural to pay tribute to our dear friend Fred Matić – a 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. As Fred himself said – we may not change the world, but if we can move it a few centimetres forward in the right direction, our political fight is worthwhile.”

 

 

Read the ITUC report [2]

 

Programme of upcoming press events during the external meeting of the S&D Group in Croatia:

 

 

20:00 - 22:00

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

 

 

8:00 - 9:45

 

Where: Svilno 20, Rijeka

 

9:05 - 9:30

 

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   

 

 

9:00 - 12:00 

Programme here [3]

 

Where: Ceremonial Hall, Grand Hotel Adriatic, Opatija