S&D Group leader, Iratxe García, has called for a social compass when addressing competitiveness, warning that failure to do so will overlook the real root of social discontent and play into far-right narratives.

In a plenary debate on the Commission’s 2025 Work Programme, the S&Ds outlined the urgent need for concrete proposals with an increased EU budget to improve people’s lives. These must be rooted in social progress, quality jobs, gender equality, universal healthcare, digital safety, resilient democracies, security, peace, and the transition to a modern and sustainable future.

Iratxe García, S&D Group President, said:

“The European Commission has a major responsibility to provide a comprehensive and ambitious response to social discontent and it is unacceptable that it forgot about this responsibility when addressing competitiveness. Where is the social compass to lift 95 million Europeans out of poverty, to end the job insecurity affecting 25% of young people and to tackle the 30% increase in house prices over the last five years? 

“The far right is trying to resurrect the slogans from the past. Its Trumpist slogan ‘Make Europe Great Again’ is, in reality, a call for the destruction of Europe. Its true message is ‘Let's Destroy Europe Again’.

“How can Europe be great when they attack immigrants who account for approximately 15% of the workforce? How can Europe be great when they propose that the wealthy pay no taxes, even though the richest accumulate 30% of total wealth? How can Europe be great when they deny climate change, even though 97% of scientists say it is a real threat and is caused by human activity?

“It is the same far right that aims to hijack the digital transition, favouring magnates, while 35% of our SMEs lack basic digital skills. And it is also the far right that praises Trump while he imposes 25% tariffs on European steel and aluminium.

“European competitiveness will only be a reality if it translates into a decent life for all citizens. Europe will only be competitive if we guarantee quality jobs, decent wages and affordable housing. We need to increase the EU budget and establish a permanent investment instrument to finance the Green Deal, the digital transformation, social protection and the defence industry”.