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.

In this context, the S&Ds reject the narrow right-wing approach – that prioritises military build-up and deregulation at the expense of social progress – and urges conservatives to support the progressive plan to protect and strengthen social Europe.

Gaby Bischoff, S&D vice-president for social Europe, said:

“In times of monumental geopolitical shifts that pose unprecedented challenges, we need more Europe than ever – and that means more social Europe than ever.

“In recent years we have significantly reinforced our unique social model – one built on solidarity, social justice, workers’ rights, fair wealth distribution, equality, quality jobs and sustainable growth. But now, we are confronted with a strengthened right that wants to rip what we have achieved to pieces. We, socialists, cannot and will not let this happen!

“We urge the European Commission to follow through on its promises with concrete legislative action, such as the right to disconnect and artificial intelligence at work. This is the way forward for a Europe that truly works for all.”

Estelle Ceulemans, S&D spokesperson on employment and social affairs, added:

“Faced with multiple crises in recent years, we have managed to protect our social Europe and even strengthen it. However, today, confronted with the greatest security threats since the Cold War, our social Europe is at serious risk. What has changed? The largest political family in Europe, the conservatives, has chosen the path of division, aligning with the far right in an assault on workers, children, and the most vulnerable in our society.

“The right-wing tactic of sacrificing social Europe in the name of security is bound to backfire. The conservatives must re-join the pro-social Europe majority and support flagship progressive projects throughout this mandate.”

Note to editors:

A list of flagship progressive projects to strengthen social Europe:

– A quality jobs package, including:

• a directive on the right to disconnect and telework
• a directive on artificial intelligence at work
• a directive on the right to training
• a directive on quality traineeships
• stronger European Labour Authority
• a European Social Security Pass
• a directive on just transition at work
• a directive to limit subcontracting chains
• a directive to protect workers from severe weather hazards
• a directive on mental health at work and psychosocial risks
• a directive on work-related musculoskeletal disorders
• an increase of the collective bargaining coverage rate

– A European affordable housing strategy

– Social conditionality in state aid, public procurement and EU funds

– A comprehensive EU anti-poverty strategy, including:

• social progress as an investment priority
• a substantial increase of the European Social Fund Plus
• a substantial increase in European funds for research in public institutions and universities,
• eradication of child poverty, including a dedicated budget of at least €20 billion for the Child Guarantee
• universal access to free public education 0-3 in the EU,
• a directive on a framework for minimum income schemes,
• an allowance scheme for obtaining qualifications
• student debt should be replaced by public scholarship programmes
• eradication of energy poverty
• the right to health safeguarded at EU level,
• a plan to ensure the mental health, dignity and wellbeing of the elderly
• a decent minimum old age pension

– The full implementation of the social convergence framework