n the invitation of the S&D, the Prime Minister of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini, the Prime Minister of Romania Viorica Dăncilă as well as the party leader of the ‘Movement of Change’ in Greece Fofi Gennimata, visited the Group meeting to discuss various topics on the European agenda as well as recent developments in their respective countries.

 

 

"We had the Prime Ministers of Slovakia and Romania as well as the Greek leader of the ‘Movement of Change’ in our Group meetings this week. We had an open and frank debate with our guests about different European topics as well as about controversial issues regarding developments in the respective countries. With a view to the next European elections, we discussed our fight for a progressive Europe that offers real solutions to people’s needs, and talked about questions of the defence of civic rights, press freedom and the rule of law.

 

“Our Group is and will be at the forefront of the fight for democracy and rule of law in Europe. Just today, we called on all leaders in Europe to defend the freedom of press in their respective countries whenever it is endangered. In our discussion with our guests we made very clear that we do not shy away from any critical topic, regardless the country. We actively called for the debate about Romania that is foreseen for the plenary session in Strasbourg next week. Dialogue is crucial in a party family and we will continue the exchange.”