Socialist Leaders put priority on energy and jobs
10 March 2006
The Leaders of Europe’s Socialist, Social Democratic and Labour Parties today resolved to develop a progressive and sustainable energy policy for Europe, and to intensify their demands for investment to boost economic growth.
The Leaders of the Party of European Socialists, meeting in Prague, agreed to develop a new policy for energy geared towards sustainable development and tackling climate change as well as security of supply. “Europe must give a very clear signal that it has a long-term commitment to tackling climate change and achieving a sustainable and secure supply of energy” said PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. “Europe needs a more coherent and longer-term policy towards the many energy related challenges facing Europe. This is an economic, environmental and social priority for our Party.”
The PES Leaders meeting also resolved to intensify their efforts to implement the party’s strategy for simultaneous and coordinated investments of public and private funds in initiatives such as training, childcare, renewable energy and research and development. Welcoming investments announced in recent months by Socialist Governments, the Leaders urged the EU Spring Summit to put a greater emphasis on the role of investment – as well as economic reform – and economic coordination for generating growth. “Europe will create new economic growth only with a combination of reform and coordinated investments in the jobs of the future” said Poul Nyrup Rasmussen.
The Leaders also agreed to continue aid to the Palestinian people while awaiting the formation of a new government and to assess the attitude of Hamas to violence and the peace process. Durable peace must be based on a two state solution agreed by all. The Leaders called on the EU to strive for this goal and to promote dialogue in the region.
For more information Julian Scola, Press Officer, Party of European Socialists, tel +32 486 117 394 ,
