The PES Network, chaired by Spanish MEP Alejandro Cercas, recognised the need for the EU to develop a sustainable employment strategy that integrated strong social protection policies and viable life-long learning schemes.
“We need a European Union that understands the risks of growing inequalities provoked by the economic crisis”, Mr. Cercas stated. He added that: “to truly counter this danger, Europe needs employment policies that are combined with strong social protection mechanisms to prevent mass social exclusion. The financial system must be reformed and demand side policies introduced to support growth and the creation of more and better jobs.”
The network urged EU leaders to adopt a unified strategy on economic, social and environmental policies.
“For too long, the European Union has treated social and environmental policy as an aside to the central economic strategy” stated German Member of Parliament Eva Hogl (SPD). “It is time to recognise that a sustainable economy, strong job growth, including new Green jobs, and a definitive move to a low carbon footing can only mean a unified strategy.”
The PES Social Europe Network is comprised of PES representatives from national parliaments, MEPs from the S&D group, members of the European Commission and invited representatives from Civil Society.
An official position of the PES on the EU 2020 strategy will be formally launched by the PES national Leaders (10 February) on the eve of the informal EU Summit.
For further information please contact Silke Thomson on +32 476 94 22 70
