Both leaders underlined the importance of a sustained policy of fair and balanced growth linked to the strengthening of civil rights in order to overcome the financial crisis. The PES plans for a major youth unemployment campaign was another priority of the meeting. This emphasis matches with the Danish commitments to combat unemployment rates across the EU (in some regions, like Southern Europe, beyond 50%).
Commenting on the meeting, Mr. Stanishev stated that; “Myself and Helle fundamentally agree on the urgent priorities for the next six months. The programme of the Danish EU Presidency is a strong sign that 2012 is already a year of change, of progress and democracy. Coupled with the election of Martin Schulz as European Parliament President, Europe is again finding a progressive voice that is both assertive and confident.”.
The PES President added that; “solving the youth unemployment crisis is one of the main objectives for European social democracy in 2012. The consequences of inaction would echo down the generations”.
For further information please contact Brian Synnott on +32 474 98 96 75 (brian.synnott@pes.org)
