The May 1st Institute is the host of academic discussion, educational and research activities, which are carried out in the context of discussions about the future of social democratic thought. They encourage open dialogue on key social issues, educate and train individuals for active citizenship, and publish ideas, dilemmas, and solutions for modern social democracy.

The fundamental values of the institute’s operation derive from the history of the labor movement and the social democratic principles of organising society. The institute wants to encourage an open discussion in society about the values of social democracy, worker solidarity and internationalism, especially in the light of the promotion of further European integration based on the slogan all different, all equal.