Champions of progress: Progressives go the extra mile for Social Europe!

We had a stimulating and interactive discussion at the PES Congress in Málaga, Spain, powered by the dynamic collaboration between the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions and FEPS. We delved deep into the heart of this critical issue and engaged with prominent progressive politicians.

Socialists and social democrats strive to create inclusive labour markets where everyone enjoys fair opportunities and conditions.

Socialists and social democrats champion equality, ensuring every individual has the chance to thrive, regardless of their background.

Socialists and social democrats work towards a society where everyone is protected, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity.

Socialists and social democrats have revived Social Europe and kept it high on the EU’s political agenda, thanks to the work of European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit and other progressive Commissioners. 

Excitingly, the upcoming EU Council presidencies of Spain and Belgium have boldly signalled their ambition to further fortify Social Europe.

However, the pressing question remains: what lies ahead for Social Europe after the current Commission’s mandate expires next year? Will we witness an expansion of Social Europe or a regrettable backtracking?

Your voice matters! Let’s shape the next chapter of #SocialEurope together so that a just, inclusive, and progressive Europe becomes a reality. 

Together, let’s build the Social Europe that we dream of!

Programme

09:30-09:35 Welcome message

• Maria João Rodrigues, President of FEPS

09:35-09:45 Opening message

• Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights 

Moderator: Maria Telles de Freitas, Political Advisor, PES Group in the CoR

09:45-10:30 Ahead of the curve: Progressives steering Social Europe towards success

Moderator: Santina Bertulessi, Deputy Head of Cabinet, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights 

• Team 1: László Andor, FEPS Secretary General  & Lina Gálvez Muñoz, S&D MEP 
• Team 2: Kata Tüttő, Vice President of the PES Group in the CoR, Deputy Mayor of Budapest & Andrea Fernandez, Member of Parliament and Secretary of Equality for PSOE
• Team 3: Laura de Bonfils, Secretary General of the Social Platform & Evin Incir, S&D MEP 

10:30-10:35 Reactions from participants, round of voting & call to action

• Enric López Jurado, President of the Young European Socialists (YES) 

10:35-10:55 High level talk: Towards more social Europe: the political vision for the next mandate

• José Luis Escrivá, Minister of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migrations, Spain 
• Tiago Antunes, Secretary of State for European Affairs, Portugal

Moderator: David Rinaldi, Director of Studies and Policy at FEPS

10:55-11:00 Conclusion

• Christophe Rouillon, President of the PES Group in the CoR

This event took place at the Trade Fair and Congress Center of Málaga, Av. de José Ortega y Gasset, 20129006 Malaga.

For more information about this event, check out PES CoR’s website.

For more information, please contact Euléane Omez, Project Management coordinator, at euleane.omez@feps-europe.eu