S&D Times

Quote of the week by Group leader Iratxe García on the EPP Group’s decision to team up with the extreme right in organising the commissioner-designate hearing process:

“We cannot understand why the EPP is playing a game, having double majorities – with us in some moments, with the extreme right in others. In any case, what they demonstrate is that the right, together with the extreme right, have a common position. We know who has broken the cordon sanitaire. Not us. The cordon sanitaire is broken by those who have the majority with the far-right.”

Full reaction here.

Activities:

On Monday, 14 October, MEPs in the committee on budgets will vote on the EU budget 2025 – a resolution explaining how the European Parliament wants European money to be spent next year. This will be followed by a vote in the EP plenary during the October II session in Strasbourg, as part of the annual budgetary procedure, and in order to define the Parliament’s position before entering the negotiations with the member states in the Council of the EU. The resolution is being negotiated with the other political groups by Victor Negrescu – our Romanian MEP, vice-president of the European Parliament and the leading rapporteur for next year’s EU budget.

Events:

Next week, the S&D Group is honoured to organise the Conference on Peace in the Middle East and the Two-State Solution, on Tuesday, 15 October, from 14:30 to 18:00 in the European Parliament premises in Brussels. Speakers include HR/VP Josep Borrell, Group Leader Iratxe García, Nasser Al Kidwa – former Palestinian foreign affairs minister, Mossi Raz – former Knesset Member for Meretz and more. The event will be streamed live on our site and YouTube channel, and the opening speeches will also be live on X and LinkedIn.

As Hungary took over the rotating presidency of the EU Council, Budapest becomes the stage for a gathering of democratic, socialist and green activists determined to shape a brighter future, against the backdrop of challenges posed by authoritarian rule. On 25-26 October 2024, the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), in collaboration with Solidar, the S&D Group and Hungarian democratic, socialist and green activists,is organising the “Call to Europe” conference. This upcoming conference not only symbolises a resurgence of hope but also underscores the urgent need to refocus on how Europe serves its people. Under the motto “A free Hungary in a stronger Europe”, this edition touches upon issues including climate and the just transition, industrial renewal, public services, quality housing, gender and equality. Panel discussions will focus on: True democracy: Media freedom and the rule of law in Europe and Hungary Progressive leadership for a new course of action for Europe Investing in the Just Transition is investing in Europe’s future Job, health and housing – Progressive leadership for a shared well-being Inputs from the youth on a “Free Hungary” A free Hungary in a stronger Europe

Details on the event can be found here.

And as always don’t forget to stay updated on all our initiatives and reactions on Facebook, X, Instagram,Telegram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and TikTok!