Europe needs strong social policies that address citizens needs and put their wellbeing first, EU ministers from the PES political family said after a meeting in Brussels today.

The Commission’s communication on building a strong social Europe for a just transition is a step in the right direction and a victory for our political family – we have been calling for social fairness since the start of the financial crisis.

Ministers from PES member parties met to discuss the plan with European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit, and committed to supporting his work to create real social change in Europe.

The ministers also discussed proposals for a Conference for the Future of Europe, agreeing that citizens should be at the centre of the debate. The Conference will be a demonstration of our progressive values and principles. Democracy, equality and justice will lead the process.

The chair of the PES network of the General Affairs Council, German Minister of State for Europe, Michael Roth said:

“I warmly welcome the actions taken by the European Commission and Commissioner Nicolas Schmit to put social policy and social rights high on the political agenda. It is about time that Europe ensures that decent work and decent pay are the norm and not the exception. Making decent minimum wages a European objective and protecting workers, while respecting national specificities, is a clear goal for our political family. Social rights and social wellbeing are the cornerstone of our Union and must be safeguarded.”

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