Social Europe Network calls for a stand against inequality
Rising inequality is one of the biggest problems facing Europe, and addressing it is at the heart of our fight as socialists and social democrats. This was the conclusion of the PES Social Europe network, which met in Brussels today.
Representatives of PES member parties, social partners and MEPs discussed the rise of inequality, the European Commission’s social fairness package, and how to give priority to social issues in the next EU budget (Multiannual Financial Framework).
The network developed concrete policy proposals to combat income and wealth inequality in Europe, ensuring a democratic society and economy that serves the people.
Pervenche Berès, chair of the PES Social Europe Network, said:
“Today our network strongly restated its support to fight inequality in all spheres of our societies.
The high levels of inequality which we are facing are not automatic or inevitable. They are the result of political choices that shape policies and structures that guide our economy, determining how we live together. As socialists we are continuously challenging these policies and fighting for reshaping these structures.
This includes ensuring an economy that puts people first, where all workers, whatever their status, are protected and benefit from decent jobs. It includes strengthening the Social Fairness Package (for a strong European Labour Authority that guarantees fair mobility, for decent working conditions and access to social protection for all workers, including those of the digital economy) and closing its loopholes, as well as guaranteeing European funds that serve social objectives.
Our society only has a viable future if inequality is successfully addressed. Therefore combatting inequality must be an institutional priority, at the top of the EU’s political agenda. As PES, we will keep on fighting to achieve this.”
Bovenstaande tekst en de foto zijn overgenomen van een artikel op de website van de PES, waar ook de lijst van deelnemers is te vinden.
N.B. PES staat voor The Party of European Socialists
