Socialists ahead of EU Summit call for “a budget that works for the people”

Brussels – “Progressives must continue to work together to offer hope, fairness, and security to our citizens.” These were the words of Stefan Löfven, President of the Party of European Socialists (PES), during today’s (18 June) meeting of the PES Presidency, which convened in Brussels shortly before the start of the European Council. Members set out the priorities for the next multiannual financial framework, which “will determine Europe’s capacity to act in the years to come,” said Löfven. At a time of geopolitical uncertainty, economic transformation, and growing social challenges, Europe needs a budget that works for the people:  one that invests in quality jobs, cohesion, affordable housing, public services. and education.” 

The main objectives, in addition to setting the budget priorities, are “to ensure strong economies,” he added, “by stimulating sustainable competitiveness, and to strengthen Europe’s position in the world by enhancing security and preparedness, protecting critical infrastructure, and supporting Ukraine and other crisis-hit regions.” 

The leader of the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament, Iratxe Garcia Pérez, stressed the importance of sending a strong message regarding Ukraine. “It is essential to send a message of unity,” she said. “Our unity is our strongest argument; Russia must accept this and come to the negotiating table.” 

On the conflict in the Middle East, Garcia Pérez reiterated the group’s stance: “We welcome the agreement between the United States and Iran, but we must be clear. The agreement simply takes us back to the situation prior to the war.” On the Multiannual Financial Framework, Garcia Pérez rejected the Cypriot Presidency’s proposal, because “it is not enough. The European budget must be able to respond to new policies – defence and competitiveness – without neglecting other priorities.” 

Harsh words were also directed at the handling of returns. Yesterday, the European Parliament approved the new regulation, which, according to García Pérez,, must not “become the new face of Europe.” Elly Schlein, secretary of the Democratic Party, expressed a similar view. “Not only are we sending people away, violating their fundamental rights, but we are also importing Trump’s ICE model.” According to Schlein, this represents “an incredible step backwards.” The secretary finds it “curious to see the Italian government celebrating the fact that the debate in Europe on solidarity between states regarding reception has disappeared.” The regulation, in fact, “will leave border countries more exposed and with greater responsibilities.”

Among the proposals put forward at the European level by the PD leader is a European CERN for artificial intelligence. “No single country can bridge the gap with China and the United States on its own,” she explained. “There is strength in unity.” A European model of innovation, she emphasised, is the only alternative to the Silicon Valley model, “which is entirely profit-driven and concentrates power, wealth, and data in ever fewer hands.” Following her meetings with von der Leyen and Costa, Schlein reiterated her priorities: no cuts to cohesion funds and no centralisation at the expense of local authorities and regions. Finally, on the war in Ukraine, she called for a single European negotiator, because “we need a voice that speaks on behalf of all 27 Member States, without leaving this space to Trump.”