VISION FOR A Hannes Swoboda,President oftheSocialists and DemocratsGroup in theEuropean Parliament

PHOTO © Uroš Kekuš Kleva want action. to do.TheSocialistsandDemocrats strive for–wehavealotofwork countries buildthedemocracies they countries, tohelpingneighbouring to endchronic povertyindeveloping crisis inSyria,toworkingtogether are biggerthanever. From facingthe world, butthechallengesweface greater sayinhowtheEUacts Today, theEuropean Parliamenthasa way outofthecrisis. and betterjobsforEuropeans asa achieved sofarandcreating more world, buildingonwhatwehave and more prosperous EUinthe out ourvisionforastronger, safer and around theworld.Here weset andjustice–bothintheEU fairness continuing workfordevelopment, our progressive policiesandour would nothavebeendonewithout the EUhasplayedinworld.This We are proud ofthepositiverole our continentandfurtherafield. bringing peaceandprosperity to It recognised theEU’s successin the nameofeverysingleEUcitizen. rights”. Theprizewasacceptedin reconciliation, democracyandhuman Nobel PeacePrize,for“peaceand Two yearsagotheEUwon “ in theworld” The first100days foramoreprogressiveEurope a saferplace. reduce povertyandmaketheworld improve ourcitizens’qualityoflife, stand upstrongly togetherto Democrats thatcanmakeEurope only anEUledbytheSocialistsand is bigenoughtogoitalone.It we believenoindividualcountry changing worldof7billionpeople, well-paid European jobs.Ina and competingtosecure decent, facing uptoglobalchallenges key toprotecting ourinterests, with onepowerfulvoice,isthe We believeastrong EU,speaking on terrorism andorganisedcrime. mass destructionandready totake safer world,free from weaponsof abroad. We wantEUactionfora undercut byunfaircompetitionfrom and sothatjobsintheEUare not that cripplingpovertyiswipedout corruption hasnoplacetohide,so rights around theworld,sothat the higheststandards ofhuman We wantactiontochampion conservative andliberalpolicies. the challengesposedbydestructive to boostjobsandgrowth tomeet We wantactionsothatweare able Our alternative visionfraprgressiveEurpeinthewrld The first100days for a moreprogressiveEuropein child labour in Uzbekistan – we have child labourinUzbekistan– wehave for workersinColombia,to fighting Bangladesh andbetterprotection improving conditionsinfactories and destroy theenvironment. From ablindeyetohumanrights turn agreements withcountriesthat make itclearthatwewillnot deal withworkers’rights.We partners tochangethewaythey persuading ourinternational rights around theworldand setting highstandards onhuman We alsoseetradeasatoolfor products andservicesabroad. European jobsandbusinessesselling championed opportunitiesfor out ofthecrisisandwehave trade canhelpusgetoureconomies the rest oftheworld.International power overhowtheEUtradeswith European Parliament)havereal Today ourMEPs(Membersofthe before itreaches thehighstreet. factories manydifferent countries pair ofjeanspassesthrough aspect ofourlives.Evenasimple tradeaffects international every In today’s inter-connected world, and humanrights Boosting trade  the world 03 Our alternative vision for a progressive Europe in the world The first 100 days for a more progressive Europe in the world

made a real difference. These values nobody is watching. We want to rights. They are the backbone of A stronger diplomatic voice trade policy based on progressive are important to us and we are not see EU companies act responsibly, many communities but all too principles and a clean, safe planet We were the driving force in prepared to trade them away. ending child labour, paying often the victims of violence and for generations to come. creating the European External workers a fair wage, paying their discrimination, particularly in Action Service (EEAS) which, fair share of taxes and respecting war zones. Where Europeans are Over the last five years we are proud under a social-democrat EU high Our commitment the environment. We wouldn’t contributing to development aid, to have stood up to conservatives representative for foreign affairs to the very poorest stand for anything less at home. we will not allow countries to turn and liberals who want to put trade and security is a service Europeans That is why we support greater a blind eye to discrimination against above any other concerns and It is unfair that the poorest, not just can rely on and be proud of. We transparency from EU companies women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, against greens and communists at home but around the world, are have seen how this strong EU voice working abroad, both on their transgender and intersex (LGBTI) who want to turn their backs on paying a heavy price for reckless helped broker a deal to stop Iran profits and payments and on the people or any other group. the rest of the world. The Socialists mistakes made by the banks developing nuclear weapons, talked impact of their activities on human and Democrats have had a strong, and governments who failed to Syria into dismantling its deadly rights and social conditions. proactive, diplomatic voice and a regulate the financial sector. The stockpile of chemical weapons and Making Europe safer determination to get things done – poorest should not be paying for The S&D Group believe that helped negotiate a deal between in line with our progressive values. these mistakes. The S&D Group the promotion of transparency Although the EU is a safe place, Serbia and Kosovo. Over the next have pushed hard to make sure and the fight against corruption we must not forget that we five years we need to strengthen From the financial crisis to the EU remains the world’s biggest should be at the forefront of the are surrounded by an unstable the EEAS to boost the EU’s climate change, the international development donor and keeps its EU’s foreign policy. Corruption neighbourhood. From recent diplomatic presence on the world community has taken too long to promise to help end the vicious leads to human rights violations, conflicts fighting extremists on our stage and make sure we are first on make things happen. We want cycle of poverty. We must make perpetuates inequality and doorstep in Mali, to stopping drug the scene in danger zones, not just to see rapid change, both within sure that financiers can no longer impunity, undermines sustainable traffickers and pirates, we need to to help EU citizens – through better the EU and also at the UN, so that gamble with food prices, driving development and fuels violence act together to defend the EU and consular assistance – but also those we can react quickly to events up the cost of living at home and and conflict. We take the view that make it safer. It should not be left in need all over the world. that affect our daily lives. EU and abroad. We also believe that no one the EU should promote democratic to some EU countries to act alone international action needs to be should suffer through illness or lack participation, access to information to keep us all safe, and most EU quicker and more efficient – we of treatment when there are many and budget transparency as a countries do not have the strength Our priorities after cannot sit around while people are solutions available in the EU, from means of engaging with our – military or otherwise – to stand the European elections suffering and jobs are being lost. access to affordable medicine to partner countries. alone. We believe we are stronger In this brochure we will set out our family planning services. together and that requires a strong alternative vision for the EU on the and effective European External world stage and what we can do Standing up for everyone Action Service. We want to see a to make it happen. Following Our Acting responsibly around more active EU protecting people in The Socialists and Democrats alternative vision for Europe – the the world danger zones around the world and have long been a leading voice in first 100 days, here we highlight helping those areas get themselves The Socialists and Democrats will defending the rights of minorities three areas where we need to get up and running again so that not let EU companies make profits and disadvantaged groups around to work on making a difference both the EU and areas affected by at the expense of people’s lives the world. We stand for zero outside the EU: advancing peace, conflict are kept safe, promoting – even in far-flung places of the tolerance of violence against democracy and human rights, human security globally. Hannes Swoboda world where they think women and demand special developing an international S&D Group President attention is given to women’s

04 05 Our alternative vision for a progressive Europe in the world OUR ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

OUR ACTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Since the last elections in 2009 the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council of Ministers have been ■ Getting bigger and better ■ Helping the poorest - ■ Paying a fair price around largely dominated by the right, so we have had a tough battle on our hands to fight the right’s drive for austerity. curbing food speculation EU enlargement has been a success. the world Here are a selection of our actions and achievements in the last four years, defending a strong, proactive Europe: The S&D Group have continued to Thanks to the Socialists and It was our group that penned ■ Personal privacy before ■ A road map to improving sure that no one involved in Israeli set the bar high when it comes to Democrats, for the first time the new rules to fight corruption and profit – the death of workers’ rights settlement activities can have access joining the EU – upholding human EU will soon regulate commodities exploitation in developing countries, the controversial Anti- to EU funding. rights and stamping out corruption. to tackle food speculation. High making sure that citizens of Counterfeiting Trade We were not prepared to sign a trade Thanks to our efforts we helped and volatile food prices have a resource-rich countries can hold their Agreement (ACTA) agreement with Colombia at any Croatia in its quest to join the EU, devastating impact on poor and governments to account over profits cost; we fought to include a road ■ Coming out against becoming a modern European food-dependent countries, quite from their natural resources and Our group was the first to voice map on rights so that the country discrimination economy where millions of EU literally driving people to starvation. claim the financial rewards for what its concern about the way the would put in place robust measures citizens will travel this year for work We have fought hard, working is rightfully theirs. Thanks to this controversial trade agreement was to protect workers and trade unions. For us, all human beings are born or holidays. closely with NGOs and campaigners, ground-breaking law, EU companies secretly negotiated. ACTA, which free and equal. Each and every one to establish an effective system to in the extractive industries will have was intended to stop the real of us should enjoy the same dignity limit the commodities and methods to behave transparently and pay a problem of illegal counterfeiting, ■ A push towards peace and rights, no matter where in the financiers can gamble with. This fair price for the raw materials they ended up as a legal mess, covering world we live. We have proudly We have supported progressive will help to curb speculation and take from developing countries, everything from internet downloads stood up and tackled discrimination political forces in Middle-Eastern reduce inflation and price volatility improving the ethics of the products to handbags. We realised the and hatred towards all minorities. and North-African countries to help for staple foods and other essential we take for granted – from mobile dangers ACTA posed and the very From the recent moves to introduce everyday citizens create the fair goods. phones to jewellery – and the lives real ways this could have changed anti-homosexuality laws in Uganda and just societies they fought for. of those living there. the way we use the internet, to Russia’s attempt to ban ‘gay Through our Arab Social Democratic potentially framing ordinary propaganda’ we have not and will Forum, we have worked closely internet users as criminals for not shy away from denouncing with them on issues such as youth innocently sharing a few files. We such incitements to hatred and unemployment and job creation to did not want internet companies violence on grounds of sexual help provide peace and stability in to police the internet and criminally orientation, gender identity or the region. We also encouraged the prosecute innocent users, and gender expression. relaunch of peace talks between therefore we led the way in Israelis and Palestinians and have rejecting this agreement. persistently worked to build dialogue with Iran and engage with all sides working for peace in the region. We also pushed to make

06 07 Our alternative vision for a progressive Europe in the world PEACE, DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Peace, democracy and human rights

The EU can have a positive ordinated way, putting human rights ■ There can be no military influence on its neighbours and first around the world so that our solution to the crisis. Moves trading partners. We want to make good intentions are not undermined which could escalate the violence sure Europe behaves responsibly by ill-thought-out policies. would only bring more suffering and encourages democratic values for the Syrian people. We believe around the world – for the well- that the rising tide of sectarian being of all our citizens and for Putting an end to war violence, fuelled by radical generations to come. and armed conflict groups, poses the biggest threat to security in the Middle East. ■ The EU must be at the forefront We want the EU to set the bar We are also deeply concerned of efforts to protect civilian high on human rights and lead by about the conflict contributing to populations in war-torn countries example. Until we have the highest the radicalisation of some young like Syria. We will safeguard possible standards at home, we Muslims in Europe, especially EU humanitarian aid and will not be taken seriously around those who join the jihad in Syria spending. The EU should lead the world. We want to promote and then return home to Europe. the way in bringing all sides to the dialogue and openness with other We condemn the supply of arms negotiating table to map out a countries, so that together we can to both to the Assad regime sustainable route towards peace. raise human rights standards. We and the extremist opposition. oppose the use of the death penalty Finding a political solution for a ■ The crisis in Syria is one of the and torture, and will fight to stop post-Assad Syria must involve all biggest challenges we face their use anywhere in the world. the relevant Syrian and regional right now. The suffering of players, including the US, Turkey the Syrian people must be Unlike some conservative and the Arab states. We will brought to an immediate governments who want to roll back continue to push for a strong, end. Our group will continue to these hard-won rights, we want lasting solution bringing all ensure that despite conservative- to fight to make them stronger, sides to the negotiating table. imposed austerity, EU frontline making sure that our freedoms are This cannot wait. Time is of the humanitarian assistance reaches not compromised but championed. essence. the millions of desperate people in We are proud that a social-democrat need of food, medical treatment EU special representative for human and basic services, both in Syria rights has led efforts to ensure that and neighbouring countries. the EU acts in a united and co-

Border with Jordan and Syria, November 2011

08

Our alternative vision for a progressive Europe in the world WORKING WITH OUR NEIGHBOURS

Talks should depend on all these Georgia and Moldova closer important criteria being met to the EU, boosting trade and working with our neighbours and we want the EU to put opening new opportunities for more pressure on Turkey over our citizens. We remain open to Bringing the troops home be central to the EU’s work in recently proven this, overcoming these problematic areas and signing an association agreement Afghanistan and in Pakistan. the devastation of war, corruption engage more proactively with with the Ukraine. The masses ■ After over a decade of EU troops and economic turmoil to become Turkish people and organisations. who have taken to the streets in being deployed in Afghanistan, we a modern European economy. We By extending the ERASMUS Kiev in recent months serve as a want them home. That is why we Taking a principled stance hope other countries will follow programme for example, we can reminder of how EU membership support the plan to for a phased on our values Croatia’s path to success. For us, provide even more opportunities is still an aspiration for millions and responsible withdrawal of all joining the EU is not simply a rite for young people, both within of young people, hoping for foreign troops from the country. ■ The S&D Group want a new of passage: countries must remain Turkey and across the EU. greater opportunities and a We acknowledge, however, that strategy with Russia so that we can committed to our non-negotiable decent future. We express our full of minorities if it wants to move in order to accomplish this, the EU bring more stability to our eastern values of human rights and ■ We will continue to work support and solidarity with the closer to EU membership and fulfil must make sure that well-trained neighbourhood. We also want freedoms for everyone. Countries hard to build an ‘Eastern peaceful protesters and condemn the European aspirations of many and capable Afghan security to see Russia work with us on applying to join the EU must clearly Partnership’ with our neighbours the government crackdown. We ordinary Ukrainians. forces (military and police) remain constructive solutions to problems show that they are proactive on to the east so that our citizens want the Ukrainian authorities there to protect the country. in the Middle East – and Syria in stamping out corruption and can travel, work and trade more to seriously address corruption, particular. However, we must not organised crime if they want EU freely. We were the driving force selective justice and the rights and cannot ignore problems within ■ We want to make sure that assistance. We want to see Turkey, behind agreements that brought Russia, including unacceptable EU aid to Afghanistan is being Serbia, Montenegro, the Former crackdowns on civil-society used effectively and to help Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, organisations, those who oppose Afghanistan build support systems Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina and The Sakharov Prize the government and LGBTI people. for its long-suffering citizens Kosovo take further steps towards We want to see the EU address Each year the European Parliament is proud to award the Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought. through boosting its police becoming EU members. this head on, through a friendly The award is a well-respected international award, on a level with the Nobel Peace Prize. Previous forces, putting more judges in and frank dialogue. We must recipients have included Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi and Chinese dissident Hu Jia, along place and setting up more courts ■ Turkey in particular is a key make it clear we cannot accept the with the many other worthy winners. They agree that this award from the European Parliament has to reinforce the rule of law and partner for the EU and we suppression of fundamental rights, helped further their cause, advancing human rights in all corners of the world. stamp out corruption. This means want to see further talks to nor can we accept Russian threats that the EU must stand ready to bring Turkey and the EU closer. to countries who freely decide to This year the S&D Group successfully nominated Malala Yousafzai, a 14-year-old Pakistani girl who has campaigned keep helping Afghanistan through We want to work together to explore trade deals with the EU. tirelessly for girls’ education – despite being shot in the head by the Taliban. We nominated her because, like targeted capacity-building uphold values such as equality, Malala, we believe education is a human right, not a privilege. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, girls programmes. The EU should also independence of the judiciary ■ The Socialists and Democrats also are far less likely to go to school than boys. For girls lucky enough to go to school, many still have their education help neighbouring states such and human rights, including want to build good relations with blighted because they are forced into work or marriage early. We believe that education is an investment for the as Pakistan to move in the same the rights of organisations such our other neighbours. Enlarging future and can help women in many parts of the world escape a life of poverty and reduce the dangers of forced direction to fight extremism, as trade unions and freedom the EU has been a success, marriages, HIV-related illnesses and domestic and sexual violence. A good education for girls can reduce child and terrorism and sectarian violence. for LGBTI groups. Freedom of boosting our economies, creating maternal mortality and increase entrepreneurship and job opportunities. Protecting the human rights expression for the Turkish people more decent jobs and promoting of women and girls should and the media is also crucial. our social standards. Croatia has PHOTO ABOVE: Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani campaigner for girls’ education – winner of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2013

10 11 Our alternative vision for a progressive Europe in the world A STRONG EUROPE IN THE WORLD

a strong europe in the world

Changing course for the better the historic Geneva interim deal authoritarian pasts and ensure between the world powers and everyone has a vote. We want ■ We want the EU to look at the Iran, have vindicated our position. to make sure that democracy bigger picture with countries such Dialogue and engagement and freedom remain strong – as Iran, rather than just focusing are the path to an agreement long after the observers and TV on their nuclear programme. The and potential normalisation of cameras have left the election vast majority of people in Iran relations with Iran – not sanctions scene – by assisting countries desperately want to see relations and threats. By engaging in with technical and expert know- with the outside world put back dialogue and evoking the how, so that citizens can be to normal. We should be ready possibility of lifting sanctions democratically represented for to work with them. The EU if Iran fulfils its commitments, years to come. should re-examine the sanctions the S&D Group has helped placed on the country which may to create more space for be harming the livelihoods of diplomacy and move away Making a success of the Arab millions of ordinary people. This ■ We are at the forefront of helping A lasting peace ■ We welcome the recently from the slippery slope leading Spring does not mean that we have to progressive forces in these in the Middle East relaunched peace talks to another disastrous war in the ■  countries organise themselves between Israel and Palestine. be soft with the Iranian leadership The Socialists and Democrats ■ The long, simmering conflict Middle East. and campaign for change. Our We want the leaders of both when it comes to human rights have been a leading force in the between the Israelis and Global Progressive Forum was sides to continue negotiating and freedoms. On the contrary, European Parliament in shaping Palestinians is right on our ■ The S&D Group firmly believes first on the scene after the despite powerful voices trying to engaging with Iran must mean the EU’s response to the Arab doorstep. We therefore have a that dialogue and the easing of dictatorships had crumbled, undermine an agreement. We more engagement on human Spring revolutions. We want to huge interest in working towards sanctions should not only lead to bringing together like-minded support all serious and timely rights and the regional role of make sure that Europe lives a lasting solution. The S&D a wide-ranging agreement with political forces and setting up efforts for peace and condemn Iran, for example in resolving the up to its commitments to help Group want to see the EU be Iran on the nuclear issue, but also the Arab Social Democratic the unlawful Israeli settlement Syrian conflict. people in these countries get a player and not just a ‘payer’ help the country change course Forum to work together for jobs, expansions. We have pushed back on their feet and achieve in the region. For us, the right towards a more open and fair opportunities and social justice. to ensure EU funding does not their aspirations – which are the of the Palestinian people to have ■ The S&D Group has taken a lead society. support illegal settlements and same as our own. They took to their own state and the right in reinvigorating parliamentary ■ We are leading efforts to help that products that enter the the streets to demand democracy, of Israel to exist within secure diplomacy with Iran. In mid- ■ We have a proud record of the people of these countries EU from the region are clearly dignity and justice, but also borders are without doubt. We October 2013 an S&D delegation helping support democracies and get back the assets which were labelled, so EU consumers can be decent jobs, a good education therefore believe that the Israeli- led by our president, Hannes good governance throughout stolen by former dictators and sure they are not buying products and equal opportunities for all. Palestinian peace process must Swoboda, made a ground- the world. Our MEPs have their cronies. We want the EU from illegally occupied territory. And they deserve it – particularly be anchored in the fundamental breaking trip to Tehran, the headed EU election-observation to provide legal and technical the women who actively helped principles of international law, first parliamentary contact with missions around the globe, assistance to help the people get bring down the dictatorships. namely human rights law and Iran in six years. Subsequent helping countries strengthen back what is rightly theirs. developments, like the signing of their democracies, shake off dark international humanitarian law.

PHOTO ABOVE LEFT: Hannes Swoboda (S&D Group President) meeting with Mustapha Ben Jafaar (President of the National Constituent Assembly), Tunisia, 16 December 2013 PHOTO ABOVE RIGHT: Hannes Swoboda (S&D Group President) meeting with Isaac Herzog (chairman of the Israeli Labor Party), Israel, 25 July 2012 12 13 Our alternative vision for a progressive Europe in the world TRADE AND AID - CO-OPERATING FOR PROGRESS

or build a life of dignity for items we take for granted, from themselves and their daughters. smartphones to clothes. The TRADE AND AID - CO-OPERATING European development money has people who own these basic proven very effective in boosting materials should get the benefits FOR PROGRESS healthcare and family planning, and EU companies must respect combating extreme poverty and that. We want a strong legal getting children into school. It framework to make sure Boosting workers’ rights North America and Latin America Group see a bright new era should stay that way. However, European companies operate and social protection to promote trade flows between ahead for Africa, where there we will not stand for European transparently, protect the us, creating jobs whilst respecting can be huge economic growth, ■ Using our trade deals to insist taxpayers’ money going to environment and workers’ our progressive social and millions of new jobs, millions on improved social standards governments who do not respect rights and pay taxes in the environmental standards. more children in school and can make a real difference. human rights for all or who allow countries where they operate. better access to clean water. We Colombia was one of the most corruption to flourish. Where the Thanks to the Socialists and ■ Unfortunately, in some parts of want to work with our African dangerous places in the world to EU has led on development, others Democrats, tough new EU the world, child labour is still neighbours as equal partners to be a member of a trade union, have followed. laws will soon come into effect common, forcing children out boost fair trade and make better but our insistence on including making EU companies abide by of school and into dangerous use of development assistance measures to protect workers and The EU has pledged to these high standards. work. We can make it clear that and natural resources. trade unions in a recent EU trade eradicate extreme poverty, we will not accept this practice. deal has already had positive step up the fight against HIV/ ■ Unfortunately the need for We have put a trade agreement ■ We are proud that the EU is results. We will continue to hold AIDS and tackle inequalities. We humanitarian aid is also increasing. with Uzbekistan on hold until the world’s largest donor of countries such as Colombia to wholeheartedly support these Despite the fact that humanitarian it improves its abysmal human- development aid to poorer account, making sure workers get aims – but more progress has aid amounts to 1% of the EU an exciting opportunity for young rights record. Despite pressure countries. An efficient, better rights and the brave trade to be made and efforts must be budget, irresponsible conservative people and a very welcome boost from the conservatives, we were co-ordinated and coherent unionists who stand up for them stepped up for the long term. We austerity has jeopardised our to resources. not prepared to back a deal with EU development policy is the get the protection they deserve. will fight to maintain our support ability to respond under pressure. a country that systematically most powerful way to lift people for the world’s poorest and make We want to stop this and endorses forced child labour. out of poverty and provide sure that EU countries live up to make sure the EU is always ■ Latin America has long been We want to see a system of opportunities for those seeking their commitments of spending ready and equipped to help. an important partner for us, traceability introduced, so that a better life both at home and 0.7% of GDP on international Who knows when and where however the continent still faces European consumers can ensure abroad. We want education development aid. This spending the next Fukushima-style disaster huge problems of poverty and their purchases do not put and healthcare to be at the target must be a genuine one, will strike? inequality. We want to work money in the pockets of such very heart of EU development with new money that has not with Latin American countries nasty regimes. policy. Special attention committed elsewhere, and funds ■ To complement Europe’s financial to create an ambitious plan to should be given to the many should be directed towards efforts, we want to see an army promote social standards and women and girls in developing health and education. of professional EU volunteers human rights. With booming A helping hand to the world’s countries who, without access established to work on economies such as Brazil and poorest to education, will never be able ■ The EU should ensure Africa’s humanitarian-relief operations, Mexico on the rise, we want to to claim their rights or have the ■ For too long Africa has been a raw materials are not plundered boosting the work done by boost dialogue between Europe, power to make their own choices forgotten continent. The S&D by foreign companies to produce professionals. This would be both

PHOTO ABOVE: S&D Group President Hannes Swoboda with Ollanta Humala, President of Peru, December 2012

14 15 Our alternative vision for a progressive Europe in the world Boosting jobs and growth

Boosting jobs and growth

We see trading with the rest of the stage, from Africa to the Middle finding solutions to international world as a key to helping us get our East. We depend on China for problems, from the crisis in Syria economies back on track after the many everyday items, from fridges to supporting unsavoury regimes crisis. We have fought to make to mobile phones. We want to and forcing local people off their sure Europeans benefit from see our companies expanding land in Africa. The EU plays by cheaper, high-quality products their business in China and international rules and we expect ranging from household Chinese investors coming to China to do so as well. appliances to medicines. do business here. We need a And fair, balanced trade deals frank and open discussion so can offer EU companies new that we can work together and Welcoming new EU countries opportunities, creating new jobs overcome our differences. ■ EU enlargement has also brought and strengthening our economies. success and growth for Europe. Only a strong EU can negotiate As well as bringing stability The Socialists and Democrats effectively with China. The to our neighbourhood and want to be reliable partners to our Socialists and Democrats will promoting our social standards, allies around the world. We want continue to tell our Chinese enlarging the EU is a boost to to deepen our relationships with partners that Europeans do not our economies, opening up countries such as China and Russia, want products made by forced new markets and opportunities but be frank and firm where we labour and we will not turn a for European businesses, and need to. We want to go and do blind eye when dissidents are bringing fresh energy and growth business with emerging powers silenced. We want to work with to new and old partners. such as Brazil, India and South China so that we can agree Africa, and look at how we can standards on environmental work together on a whole range protection, promoting of issues from improving workers’ corporate responsibility rights to increasing investment. and transparency, and stepping up the fight against counterfeiting, which puts low- Emerging economies quality, potentially risky goods on the market and endangers ■ China is one of the world’s millions of European jobs. We will fastest-growing economies and continue to make it known that wields huge power on the world we expect more flexibility in

16 Our alternative vision for a progressive Europe in the world DRIVING THE EU-US TRADE TALKS

Finally, we will not allow hard-won social protections in the EU to be undermined. We therefore oppose proposed investment rules for firms and the so-called ‘investor-state dispute settlement mechanism’. We have DRIVING THE EU-US TRADE TALKS grave concerns that this could give big firms too much power to block EU policies they do not like – such as new environmental or health legislation – and it could tie the hands of EU member states and open the gates for Together, the EU and the US account for almost half of the world’s economy and one third of world trade, with multinationals and investors to sue EU countries. A similar arrangement in Australia allowed a tobacco giant to sue millions of jobs dependent on this trade. However, our relative share has been declining over the past decade due the government over plain-packaging rules for cigarettes, introduced in the interests of public health. We want to to the rise of mighty economies such as China and Brazil. This decline, coupled with the financial crisis and rising see any legal challenges to EU policies addressed transparently through our existing, reliable legal systems. unemployment, means both the EU and US have to act – and fast. This is why we fully support talks to boost and open up trade between the EU and the US.

A trade deal between our economies could create millions of new jobs, promote growth, cut red tape and “A trade partnership with the US could have huge benefits on unlock huge amounts of investment. We want to see an agreement which creates high-quality jobs, benefits EU both sides of the Atlantic. We are not willing to sacrifice consumers with cheaper prices and better quality, and which opens opportunities for EU industries and companies our social and environmental standards or fundamental to sell their goods and services in the US. rights – including data protection – for the sake of it Within the European Parliament, the S&D Group is in a leading position to influence these talks and give ” the final say on whether the EU agrees to the outcome. Before we approve any deal we want to make sure that it protects the environment and human health – especially on genetically modified food and the use of hormones – and does not jeopardise our high-quality public services. We will not settle for a reduction in the health and safety or consumer-protection standards which we enjoy in the EU.

Just as we are frank with all our partners around the world, we have also been critical of the USA for failing to sign up to international standards on workers’ rights. We want to see the US uphold the rights of European employees within EU companies based in the US and we will continue to defend the highest levels of workers’ rights and use it as an opportunity to stop the downward spiral of wages and conditions.

When news broke about the huge US surveillance scandal, we were quick to express our outrage. We called for negotiations to be suspended until the United States could give us satisfactory assurances and explanations of why their intelligence agencies had been illegally collecting huge amounts of our personal data – from emails to Facebook messages and even bugging EU offices. The right-wing in Europe appear to be untroubled by this scandal; they are happy to allow trade talks to push ahead, without a murmur about the murky behaviour of the US intelligence services. For us, the right to privacy for European citizens’ personal data is a fundamental right. We will not allow this to be negotiable. “We want a trade agreement with the US which creates jobs, boosts the economy and benefits consumers. We will make sure it safeguards our public services, protects the environment and our rights at work” The S&D Group hosted a conference on the EU-US trade agreement which took place in the European Parliament in Brussels on 16 October 2013

18 19 Our alternative vision for a progressive Europe in the world A cleaner, safer Europe

A cleaner, safer Europe

The EU’s approach to the global ■ The EU must continue to act ■ As well as binding climate-change challenges of the 21st century must constructively in international commitments, we need long- also focus on the international issues climate negotiations. We want term disaster risk-reduction that affect our daily lives and our international efforts through plans so that EU assistance helps planet, creating a better future for us the UN streamlined towards a food producers in vulnerable all. For the Socialists and Democrats new climate-change deal. At areas build resilience to climate there is no doubt that climate the Paris talks in 2015 we want conditions which destroy change is a global emergency – to deliver a binding global climate communities around the world we only need at look to the freak agreement and will take the lead and drive up the cost of living weather conditions which have in ensuring that the commitments at home. Climate change has struck the EU in recent years – and are honoured. The EU needs to already wreaked havoc on farmers we will drive the EU’s efforts to show lead by example by implementing around the world threatening the global leadership on environmental its commitments and by food we take for granted on our issues. At the same time the EU adopting ambitious targets both supermarket shelves. From floods must promote sustainable economic on reducing emissions and on in Asia to drought in the Horn growth and competitiveness for finance. Special interests must of Africa, vast areas of farmland our industries. A major part of this be put aside for the sake of both have been destroyed, livelihoods transformation must be decisive current and future generations. have been ruined and the price action to upgrade Europe’s energy of basic foods has rocketed. The networks to drive down energy bills ■ Many poorer countries are EU must do more to ensure ‘food and create a secure, sustainable hardest hit by the effects of security’ for our citizens and those energy supply for the future. climate change, although they did in vulnerable countries. not cause it. We want to secure economic support for developing ■ The S&D Group considers Stepping up the fight against countries both to deal with the access to water and sanitation climate change major consequences of climate to be a fundamental human change and to find greener right. We will push the EU, ■ We believe that if the EU leads solutions for their economic international institutions and the way and takes on the development. We want to governments to guarantee this challenge of climate action now, see industrialised countries right for everyone. For us water is it will be the winner tomorrow. provide developing countries a public good, not a commodity. The countries that sit back and do with adequate financial and Not only will guaranteeing nothing will lose. Climate action technological support. The everyone access to safe water is not only necessary, it is an current economic crisis must not improve sanitation and save opportunity to create new be used as a pretext for inaction millions of lives from disease, jobs and sustainable growth. or for holding back funding for but improving access to water adaptation measures in the EU will prevent future conflicts and and developing countries. disputes over land. Fishing boats, Ghana, September 2013

20 Our alternative vision for a progressive Europe in the world SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR EUROPE

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR EUROPE

Action abroad to drive down should allow the Commission exchange technological know- energy bills at home to negotiate on their behalf how, especially in the field of when dealing with major energy safe nuclear energy, renewables ■ Across the EU millions of hard- suppliers. We also want to see and energy efficiency. working families are struggling all international agreements in to manage rising energy bills. the field of energy assessed by The EU needs to tackle this head the Commission before they are on by creating a genuine single signed, to make sure they are market for energy companies, compatible with the EU’s long- improving our infrastructure, term energy and climate goals. investing in green technologies and reducing our reliance on ■ For too long the EU has been foreign imports. Only by doing hooked on fossil fuels. We want this will we drive down energy an energy mix which will meet prices and ensure we have a our climate-change targets and cleaner, safer planet. environmental goals as well as guaranteeing secure and ■ At present the EU is not pulling its affordable energy for all. We weight on the world stage when want greater investment in energy it comes to energy negotiations. efficiency and infrastructure This leaves some member states, which would create thousands and the EU as a whole, vulnerable of new jobs and boost the to the largest energy supply and economy. The S&D Group want transit countries – as we have to see a major push towards seen when countries like Russia renewable energies with have threatened to turn off the clear EU targets and policies to taps. The EU needs to speak with achieve a sustainable and clean one voice and use its combined energy economy by 2050, with a strength in international special focus on consumer rights negotiations. We need to and affordable energy. diversify our energy mix by sourcing energy from different ■ We want to build better suppliers and reducing our energy connections with our reliance on Russia. EU countries neighbouring countries and

The S&D Group hosted An Alternative Energy Summit discussing a Progressive Energy Plan for Europe with Jeremy Rifkin - an economic and social theorist, writer, political advisor and activist as well as president of the Foundation on Economic Trends. Bibliothèque Solvay, Brussels, 1 February 2011 22 ABOUT THE S&D GROUP

The Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and We stand for an inclusive European society based on Democrats (the S&D Group) is the second largest political principles of solidarity, equality, diversity, freedom and group in the European Parliament with 194 members from fairness. We promote social justice, jobs and growth, all 28 EU member states. consumer rights, sustainable development, financial market reforms and human rights to create a stronger and more democratic Europe and a better future for all citizens.

Arab Spring Conference, Tunisia, 29–30 March 2012

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© 2014 v1 Printed and published: Anna Colombo, Secretary General, S&D Group in the European parliament, rue Wiertz, 1047, Brussels