As global uncertainty grows, the urgency of fighting poverty and supporting the most vulnerable has never been greater.
That is the keynote message behind a letter sent on 27 November to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen by the leader of the Socialists and Democrats, Iratxe García.
Attached to the letter is an S&D anti poverty plan outlining concrete demands as the progressives’ contribution to the first-ever European strategy to end poverty by 2050, which is currently being prepared by the Commission.
The S&D Group says it has “long been at the forefront” of the fight for social justice and the eradication of poverty.
It welcomes the Commission President’s commitment to address the root causes of poverty and to present the first European anti-poverty strategy.
Next week, the European Parliament’s committee on employment and social affairs will vote on the anti-poverty report, which is being negotiated on behalf of the S&D Group by MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin.
The S&D Group says it expects its contributions to be reflected in an ambitious European anti-poverty strategy, due next spring.
Iratxe García, S&D Group leader, said: “93 million Europeans – one in five people in our Union, including 20 million children, nearly one in four – struggle to buy enough food, heat their homes, or access proper education and healthcare.”
The Spanish MEP added: “It is Europe’s moral duty to act. But it is also vital for our democracy and prosperity. History teaches us that people who have nothing to lose turn to extremes.
“We simply cannot afford to treat social urgency and security urgency as two competing priorities. Only by investing in people can we strengthen our collective capacity to ensure that Europe is safe and prosperous.”
Further comment on the issue came from Gaby Bischoff, S&D vice-president for social Europe.
She added: “Ending poverty must be based on the fair redistribution of resources and opportunities to ensure social justice, shared prosperity, gender equality and the well-being of all people.
“This requires strong democratic institutions acting in the name of the people. Quality jobs, well designed social protection systems and equal opportunities, especially in training and education, are essential in the fight against poverty.
“What is particularly important for us is to do everything we can to protect children. We are pleased to see that our longstanding plea to step up the efforts to end child poverty is finally being addressed. It is time to strengthen the Child Guarantee with a dedicated fund of at least €20 billion.”
The deputy went on: “This is essential to prevent and combat social exclusion through education, healthcare, and other essential public services.”
