S&D Euro MPs today strongly criticise the European Commission for failing to present concrete proposals to strengthen the social dimension of the eurozone.

Said French socialist and Chair of the Employment and social affairs committee Pervenche Berès:

« The Commission received in December a clear mandate from EU heads of state and government to include social provisions in the reform of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

« Yet the present proposals are lightweight. The Commission has failed to deliver a roadmap or any concrete actions regarding the social dimension of the EMU  just a week before the next European summit.

« Instead, the Commission is recycling old measures to fight youth unemployment and support small and medium size enterprises.

« The Commission is lacking ambition. The social dimension of EMU goes far beyond tackling youth unemployment.

Said S&D spokesman for Employment and social affairs Alejandro Cercas:

« We, Socialists and Democrats, believe that the eurozone must be built on a strong socialUnion.

« We are calling for binding targets to fight unemployment, reduce poverty and social exclusion.

« We also demand that EU governments invest at least 6% of their GDP in education and 3% in research and development. EU governments have agreed targets to bring down their deficits to 3% of GDP, but they should also commit to investing for the future.

« ShiftingEuropetowards a social union is the only way to avoid people turning their backs on the European project. »