European cooperation must focus on improving the lives of people and supporting the most vulnerable. 

The PES works closely with trade unions and social civil society, to develop concrete proposals towards a true Social Europe. These proposals are regularly discussed with progressive ministers and Prime Ministers, representatives from the member parties, our MEPs, our Commissioners, experts and representatives from civil society in the PES Employment and Social Affairs Ministers’ network and the PES Social Europe Network.

As the European Union faces the consequences of the economic crisis, close to 5million young people are without a job and often without hope. Since the beginning of the crisis, unemployment has steadily risen in Europe, affecting particularly young people. In some countries, one out of two people under 25 cannot find a job. 

This is why the PES will prioritize the fight against youth unemployment. On the initiative of a joint campaign by PES Women, YES – Young European Socialists and the PES, the EU endorsed a European Youth Guarantee in 2013.  Backed by a funding of 6 billion Euro, the Youth Guarantee shall ensure that every young person in Europe under 25 is offered a job, further education or work-focused training at the latest four months after leaving education or after becoming unemployed.  The PES will critically monitor and support the national implementation of the Youth Guarantee. We will continue our engagement in, favour of youth employment calling for the expansion of the funding for the Youth Guarantee. The Guarantee should be available for all young people under 30 years-old.

Moreover, the PES will work towards a more balanced macroeconomic coordination of the European Union that seriously takes into account social consequences of economic, fiscal and monetary policies. The PES is convinced that the economy must always serve the society, and not the other way round.

The PES achieved to bring discussions about the need for private and public investment back on the European agenda. We will ensure that the money goes immediately into areas with the greatest potential for job creation.