June 25, 2014
After the results of the European elections on May 25, what are our national leaders so afraid of for our common European future? When reading the leaked “strategic agenda for the Union in times of change” that will be adopted by Heads of State and Government at the Council meeting starting tomorrow, my attention was… » read more
Posted by Social Platform
June 10, 2014
Only two weeks after the European elections, I have the feeling that most people have turned away from the Brussels process of appointing the next President of the European Commission. There may be many reasons for this, but I think that at least one of these is that the process is particularly unclear and not… » read more
Posted by Social Platform
June 3, 2014
Last week our national leaders met for dinner to discuss the results of the European elections. As at many family dinners there were quite a few hot issues to be discussed and no solutions were found by dessert. The nomination of the next President of the European Commission – earlier in the day, the presidents… » read more
Posted by Social Platform
May 28, 2014
I read the results of Sunday’s European elections as the consequences of going against our common European mission and values. Some of us have thrown away our democratic rights. The right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracies obtained at a very high price and after many struggles. And yet on Sunday we witnessed… » read more
Posted by Social Platform
May 20, 2014
Shall the EU have an EU framework on minimum wage? As Social Platform we said that we would like to see EU standards for a minimum wage as part of our EU minimum social floor. That is our intention – so that it can benefit all people who cannot make ends meet at the end… » read more
Posted by Social Platform
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European Commission, European Union, Growth, Growth and Jobs, Uncategorized, Unemployment |
May 13, 2014
I was born on May 9, the day of the European Union. But I feel that I was made European for other reasons – decided by member states themselves in 1992. Last week I was on a train with three friends from the village where I live who were passionately debating the Belgian federal and… » read more
Posted by Social Platform
May 6, 2014
Last week we were at the meeting of Ministers of Employment and Social Affairs. One thing struck me during our 24 hours in Athens: a key argument included in our contribution that “member states with good social welfare policies are among the most competitive and prosperous countries in the world” was supported by other participants.… » read more
Posted by Social Platform
April 29, 2014
We are in Greece today to address the ministers of Employment and Social Affairs during their informal EPSCO meeting. At a time when the crisis is still producing its worst effects such as poverty and unemployment, we come to our political representatives with a crystal clear message: EU countries need to put in place adequate… » read more
Posted by Social Platform
April 22, 2014
Last week was the last European Parliament session before the European elections in May. It may have been the last session but it cannot be said that there was much free time for farewells. Our elected European representatives had to vote on, among others, a banking union, bank accounts, aid from the European Union Solidarity… » read more
Posted by Social Platform
