The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) in the European Parliament was expected to adopt, at its evening meeting on 24 November in Strasbourg, its first contribution to the debate on the EU’s ‘2020 strategy’ for the next ten years, which emphasises the struggles against unemployment, the recession and inequality.

The document, obtained by Europolitics,is written according to the framework launched by the Commission on 24 November (see separate article). It proposes combining “strong, integrated and coherent” economic, social and environmental measures. This would mean making a single strategy out of the EU’s current commitments: the Lisbon strategy, the sustainable development strategy and the Stability and Growth Pact. Without losing any of the essential elements of the component parts, this ‘three in one’ strategy would follow several main objectives:

- a new order for sustainability

- maximum quality employment, decent working conditions and social integration for men and women

- struggle against poverty, inequality and insecurity

- knowledge economy with strong productivity

- social and territorial cohesion

- financial stability

ENDS JUSTIFY MEANS

But according to the Socialists, the new order will only be “credible” if the “necessary financial support” exists. It must undergo a thorough revision in the medium term under the multiannual financial framework 2007-2013, which would allow adequate resources to be provided for the new EU powers foreseen by the Lisbon Treaty and for certain “political emergencies,” such as energy or climate change. Putting in place a new post-2013 financial framework should also take into account future priorities.

In addition to changes in methods, a new governance based on a “better coordination and cooperation between the different political institutions” would also be indispensable. For example, it is necessary to make the connection between this ‘2020 strategy’ and the mandates of the new Commission and of Parliament or to involve national parliaments as much as possible at the stage of formulating political and national budgetary policies. Finally, the S&D group calls for a “vision of Europe to carry weight during globalisation” through an approach that is “more exhaustive and global” in its external action and that EU policies on development are totally integrated into the ‘2020 strategy’ for Europe.

The Socialists will publish another document including more details proposals on their various priorities, which will be updated based on proposals the Commission is due to make at the start of 2010. n