About: austerity measures
S&D chief works for a progressive alliance away from ‘Orbánising’ EPP
There should be a clear distinction between the right and the left in European politics and the EU socialists should open the door to other anti-austerity progressive forces as well as to those who do not want to follow the “Orbánisation” of the centre-right, S&D leader Gianni Pittella told EURACTIV.com in an interview.
Alcohol makers brace for EU-wide mandatory labelling
Makers of spirits and beer are exploring self-regulatory solutions to show consumers the ingredients contained in the alcohol they drink. However, they find the Commission's timeline "too tight" and fear mandatory rules will eventually be imposed on them.
Greece did its part; now it’s the Eurogroup’s turn
Greece has made huge sacrifices and the government has made significant reforms. Now the ball is in the Eurogroup's court to provide the necessary certainty to both people and the markets via a debt deal, writes Roberto Gualtieri.
Socialists and Democrats lash out at centre-right, pledge to restore social justice
Europe's Socialists and Democrats hit out at conservative political parties across Europe and promised to end German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble’s policies. EURACTIV.com reports from Rome.
EU citizens send strong anti-nationalist message from Rome
Thousands of EU citizens gathered today (25 March) in Rome to celebrate but also deliver a wake-up call to their leaders to improve policies and address the rise of nationalism across Europe. EURACTIV.com reports from Rome.
Pittella: Socialists pushed ‘social agenda’ into Rome Declaration
The Rome Declaration will be balanced and contain strong references to social issues thanks to pressure exerted by the EU's socialist leaders, Gianni Pittella told EURACTIV.com.
Valetta and Athens insist ‘social pillar’ should be part of Europe’s future
Malta and Greece have pledged to work more closely even in a “coalition of the willing” to seek more social Europe. EURACTIV Greece reports.
US businesses push EU single market in face of populist headwinds
Lawmakers must move forward with EU single market integration now more than ever, the vice-president of the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union told EURACTIV.
Progressives accuse Merkel of pushing a North-South divide
Europe needs a radical change of its austerity-driven policies and not multiple speeds as Germany’s Angela Merkel suggests, high-ranking Social-Democrat, Green and leftist officials told Euractiv.com.
German SPD says Europe can back Athens without the IMF
In an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) deputy chairman Carsten Schneider insisted that the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) participation in the Greek bailout was not necessary. EURACTIV Greece reports.
Schulz’s departure paves way for leftist alliance in EU Parliament
The decision of former European Parliament President Martin Schulz to return to national politics came as a “relief” for the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) who now have their hands free to forge alliances with political parties on the left, S&D sources told EURACTIV in Strasbourg.
Syriza minister: Tajani represents the austerity establishment
Austerity widens social and economic disparities at the expense of the majority of people. EPP candidate for European Parliament President, Antonio Tajani, has always been a representative of the austerity establishment, Panagiotis Kouroumplis said in an interview with EURACTIV.com.
Pittella: ‘Small and big groups will be equal’ in my Parliament
If he becomes the next president of the European Parliament, Gianni Pittella, the candidate for the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group, promises to open a “new phase” in which all political groups have equal rights in shaping decisions.
Tajani: ‘I will be a president who fights for values’
As it continues to reduce public debt, Europe should stick to the "social economy model" and ensure no one is left behind by globalisation, Italian MEP Antonio Tajani, the European People's Party (EPP) group's candidate for the Parliament presidency, said in an interview with EURACTIV.com.
Socialists declare end to EU institution grand coalition
The European Parliament grand coalition between the right-wing European People’s Party (EPP) and the Socialist and Democrats (S&D group) is over and cannot be re-established, said its chief, Gianni Pittella, today (13 December) during a news conference in Strasbourg.
‘Stupid’ austerity has played into the hands of populism
Europe’s refusal to do away with austerity policies contributed to a huge external deficit across the Atlantic, while the EU remained in the black. That doesn’t mean we won though, warn Ernest Maragall and Jordi Angusto.
Austerity-hit citizens allowed to sue troika, ECJ rules
The European Court of Justice has ruled that EU citizens can now sue the troika if they believe their fundamental rights have been violated by austerity. EURACTIV Germany reports.
EU Parliament ‘Grand Coalition’ is at risk, party leaders admit
A dispute over who should be appointed as the next President of the EU Assembly as well as disagreement about austerity-driven policies have put the two biggest political parties in the European Parliament on a collision course that endangers the 'grand coalition', EURACTIV has learned.
Talks begin for left-wing ‘grand coalition’ in EU Parliament
Socialist MEPs are exploring a left-wing alternative to their traditional alliance with the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), which currently rules the European Parliament.
Britain’s Loach rages against EU austerity after Cannes win
British director Ken Loach launched a withering attack on austerity economics which he said had led the European Union to "near catastrophe", after winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival Sunday (22 May).
Irish PM calls election for 26 February
Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny on Wednesday (3 February) called parliamentary elections for 26 February in a small poll that could see disillusioned voters turn away from established parties to back political mavericks.
Pittella: Member states are to blame for the refugee deadlock
Europe is on the brink of collapse due to the “foolish and short-minded illusions” of EU member states, Gianni Pittella said in an interview with EURACTIV.
Varoufakis to launch new movement in Berlin
Former Greek Minister for Finance Yanis Varoufakis is planning a comeback - in Germany. EURACTIV Germany reports.