The Party of European Socialists (PES) is urging the European Union to strengthen connections with both Washington and Beijing. Unlike other pro-EU groups, such as the center-right and liberals, the initial draft of the electoral manifesto, noted by Euractiv, indicates the PES’s opposition to a regulatory ‘pause’ in the Green Deal.”
The manifesto, currently in the process of deliberation, will shape the Socialist party’s campaign for the upcoming EU elections. The definitive version is slated for approval during the party’s electoral congress in Rome on March 2.
After the Málaga congress on November 10, where EU socialists reached consensus on policy priorities for the upcoming term, the party’s leadership in Brussels formulated the manifesto. It was then shared with national parties for feedback, as disclosed by a source from PES to Euractiv.”
The preliminary version places greater emphasis on the European Union’s external aspect compared to the 2019 manifesto, particularly highlighting the necessity to “revitalize” collaboration agreements with third countries.
“We will strengthen EU cooperation with the US and China […] we will build a new partnership of equals with the Global South, including the launch of a new EU-Latin America Progressive Agenda and an Africa-EU Partnership on the economy, green energy, climate changes, migration and democracy,” the draft reads.
However, the strengthening of ties with Washington hinges significantly on the yet-to-be-determined outcome of the US presidential elections. This outcome could either witness the return of former President Donald Trump or, in general, a more domestically focused administration.
The early draft doesn’t explicitly outline political conditions for improving relations with Beijing. However, the Socialist Group (S&D) in the European Parliament has previously endorsed resolutions emphasizing human rights as a central consideration in EU-China relations.
Due to geopolitical shifts from Russia’s conflict with Ukraine and changes in the EU’s neighborhood, the draft manifesto calls for increased support for the EU’s defense industry, strengthened intelligence and cyber security cooperation, and backing for further enlargement steps.
Addressing heightened tensions during the Israel-Hamas war is a top foreign policy priority for the Socialists, with a significant Spanish influence. The draft proposes an international conference for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
Advocating a unified stance in EU foreign policy and a move towards majority decisions, the draft aligns with similar calls by the EPP and European Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová.
Furthermore, the draft manifesto urges the implementation of an ‘ambitious’ EU trade agenda promoting ‘binding social and environmental standards,’ a concern highlighted during the EU-Mercosur negotiations.
The preliminary manifesto opposes concerns about excessive regulations and a potential “regulatory” halt to green policies, advocated by French President Emmanuel Macron and echoed in the EPP’s initial manifesto. The draft emphasizes, “In the pursuit of achieving climate neutrality, no one should be left behind, and there should be no interruption,” stating the Green Deal should persist “with a red heart.”
Identified as the second most crucial priority, following “quality jobs for all,” is the introduction of a “Green Social Deal,” placing social policy and workers’ rights at the core of an ongoing green transition.
This is anticipated to be a fundamental element in the European Greens’ strategy, setting the stage for an electoral battleground where both parties will vie for voters.
In contrast to the EPP, the socialists maintain a focus on the environment and biodiversity as integral aspects of the Green Deal. Presently, the document does not reference farmers or agriculture, contributing to the EPP’s consolidation of its ‘farmer party’ image for the campaign.
On the financial front, the socialists reject austerity measures and suggest bolstering the bloc’s collective borrowing with a permanent EU investment capability, coupled with an ambitious European budget.
An augmented EU budget would support a “Made in Europe” approach, encompassing joint funding for projects of common European interest and an “Investment Plan for the Green and Digital Transitions” to drive reindustrialization and implement a circular economy.
In addressing the surge of the far right, the Socialists reaffirm their commitment to never crossing the “red line” of collaboration with them, asserting irreconcilable differences in values. They criticize conservatives and liberals for cooperating with the far right in various EU countries, cautioning voters about the serious threats posed to the rule of law, media freedom, and the rights of various groups.
Contrarily, the EPP emphasizes its rejection of a coalition with the far right at the EU level and expresses a preference for a pro-EU coalition with the Socialists, Greens, and Liberals.
In a direct critique of Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the socialists advocate for clear rules and sanctions to prevent EU funding from reaching autocratic governments undermining democratic institutions and fundamental rights.
On the topic of AI, unlike the EPP’s manifesto, which suggests that AI “should not be hindered,” the Socialists prioritize the “human in control” principle and advocate for regulation to ensure Europe “harnesses the power of AI.” They stress that the pursuit of profit by big tech companies should not take precedence over democracy or working conditions. Both manifestos underscore the importance of EU fundamental values and protection against online violence, harassment, and hate speech.
