PES Europe Ministers call for greater respect for democracy

PES Europe Ministers call for greater respect for democracy

The Chair, German Minister for Europe Michael Roth, reiterated the network’s strong commitment to keep a close eye on the state of democracy across Europe.

Michael Roth said:

“We reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law in the European Union. Democracy, the rule of law and human rights are core EU values and cannot be bent. I congratulate the commitment and efforts of the EU Commission’s First Vice President Frans Timmermans in this matter. His work is very important for Europe and we will continue to support it.”

Roth added:

“The European Council in December must send a strong message of unity and progress in Europe. We want a Europe that protects, that cares and that is sustainable. This should apply in all policies, from migration to the deepening of the Economic and Monetary Union. We reaffirm our commitment to implement all pledges of the European Pillar of Social Rights.”

The meeting was attended by:

  • Michael Roth, Minister of State for Europe, Network Chair (Germany)

  • Helena Dalli, Minister for European Affairs and Equality (Malta)

  • Ana Paula Zacarias, Secretary of State for European Affairs (Portugal)

  • Marco Aguiriano, Secretary of State for the EU (Spain)

  • George Katrougalos, Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs (Greece) (Observer)

  • Frazer Clarke, Deputy Secretary General of the S&D Group, European Parliament

  • Yonnec Polet, PES Deputy Secretary General