MARTIN SCHULZ PRIORITIES FOR THE EC

1. To fight against unemployment and boosting job creation will be the overarching theme for everything we do in the next five years. In five years, I want to be able to say we have made Europe once more the prime location for business, because the smart new products are developed in European labs, manufactured in European factories by European workers and shipped from European ports to the rest of the world!
2. To relaunch the economy by investing in smart re-industrialization programmes focused on innovation, research and training.

3. To establish a financial sector serving all Europeans by cutting bail out of banks and speculators’ activities.

4. To create a social Europe by redressing attacks on public services such as health, education and housing and to ensure economic freedoms do not outweigh social rights.

5. To fight for equality and women’s rights including their economic rights as well as their sexual and reproductive rights. All forms of discrimination will be fought.In five years, I want to say that we are closing the gender pay gap and more women are holding top jobs; because I want my daughter to have the same opportunities my son has.

6. To promte a diverse Union for a Europe that respects everyone’s rights and obligations. True solidarity amongst Europeans must be shown via a concerted effort to eliminate the last remains of extremism on our continent.

7. To promote safe, happy and healthy lives including food quality, safe consumer products and the right to protection of personal data and information should be guaranteed for all Europeans.

8. To promote a democratic Europe of equality and participation. Brussels must work for Europe’s citizens, not the other way around, and local and national governments must be respected and empowered.

9. To promote a green Europe by maintaining the EU’s global leadership in the fight against climate change, via intelligent investment in the green economy, renewable energy and smart technology. The protection of nature and natural resources must be addressed to both reduce our ecological footprint and bring down energy bills.

10. To carry Europe’s principles around the globe by promoting the universal principles of democracy, peace and respect for human rights, including women’s and children’s rights; to support social justice and play an important role in combatting global poverty.