Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats

Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats
Name	Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats
Abbreviation	S&D
Foundation	23 June 2009
Predecessor	Party of European Socialists (Parliamentary group)
Ideology	Social democracy, Progressivism, Pro-Europeanism
Position	Centre-left
Europarl	136 / 720
Colours	Red
Website	https://www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu/

Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats is the political group in the European Parliament representing the centre-left. Formed in June 2009, it succeeded the Socialist Group in the European Parliament and serves as the parliamentary arm of the Party of European Socialists. The group advocates for social democracy, economic justice, and a strong, cohesive European Union.

History

The group's origins trace back to the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community, where socialist members first organized. It evolved through various names, including the Socialist Group, which operated from 1953 until the Treaty of Lisbon era. The formal establishment of its current identity followed the 2009 European Parliament election, aligning with the renamed Party of European Socialists network. Key historical moments include its consistent role in forming majorities with the European People's Party and influencing landmark legislation like the European Green Deal and the NextGenerationEU recovery plan. The group has been pivotal during crises, shaping the EU's response to the European debt crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe.

Political position and ideology

Ideologically, the group is committed to social democracy, progressivism, and staunch pro-Europeanism. Its core policy pillars include strengthening social welfare systems, advancing workers' rights through directives like the European Pillar of Social Rights, and combating climate change. It champions gender equality, LGBT rights, and a fair digital transition. The group occupies the centre-left of the European Parliament, often negotiating compromises with the European People's Party and the Renew Europe group. It strongly supports deepening European integration, reforming Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union, and upholding the rule of law against challenges from governments in Hungary and Poland.

Organisation and structure

The group is organized under a Bureau led by a President and several Vice-Presidents. It operates through thematic working groups and specialized committees that mirror those of the European Parliament, such as the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. Day-to-day administration is managed by a secretariat based in the Espace Léopold complex in Brussels. The group coordinates closely with the Party of European Socialists, national party leaders, and associated organizations like the Foundation for European Progressive Studies and the European Trade Union Confederation.

Leadership

The group is led by a President, elected from among its members. Notable past presidents include Martin Schulz of Germany, who later served as President of the European Parliament, and Gianni Pittella of Italy. The current president is Iratxe García Pérez from the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, the first woman to hold the position permanently. The leadership also includes Vice-Presidents representing various national delegations, such as Katarina Barley from Germany and Pedro Marques from Portugal. The President works in concert with the group's coordinators in parliamentary committees and maintains regular dialogue with figures like Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission.

Electoral performance

The group has consistently been one of the two largest forces in the European Parliament, though it has gradually lost ground to other groups like the European People's Party. In the 2014 European Parliament election, it won 191 seats, which decreased to 154 following the 2019 European Parliament election. Its strongest national delegations traditionally come from the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, the Social Democratic Party of Germany, and the Italian Democratic Party. Performance varies by region, with strong showings in Southern Europe but facing challenges from radical left and green parties in some Northern and Western member states.

Member parties

Membership consists of national parties affiliated with the Party of European Socialists and some independent aligned members. Major member parties include the Social Democratic Party of Germany, the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, the Italian Democratic Party, the Socialist Party (France), and the Labour Party (UK) prior to Brexit. Other significant delegations come from the Social Democratic Party (Portugal), the Romanian Social Democratic Party, and the Swedish Social Democratic Party. The group also includes associated members from non-EU countries under the European Parliament's constitutive treaty and maintains observer status for parties from candidate countries like Albania and Montenegro.

Category:Political groups of the European Parliament Category:Social democratic parties in Europe Category:2009 establishments in the European Union