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| Socialists and Democrats (S&D) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Socialists and Democrats (S&D) |
| Founded | 1953 (as Confederation of Socialist Parties) |
| Ideology | Social democracy, democratic socialism |
| Position | Centre-left to left-wing |
| Seats1 title | European Parliament |
Socialists and Democrats (S&D) is the centre-left political group in the European Parliament representing social democratic, democratic socialist and labour parties across European Union member states. The group traces organisational lineage to post‑war alignments among parties such as the Labour Party (UK), Socialist Party (France), and Social Democratic Party of Germany and has acted as a major bloc alongside European People's Party (EPP), Renew Europe, and the Greens–European Free Alliance since the first directly elected Parliament in 1979. S&D has been involved in legislative coalitions related to the Treaty of Lisbon, the European Green Deal, and social policy dossiers debated with the European Commission and the Council of the European Union.
The group originated from post‑World War II cooperation among parties like the Italian Socialist Party, Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, and Netherlands Labour Party and formalised in configurations such as the Confederation of Socialist Parties of the European Community and later the Socialist Group (European Parliament). During the Cold War era S&D allies engaged with actors including the Council of Europe and the International Labour Organization while navigating relations with the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and NATO members such as Norway and Denmark. Key transformations occurred after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the 1990s enlargement, when parties like the Social Democratic Party of Finland and the Swedish Social Democratic Party reshaped the group's platform, leading to renaming events connected to figures such as Franco Frattini and institutional changes tied to the Maastricht Treaty and the Treaty of Amsterdam. The group adapted to enlargement waves including the accession of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic and engaged in debates over the Lisbon Treaty and Eurozone governance reforms.
S&D operates within the European Parliament with an internal Bureau, a Presidency, and affiliated parliamentary staff coordinating with national delegations from parties like the Socialist Party (Portugal), Party of European Socialists, and the Bulgarian Socialist Party. The group liaises with the Party of European Socialists and national trade unions such as the European Trade Union Confederation, think tanks like the European Policy Centre and Bruegel, and research institutions such as the European University Institute. Legislative work is organised into committees including Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, and Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, with rapporteurs collaborating across delegations from parties like Die Linke and the Finnish Centre Party on amendments and plenary coordination with the European Commission’s Commissioners such as former Commissioners from Spain and Sweden.
S&D espouses ideologies associated with the Party of European Socialists and national formations including the Labour Party (UK), Social Democratic Party of Germany, Parti Socialiste (France), and Spanish Socialist Workers' Party. Positions emphasize social welfare frameworks debated with policymakers from European Central Bank officials and negotiators from European Council summits chaired by leaders like Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron, and José Manuel Barroso in contexts involving the Stability and Growth Pact and the European Semester. On climate and energy S&D engages with the European Green Deal and institutions such as the European Investment Bank, while on external affairs it coordinates stances regarding NATO partners and responses to crises involving states like Russia and Ukraine. The group supports labour protections referencing conventions of the International Labour Organization and directives originating from the European Commission.
The group comprises MEPs from member parties of the Party of European Socialists as well as non-affiliated national parties with social democratic orientation such as the Social Democrats (Denmark), Austrian Social Democratic Party, Greek PASOK, and Portuguese Socialist Party. Delegations range from large national parties like Italian Democratic Party and Polish Civic Platform (historically allied in some votes) to smaller parties from Malta and Luxembourg, with leadership elected from prominent parliamentarians including former presidents and rapporteurs who have worked with institutions like the European Court of Auditors. The composition shifts after European elections influenced by national contests such as those in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Poland.
S&D functions as a major political group shaping legislation through committee work, plenary votes, and negotiations with groups such as the European People's Party (EPP), Identity and Democracy, and Renew Europe. The group has supplied candidates for positions like President of the European Parliament and negotiated appointments to the European Commission alongside representatives such as Ursula von der Leyen and former Commissioners like Neven Mimica. S&D often forms coalitions on directives related to social policy, digital regulation debated with the European Court of Justice, and budgetary files connected to the Multiannual Financial Framework.
Electoral outcomes for S&D reflect national party performances in European Parliament elections, with significant campaigns in the 1994, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024 elections involving leaders such as Franco Frattini, Guy Verhofstadt, and national prime ministers from parties like Labour Party (UK), Social Democratic Party of Germany, and Parti Socialiste (France). The group’s seat share has fluctuated relative to the European People's Party (EPP), influenced by mobilisations linked to crises such as the 2008 financial crisis, the Eurozone crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical events involving Russia and Ukraine.
S&D has faced criticism from parties on its left such as Die Linke and extra‑parliamentary movements including Trade Union Confederation affiliates for perceived compromises with centrist groups like the EPP or for positions on austerity during negotiations over the Stability and Growth Pact. Controversies have involved debates over relations with national leaders implicated in corruption investigations (e.g., scandals in Italy and Greece), internal disputes between national delegations such as tensions between Spanish Socialist Workers' Party and Podemos-aligned actors, and criticism over policy stances on enlargement decisions concerning countries like Turkey and accession of Western Balkan states including Serbia and Montenegro.
Category:European Parliament groups