The PES decision to introduce national legislative actions calling for a Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) has begun to gain in momentum. In the week when EU Finance Ministers again resisted calls to introduce an FTT at European level, the PES and Member Parties have forged ahead with plans to introduce actions in national parliaments.

Leading representatives of socialist and social democratic parties warned that the economic and financial crisis must not lead to weaker pension systems in Europe.

The warning came as attacks by Conservative Governments on Pensions increased across the continent. In France, trade union workers are heading into their 6th week of demonstrations against proposals by President Nicolas Sarkozy to raise the retirement age. This week also saw the UK Conservative Government announce plans to reduce public service pensions, while in Hungary, Prime Minister Orban has frozen state contributions to 2nd pillar pensions.

The PES congratulates Portuguese Socialist MEP Edite Estrela on her successfully adopted report on the Maternity Leave Directive. Today’s vote in the European Parliament to extend maternity leave from 14 to 20 weeks, plus the inclusion of two weeks of paternity leave, received large support.

Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding has announced the European Commission will not pursue infringement procedures against France.