05/02/2009
Conservative Czech Presidency faces defeat on child care targets
Socialist and Social Democratic Ministers from Spain, Hungary and Slovenia agreed they would oppose any attempt to water down or drop EU child care targets.
The Ministers, meeting in Prague before the start of the Informal Council of Family Policy Ministers, agreed that improved child care across Europe was vital for higher educational standards, for opportunity and equality for parents and children alike, and an important means to achieve the EU’s Lisbon Agenda.
Taking part in the meetings were Spanish Secretary of State Amparo Valcarce, Hungarian Minister Erika Sz?cs, Slovene Secretary of State Anja Kopac Mrak, and the President of PES Women Zita Gurmai.
“I am delighted that Ministers from PES member parties will oppose any downward revision of EU child care targets” said Zita Gurmai. “The Czech Presidency might want to cut social and environmental standards but let this little episode be a warning to them. We would support the child care targets in all circumstances but the timing of the Czech Presidency attack on child care targets, at a time of rising unemployment and insecurity, is particularly insensitive and frankly insulting.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Julian Scola, Communications Advisor - Media & Campaigns
Party of European Socialists, Rue du Trône, 98, B-1050 Brussels
Mobile +32 486 117 394
julian.scola@pes.org
