According to the Euractiv media, only 4 out of 10 Europeans manage to mention the name of a Spitzenkandidat. In the run-up to the 26 May elections, it can sometimes be difficult to have visibility on the different proposals of the European parties. In order to help voters to refine their choices, Ipse has analysed their programs and outlined the priorities of each group in the social field. The EPP, the European People’s Party, brings together various right-wing and center-right trends. While the S & D, the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament is the main center-left group. These two formations constitute the most important parliamentary groups in the current legislature.

Poverty and exclusion
The EPP strategy on poverty and exclusion is based on reducing inequalities between different regions of Europe and between cities and the countryside. Job creation, especially among young people, is the main lever to protect against poverty. The S & D, meanwhile, emphasizes on the recognition of new forms of work so that people in these professions can be protected and have union representation. They advocate for quality employment, training and a social safety net for all. Investment in public infrastructure and the introduction of a minimum wage in the EU are also part of the proposed solutions.

Housing
The S & D wants to develop a plan for affordable housing. It is also about giving cities better access to European funds. The displayed policy also involves helping the poorest families to optimize the energy efficiency of their homes. This area is not included in the EPP program.

Education and lifelong learning.
Both parties place a lot of importance on this theme. The EPP focuses mainly on the digital skills that are essential in our society as well as on equal opportunities. (In addition, inclusion also means better access for people with disabilities to the European institutions, through the granting of a card allowing them to benefit from these services). From the S & D perspective, the equitable treatment of vulnerable groups in education must be strengthened. All workers must have the right to lifelong learning and training leave. Informal skills must be recognized in accordance with the Council Recommendation of 2012.

Social Protection
Given the recent upheavals in the labor market, one of the S & D priorities is the recognition of platform workers so that they can benefit from adequate protection. Likewise, the situation of young people needs to be addressed. Many of them do not have a decent standard of living and are in a precarious situation. This must be remedied, which will further trigger pension improvements. The establishment of a minimum pension above the poverty line is also part of their demands.
For the EPP, economic stabilization and securing pensions requires to respect the decisions taken at European level on public finances. They also aim to create 5 million new jobs and expand the Erasmus program to include people in vocational training. They also affirm their attachment to the digital giants taking their responsibilities. For this, European safeguards must be respected.

So in both programs therefore attention is paid to the inclusion of youth. A desire to adapt to the digital society, a theme prized by Ipse is also highlighted. These few elements of course do not sum up all the diversity and complexity of the proposals of both parties in social matters but can already give you some indications. The main thing is that you can express your opinion on May 26th.