In his speech, Stanishev stressed the important role of young people in politics, stating that “We cannot go forward while looking backwards. We must face the challenges by offering bold solutions for changing social and economic environment in Europe. Young people often deny politics, but it needs them. They are the most affected by the unprecedented crisis provoked by the neoliberal model in Europe. The result of it in some countries is over 50% of youth unemployment. We run the risk of a lost generation, which will fail to realize on the labour market. Their voice must be heard. The Youth Guarantee was introduced as a result of our efforts. Now it is necessary to increase the funds in it and to extend its reach to all young people under the age of 30, in order to give them a better start on the labour market”.

Stanishev commented on the challenges facing the social democrats in Europe. In his words, after the neoliberal model’s crash, it is time for a strong social and investment policy, to which the socialists must be the driving force.

“For years the conservative parties claimed that the market is fair and can regulate itself. It is clear to all that this is not the case, and more policies aimed towards the people are needed. Here comes the role of the socialists, as we have always argued for more investments in new jobs. The Juncker investment plan is a fact thanks to us. It is important now to stand up for more investment in education and innovation, access to finance for the small and medium sized enterprises, keeping the regional principle, in order for the plan to have a macroeconomic effect, which is necessary to overcome the crisis” – said the MEP.

During a committee hearing on Monday Stanishev informed his colleagues that he has renounced his own immunity twice in two consecutive mandates in his capacity as a member of the Bulgarian Parliament so that the investigation could proceed. He explained that the General Prosecutor’s Office has offered him a deal to cease the case and pay an administrative fine of 1000 Euro, but he had refused it as he insists on clearing his name and wants the Bulgarian court to have its say on these absurd allegations against him.

Commenting on the decision taken today by the EP, Stanishev said: I requested a fast-track procedure because I do not wish to see the European Parliament turned into arena for national political passions. Surely by doing this we would not contribute for the positive image of our country in the European institutions. It is indeed well known in Bulgaria that the case against me is politically motivated.

In 2009 there was a strong political pressure to launch this investigation against Stanishev, BSP leader at the time. PM Boyko Borissov personally stated at the time: ‘The Prosecutors have a lot of work. If this time all the people involved, starting with the authors, the holders and the ones who are in possession of the documents do not go to jail, the future holds nothing good for this country’.

In 2009 even a special Parliamentary Committee was established, nick-named the “Anti-Stanishev Committee”, which was eventually dissolved as it did not achieve the political objectives it was created for. As nothing else could be found, the case of these 7 “lost” documents was made up. This is barely 0.2% of all the classified information that goes through the hands of the Prime Minister, and there is in fact solid eyewitness testimony that I have returned the documents to the competent services, Stanishev added.

‘The political headline of the time was how detrimental for Bulgaria Stanishev and the 3-party coalition were, which heavily damaged the country both in financial and social aspect. However, time puts everything in its place. Every reasonable Bulgarian citizen can draw his own conclusions. Public debt was brought down from 30% in 2005 to 13% of GDP in 2009. More than 360 000 new jobs were created and the average salaries and pensions sharply increased. This is the ‘damage’ done by my government. Today it is already clear that the 4-party coalition ruling the country now will put the burden of 16 bln Leva of additional debt on the shoulders of the Bulgarian citizens while at the same time they have no idea how to create new jobs or to increase incomes’, Stanishev said.

‘I believe that the Bulgarian court will have its just say on these absurd accusations’, Stanishev concluded.

Stanishev expressed deep concerns of the socialist family regarding the deteriorating political situation in the country. He pointed out that until the government takes the initiative to restore the political dialogue, the mediation of European institutions will not solve the internal issue of Macedonia.

“It is no longer about the dialogue between the parties, it is about upholding the basic democratic standards and principles, which are an integral part of the negotiation process. The attacks against the opposition leader only raise the question whether we can really trust the judicial system, which is already criticized for selective administration of justice under the influence of the ruling party” added the MEP.

“Otherwise, the prospects of starting negotiations for Macedonia’s membership in the EU will recede even more” Stanishev said in his conclusion, who is also deputy chairman of the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee EU-Macedonia

The Group of Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament took a formal position on Greece’s debt crisis during the plenary session in Strasbourg. The topic will be one of the main of the preparatory meeting of the Heads of States and Prime Ministers from PES before the European Council meeting on the 12^th of February.

The position states: “The Group of Socialists and Democrats and the PES family have a unique opportunity and obligation to help in finding a fair and progressive political solution to the crisis in Greece. Common plan for reform and stabilization of the country is needed, which will replace the current plan for debt repayment, made by the Troika. The plan should be made by the European Commission and the Council under the supervision of the European Parliament, and to meet the expectations of the Greek people, while being acceptable to all Member States. Urgent measures to stabilize the market and prevent a deepening of the financial crisis are needed. We call on the European Central Bank to provide additional liquidity to the Greek banks”

“At the elections in Greece the people voted against policies imposed by the Troika, with which the socialists have fought for years. It is necessary an urgent plan to tackle the crisis in Greece, whose deb is more than 170% of the GDP” said on the topic the MEP Sergei Stanishev.

According to the Group of Socialists & Democrats in the European Parliament, the plan must contain a list of progressive reforms and measures to increase investments which will contribute to the economic growth of the country. To stimulate investments, they propose to maximize the potential of the new European fund for strategic investments, as well as the Youth Guarantee to cope with the over 50% unemployment among the young people in the country.

The socialists insist the scheme for the repayment of the Greek government debt to be renegotiated and seek optimal version that does not jeopardize the integrity of the Eurozone. According to hem, the Investment plan for Europe and the introduction of flexibility in the rules of the Pact for Stability and Growth are great achievements of the left family, and are an important step for economic recovery, but not sufficient to ensure the sustainability of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMIU) for future crises. The socialists in the European Parliament see the completion of EMU as a key priority for 2015

Speaking on the situation of BSP, Stanishev said that after the elections there was indeed some shock within the party but it has passed and the party is well fit, up and running again.

Yesterday the European Commission sent a proposal to the European Parliament early in 2015 to allocate 1 billion Euro over the Youth Employment. The pre-financing, which Member States will receive to stimulate the Youth Employment, will increase 30-fold.

Stanishev welcomed the decision, because “the fight with youth unemployment is our top priority. The Youth Guarantee is a fact on our family’s initiative.”

“Our call was heard by the Commission. Many Member States of the EU are still facing difficulties in mobilizing fund for the Youth Guarantee due to budget constraints. Yesterday’s decision will facilitate the access to funding and will lead to rapid results. This is a step in the right direction, but we will continue to push for increased funding for the youth employment. Currently only young people up to the age of 25 can benefit from the guarantee. The scope should be extended to all young people up to the age of 30.”, said the MEP. Stanishev announced that the Socialists would support the proposal in the European Parliament and the Council, in order for it to enter into full force as soon as possible.