Katarina Barley, born on November 19, 1968, in Cologne, West Germany, is a distinguished German politician and lawyer. She has been serving as a Vice President of the European Parliament since July 3, 2019.
Barley has held multiple significant positions within the German government, including as the Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, and has been a Member of the European Parliament representing Germany since 2019.
Barley was raised in Cologne and is part of the Danish minority from Southern Schleswig. Her educational journey includes earning a law degree from the University of Paris-Sud and a doctoral degree in European law from the University of Münster.
Her professional background is equally impressive, encompassing roles as a corporate lawyer, judge, and governmental legal adviser.
Barley's political career is marked by her roles across various capacities within the German government. Secretary-General of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), She held this position from December 2015 until June 2017 under leaders Sigmar Gabriel and Martin Schulz.
Federal Minister of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Barley served in this role from June 2017 to March 2018. Acting Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, She temporarily took on this role from September 2017 to March 2018.
Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, From March 2018 to June 2019, Barley served under Chancellor Angela Merkel, succeeding Heiko Maas.
Since her election to the European Parliament in 2019, Barley has been active in several committees, notably the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. She is also part of the Democracy, Rule of Law & Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group and has been engaged in the Conference on the Future of Europe since 2021.
Barley is a staunch supporter of European integration and has actively participated in initiatives to promote EU policies on justice, the rule of law, and digital rights. She has been critical of Hungary's government under Viktor Orbán and has advocated for stronger EU stances on issues like migration and external border control.
In addition to her political career, Barley holds several memberships in various foundations and advisory boards related to law, foreign relations, and social issues. She was previously married and has two sons; she remarried in 2020 to Marco van den Berg.
Katarina Barley is a prominent figure in both German and European politics, known for her legal expertise, dedication to social justice, and commitment to enhancing European cooperation and governance.
The Party of European Socialists (PES) is a major political group in Europe that represents the socialist, social democratic, and labor movements across European Union member states. As a prominent advocate for progressive policies, PES focuses on promoting equality, social justice, sustainable development, and democratic governance.
The party is affiliated with various national parties from EU countries, and it significantly influences policies through its representation in European institutions, particularly in the European Parliament.
PES advocates for robust economic policies that ensure fair wages, job security, and workers' rights. The manifesto calls for a comprehensive strategy to improve the quality of jobs, enhance workers' rights through stronger European Works Councils, and ensure fair wages that keep pace with inflation.
It also includes specific measures like the adoption of the Platform Workers' Directive and enhancements to the European Pillar of Social Rights.
Central to the PES manifesto is the commitment to environmental sustainability through a Green and Social Deal. This includes ambitious goals for climate neutrality by 2050, substantial investments in renewable energy, and the pursuit of a circular economy.
The manifesto emphasizes a just transition that ensures economic transformations do not disproportionately impact vulnerable communities.
PES is committed to strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law within the EU. The manifesto highlights measures to combat corruption, support media freedom, and enhance the transparency of governance processes.
It also expresses a firm stance against the far-right and other anti-democratic movements that threaten the values of the European Union.
The manifesto asserts a strong commitment to feminism, aiming to empower women in all spheres of life. This includes legislative measures to ensure gender equality in pay and employment, protections against gender-based violence, and ensuring women's control over their reproductive health.
PES proposes a proactive European role in global security and diplomacy. The manifesto supports a strong common security and defense policy that complements NATO, and it emphasizes the need for Europe to speak with a unified voice on the global stage.
Additionally, PES supports the continuation of EU enlargement, particularly with countries in the Western Balkans, and seeks to enhance partnerships with key global regions.
A commitment to fighting discrimination is a key part of the PES platform. The party aims to enforce and extend anti-discrimination laws to cover all forms of prejudice, including racism, sexism, LGBTIQ-phobia, and discrimination based on disability.
These efforts include strengthening the EU’s frameworks for gender and LGBTIQ equality. The Party of European Socialists envisions a Europe that is inclusive, just, and prepared to face modern challenges with progressive solutions.
Their 2024 manifesto outlines a comprehensive approach to social, economic, and environmental issues, aiming to build a Europe that upholds the values of democracy, fairness, and sustainability at its core. Through its policy proposals, PES seeks to not only address the immediate needs of European citizens but also lay down a long-term framework for a stable and prosperous European Union.