Europe is passing through very trying times and this is why, in my maiden speech in the European Parliament, I stressed that the creation of a social Europe is the only way out of this situation.

It is in this area that I pledged to focus my energies on as a Member of the European Parliament.

The positive feedback received in response to my speech is indeed encouraging.

More and more people are receptive to this message, a message of hope in an environment of gloom and desperation.

In my maiden speech during my first plenary session in Strasbourg I welcomed the adoption of a resolution on “mutual recognition of measures in civil matters”. The resolution aims to establish an efficient system to ensure national measures to protect victims of violence can be applied throughout the EU.

Data shows that within the EU, one woman out of four is likely to be a victim of violence at some point during her lifetime. Through the new legislative framework, a person subject to a protection order will now be better able to move freely – and safely – in the EU.

Violence against women is just one area which needs to be addressed in order to achieve a fair and just society where every person is given the opportunity to move forward in life.

There are other areas of social policy that need to be addressed.

I take this opportunity to invite those persons or organisations who would like to share their views on social issues, to contact me on info@claudetteabelabaldacchino.eu.