Socialist and social democratic figures from central and eastern Europe gathered in the Czech Republic today for a high-level discussion on building a safer, more prosperous and more unified European Union.
The event – Our Europe: Security, Prosperity and Solidarity – was organised by the Party of European Socialists (PES). It took place at the Congress Center Parkhotel in Pilsen with the participation of representatives of PES member parties SOCDEM (Czech Republic), PSD (Romania) and SPD (Germany).
PES Vice President, Victor Negrescu, said:
“Citizens expect politicians to do more for them. And we, social democrats, are here to show real solutions. We are here to prove that social democratic parties across Europe have the answers. We have concrete, understandable, plans. And we are proud of our achievements and our ideas for fair and secure societies.”
Chair of SOCDEM, Michael Smarda said:
“As social democrats, we are focused on moving forward. A step towards a safer Europe, better developed welfare states in Europe, and stronger Czech social democracy in the European progressive family.”
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Tomáš Petříček said:
“In turbulent times, we are fighting for Europe to bring back security and hope for the future. We need a social Europe to achieve it, ensuring that we leave no one, anywhere, behind.”
The event was opened by Michal Šmarda, Chair of SOCDEM, with keynote speeches from: Vice-president of SOCDEM Daniela Ostrá, Vice President of PES Victor Negrescu MEP, PSD Romania (remote participation), Member of the Bundestag Jorg Nurnberger, SPD Germany, former Commissioner and ČSSD Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Vladimír Špidla, former ČSSD Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic Michaela Marksová, and adviser to the PES Konrad Golota. The event was moderated by former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Tomáš Petříček, SOCDEM Czech Republic.
Meeting just 12 months ahead of the European elections, progressive politicians discussed action to reassure citizens during turbulent times. On the agenda, the costs of living crisis, supporting Ukraine and security in the European neighbourhood, and the economy. European socialists and social democrats are focused on bringing back security, stability, and predictability to people´s lives.
