Leaders from the PES family convened via video conference to reflect on the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and recent developments in Ukraine, following the vicious Russian airstrikes on Kyiv last night. PES leaders shared their insights from recent discussions at national and European level and reaffirmed our call for diplomatic solutions to address these harrowing crises on European soil and in the Middle East, in light of the latest moves by US President Donald Trump on the international stage.
PES President Stefan Löfven welcomed António Costa, President of the European Council, Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark, Lars Klingbeil, Vice Chancellor of Germany and co-leader of SPD, Iratxe García, S&D Group President and PES First Vice-President, Elly Schlein, Secretary of PD, Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, and Magdalena Andersson, Leader of SAP Sweden, together with many other progressive leaders from across Europe.
On Ukraine, leaders underlined that Russia’s war of aggression must not succeed.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“A ceasefire in this horrific war must be a part of any negotiations. There should be no more civilian casualties. Ukraine must be fully involved in any discussions about its future, and credible security guarantees must be ensured to safeguard its sovereignty, independence, and democratic choice. The Russian airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, including the EU delegation building in Kyiv last night, are yet another reminder that there are no red lines for Russia, and that peace is not part of their plan. We will continue to strengthen Ukraine’s bargaining position for peace negotiations. Attempting to rehabilitate war criminals only undermines international law. The decisions we make today will be remembered by the generations of tomorrow. The actions of Vladimir Putin cannot be met with impunity.”
Leaders also underlined that Europe’s support for Ukraine must go hand in hand with strengthening Europe’s global role, including through balanced and fair trade relations. The recent discussions in the United States highlighted the need for a transatlantic economic agenda that is rooted in values – upholding social rights, environmental standards, and fair competition – and not one that sacrifices justice for expediency.
In this context, the recent transatlantic trade arrangements – including the introduction of 15% tariffs, which are harmful to our economy and largely one-sided – as well as President Trump’s threats to impose further tariffs on countries with digital taxes or legislation, are deeply problematic. As progressives, we stress that Europe must not accept such unilateral pressure. Our trade policy must safeguard Europe’s strategic autonomy and ensure that economic relations are based on fairness and shared values.
PES President Stefan Löfven underlined:
“For us as progressives, trade is not just about tariffs or figures – it is about protecting people, delivering justice, and defending Europe’s ability to act with autonomy and dignity on the world stage.”
Leaders focused on Gaza. The PES high-level meeting took place just days after, on 22 August, the United Nations declared famine in parts of the territory. According to the UN-backed food security report, more than 500,000 people – a quarter of the population – are already in catastrophic food insecurity, a figure that could reach 641,000 by September. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described this as a “man-made disaster” and a “failure of humanity.” The Israeli government has rejected the finding, dismissing it as false.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“Deliberately targeting civilians and journalists is not self-defence. Creating famine conditions is not self-defence. The disproportionate military response by Israel has produced an unbearable humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. At the same time, we reiterate our condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023 and demand the unconditional release of all hostages.
I call for concrete steps to be taken to increase the pressure on the Israeli government, including a reassessment of the EU–Israel Association Agreement, and for Europe to ensure that no military exports risk fuelling this war. We must also continue to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for renewed efforts towards a two-state solution – the only viable path to a just and lasting peace. The actions of Benjamin Netanyahu cannot be met with impunity.”
Leaders further underlined that Europe must become a stronger global actor, capable of defending peace, international law and multilateralism. They agreed that the upcoming PES Congress in Amsterdam, taking place from 16 to 18 October, will be an essential opportunity to elevate the roles of both progressives and Europe as global champions of peace and cooperation.
