The French Minister for European Affairs and Chair of the PES GAC Ministers’ Network, Harlem Désir, commented after the meeting:
After the Brexit, the election of Donald Trump is a huge challenge for Europe. We must take a stand in favor of a strong and progressive Europe. That is why I decided to gathered my progressive colleagues in Paris today to discuss a common strategy for the future of Europe. Today’s meeting follows those held in Roma (July 2016) and Athens (September 2016). As Europe is facing so many challenges, we have to decide what future we want to build together. Our political family believes that Europe must care for its people, protect then, improve their wellbeing and put their interests first. We have to strengthen Europe to promote its values and its interests throughout the world. We believe that solidarity should stay a core value of the relaunch of the European Union. Europe must be a source of security, progress and protection. It is our responsibility to relaunch the European project.”
