As the October European Council (EUCO) concluded in Brussels, the Party of European Socialists (PES) calls for stronger unity and leadership to defend peace, protect people, and deliver on Europe’s social and democratic promise. During last weekend’s PES Congress in Amsterdam (16–18 October), PES leaders met with European Council President António Costa to discuss pressing items now on the EUCO agenda.
On housing, competitiveness, migration and the green transition, progressives urge the European Council to turn words into action. The PES strongly welcomes that, for the first time, affordable housing is formally on the European Council agenda – a long-overdue and politically significant step. We urge leaders to make it a standing EU priority and to task the Commission with an ambitious European Affordable Housing Plan that curbs speculation, unlocks public and social housing investment, and ensures decent, energy-efficient homes for all.
On climate, Europe must speed up, not slow down. The PES demands that leaders lock in high ambition: deliver the 2040 climate target, fast-track renewables, storage and cross-border grids, bring forward the industrial decarbonisation acceleration package, and end Europe’s dependency on fossil fuels for good. This is how we create good jobs, lower bills, and strengthen European industry. The green transition is just by definition for progressives, and there can be no pause, dilution or backsliding on climate action.
On European defence, the PES underlines that Europe’s strength lies in cooperation, not duplication. Common defence readiness must go hand in hand with democratic accountability, industrial fairness and a social Europe that protects its citizens. The ReArm Europe Plan must serve peace, not profit.
On Ukraine, European progressives reaffirm their unwavering solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The PES supports President António Costa’s call for a just and lasting peace based on international law and continued military, financial and diplomatic assistance. Russia’s aggression cannot and will not prevail. The PES welcomes the adoption of the 19th sanctions package against Russia, including the ban on Russian LNG imports, as a demonstration that Europe can act decisively in defence of international law and in support of Ukraine. We also welcome the reinforcement of EU assistance missions in Ukraine and the deepening cooperation between the EU and the Ukrainian defence industry. These are crucial steps toward a just and lasting peace, reconstruction, and Ukraine’s path to EU membership, while leaders continue work on Ukraine’s long-term financial support.
On the Middle East, the PES reiterates that a just and lasting peace in Gaza must be based on accountability and international law, reconstruction, and recognition of Palestinian statehood alongside Israel’s security. The humanitarian situation demands immediate and coordinated EU action, with human dignity, protection of civilians, and the two-State solution at its core. The PES stresses that humanitarian access, de-escalation, and the strengthening of the Palestinian Authority are essential for any credible peace process. The PES is very concerned by the situation in the West Bank and calls to stop the annexation of land by the Israeli government. Europe must remain a principled and proactive voice for international law, dignity, and the two-State solution.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“Europe’s credibility depends on action. I thank António Costa for putting affordable housing on the European Council agenda for the first time. It is a core priority for our political family: too many Europeans face poor housing conditions, soaring rents, and a shortage of affordable homes. Delivering affordable housing, supporting Ukraine, building peace in Gaza, investing in our common defence, leading a just green transition, and protecting people at home are not separate tasks. They are one mission. A mission for fairness, security and unity. Progressives will continue to lead that fight.”
These priorities reflect the fourteen PES 2025 Congress resolutions, adopted on 16 October in Amsterdam, covering the economy, affordable housing, a just green transition, defence, peace and security.
