Socialists and democrats gather together for the last EuroPride before crucial European Parliament elections in 2024

Pictured front row from left: Marc Angel MEP, Cyrus Engerer MEP, Malta's Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg MP, and Rainbow Rose President Dajana Bakić, pictured with members of Rainbow Rose at EuroPride 2024

Pictured front row from left: Marc Angel MEP, Cyrus Engerer MEP, Malta's Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg MP, and Rainbow Rose President Dajana Bakić, pictured with members of Rainbow Rose at EuroPride 2024

Rainbow Rose, the Party of European Socialists (PES) and the Partit Laburista of Malta form the largest party-political delegation in support of Malta EuroPride 2023.

Ahead of the EuroPride march on Saturday, elected officials and activists from our political family contributed to timely discussions at the Human Rights Conference, and put forward our perspective and experience to progress LGBTIQ rights across Europe.

Dajana Bakić, President of Rainbow Rose, said:

“Progressives are always at the front of the fight for LGBTIQ equality and non-discrimination, standing strong on European values. I am proud our movement is growing and our sizable delegation here in Malta will make sure our socialist voices are heard to bring about vital changes to the lives of LGBTIQ people across Europe.

“2024 will be the decisive moment where our victory at the elections can set a positive agenda for our community for years to come. Our marching this Saturday will be a testament to that!”

Marc Angel MEP, co-chair of LGBTI Intergroup of the European Parliament, and member of the PES Presidency, said:

“Malta has ranked 1st place in the Rainbow Index for many years now. Many positive changes were made by our comrades in the Partit Laburista, which other countries have taken inspiration from. We are here to learn and exchange ideas on how to continue our fight against growing right-wing and anti-gender forces, but also to celebrate our successes and our queerness.”

Cyrus Engerer MEP, Partit Laburista, said:

“There is no equality until we’re all equal. And EuroPride in Malta is a stark reminder of how much a country can move forward in a short time with progressive leadership. Me must continue to listen and involve all those still suffering discrimination. I am proud that Malta has now become the benchmark for LGBTIQ+ rights and that what we have done in the country, we’re now pushing in the European Union, through our Equality Commissioner Helena Dalli, in the Council and also in the European Parliament, where we want to continue inspiring for change.”

Rainbow Rose underscored the importance of the 2024 European Parliament elections by inviting their delegation members from across Europe to develop practical and strategic plans to deliver social democrats, labour and socialist election victories, by reaching out to the LGBTIQ community, so that we can have a European Parliament and European Commission led by our political family.