From international instability to social precariousness, the EU must be a source of security for its citizens. This starts with ensuring continued support for Ukraine. This was the conclusion as Europe ministers from the Party of European Socialists (PES) convened this morning.
Gathering in Brussels, Belgium, to coordinate ahead of the General Affairs Council (GAC), the ministers exchanged on security and political developments in Europe.
PES GAC ministerial chair and Secretary of State for European Affairs of Portugal, Tiago Antunes, said:
“Europe must be a positive force in the world. That means speeding up and intensifying the political, humanitarian, and military assistance we provide to Ukraine. And it means utilising our international strength to reach a sustainable ceasefire in the Middle East, supporting the work of High Representative Borrell to bring about peace.
“At home we must step up European cooperation on security and defense, but we must also act to mitigate the impacts global instability have on citizens’ everyday lives.
“This is how the EU can provide the security that citizens need.”
Ministers welcomed the 13th package of sanctions against Russia and the agreement to create the Ukraine Assistance Fund to ensure continued military support for Ukraine. Socialists support the intensification of efforts to provide political, humanitarian, and military support to Ukraine and the enhancement of European cooperation on security and defence. The meeting further welcomed humanitarian assistance provided to Gaza and the ongoing initiatives leading towards a sustainable ceasefire.
The meeting reflected on the general election in Portugal and expressed concern over the rise of the far-right Chega party, which gained seats in almost every region of the country. With the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution in Portugal being marked in April, ministers reaffirmed their commitment to defending democracy and progress. The European elections in June will be a further test. The forces of progress must triumph over the forces of reactionary conservatism.
Ministers thanked Portugal’s Secretary of State for European Affairs and the chair of the PES GAC ministerial, Tiago Antunes, for his tireless efforts to bring about a just, open and inclusive Europe. Ministers further commended PS Portugal for the progressive agenda it has implemented in Portugal since 2015 under Prime Minister Antonio Costa. The complete break with austerity policies, increased pensions and wages, a strong economy, a clear path to sustainability, as well as the protection of women’s rights and LGBTI rights – this is a progressive legacy that the PES family draws inspiration from.
The meeting was attended by:
- Tiago Antunes, Secretary of State for European Affairs, Portugal
- Marko Štucin, Secretary of State for European Affairs, Slovenia
- Fernando Mariano Sampedro Marcos, Secretary of State for European Affairs, Spain
- Pedro Marques, S&D Group Vice-President and MEP, S&D Group
- Yonnec Polet, Deputy Secretary-General, PES
