The progressive meeting was part of the sixth edition of ‘Direct dialogue between EU capitals mayors and the European Commission’, hosted by Nils Ušakovs — mayor of Riga and leader of the Saskaņa political party, an associated member of the PES.
PES president Stanishev said during the meeting:
“The social democratic political family stays united in the battle for a progressive and sustainable future for our cities. Such a future is impossible without the resources of the EU. We should fight together for a significant increase in cohesion funds, and we should make sure that these funds will be available for all regions in the EU.”
Also present at the meeting were European Commissioner for Regional and Urban Policy Corina Crețu, and Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič.
Participants agreed that more emphasis on social justice and sustained investment in human capital are crucial for the future of European cities. More on the topic will be discussed at the upcoming PES Fair Growth conference in Brussels next month, said Mr Stanishev.
He also proposed that PES would organise a meeting of all progressive mayors from across the EU next year.