The Party of European Socialists (PES) met today in Brussels for a Pre-Council discussion ahead of the extraordinary European Council, at a decisive moment for Europe’s sovereignty, security and capacity to act in a constantly changing global environment.
PES leaders underlined that Europe is facing unprecedented challenges that test its very foundations. In a world marked by geopolitical instability, economic pressure and renewed power politics, Europe must be able to shape its own destiny, protect its values and act decisively as a global actor.
Recent developments have shown that when Europe acts together with unity and resolve, it can deliver results. At the same time, participants stressed that unity alone is not enough: Europe must now translate this reality into long-term, structural action.
Left photo: António Costa, European Council President; Elly Schlein, leader of PD Italy
Right photo: Pedro Sánchez, Spanish Prime Minister; Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President of the European Commission
Developments affecting Greenland were cited as a reminder that democratic choice, sovereignty and international law cannot be taken for granted. PES leaders reaffirmed their full solidarity with Mette Frederiksen, with Denmark and with the people of Greenland, stressing that their future must be determined freely, without coercion or external pressure.
PES leaders agreed that Europe must now move from analysis to action and deepen its political reflection around clear priorities for the future.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“Europe is facing a decisive moment, and we must respond with clarity and ambition. Strengthening our strategic autonomy means building a strong and innovative European industrial base and energy independence, reinforcing our collective security and defence, and ensuring that Europe has the financial capacity to act. These are not abstract debates — they are the conditions for protecting democracy, safeguarding peace and securing Europe’s future for the people. All necessary solutions must now be on the table, including the reform of the European Union, to ensure that it is fit to act and able to respond to today’s geopolitical, economic and security challenges.”
The discussion focused on three immediate areas for action:
First, building a robust and innovative economic and industrial base by investing in strategic and clean technologies, in critical infrastructure and energy independence, supporting European enterprises, and advancing a strong European Social Pillar. We must support a strong Made in Europe strategy in critical infrastructure and in energy independence.
Second, strengthening security and collective defence through deeper European cooperation, increased investment and a reinforced European industrial base capable of responding to crises and safeguarding peace and democracy.
Third, ensuring that Europe has the financial capacity to meet these challenges, recognising that all viable solutions must be considered to equip Europe to act effectively.
The situation requires coordinated European responses, not fragmented national approaches. Only decisive European action can protect citizens’ interests and uphold Europe’s role as a champion of multilateralism and international law.
Europe must not hold back and must engage in an open and fundamental discussion on any necessary reform of the European Union.
PES leaders reaffirmed the responsibility of progressive forces to lead in this moment of uncertainty. Strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy, they agreed, is essential not only to defend sovereignty and democracy, but also to deliver tangible progress that improves people’s lives and equips Europe for the future. They stressed that this effort must go hand in hand with strengthening international cooperation and strategic partnerships with Europe’s allies, other global actors, and progressive forces worldwide, to reinforce multilateralism, defend democratic values, and shape global affairs together.
Europe’s future depends on its unity, its capacity to act and its political courage.
PES leaders also expressed their deepest condolences to the people of Spain following the tragic train accident, extending their solidarity to the victims, their families and all those affected.
Pictures from the pre-council summit available here.
