Defending European values, strengthening climate ambitions, and promoting international peace and security were on the agenda as prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders met in Brussels today to coordinate ahead of the meeting of the European Council.
As its timeline nears completion, the meeting began by commending the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU for successfully delivering on its progressive agenda. From the COP28 outcome, to the platform work directive, regulation of AI, electricity market reform and more, European citizens will enjoy greater security thanks to the decision of the Spanish Presidency.
The meeting exchanged on the decision by the leadership of the European Commission to release cohesion funding for Hungary, despite longstanding and serious concerns over the Hungarian government’s disregard for the Rule of Law.
PES President Stefan Lofven said:
“This sets a very bad precedent. It sends a clear sign that a member state which blocks the EU at every turn, which disregards its fundamental values, will be rewarded for this behaviour. We want a Union where member states live up to the values of our Union and contribute positively and constructively to its future. Our political family will never appease far-right, anti-democratic, forces.”
The meeting underlined the importance of continued assistance to strengthen Ukraine’s defence and expressed support for opening accession negotiations. The PES family strongly criticised Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s decision to use the new Ukraine Facility as leverage to unlock cohesion funding, rightfully frozen over concerns that the Hungarian government is continuing to undermine the rule of law.
Reflecting on developments in the Middle East, prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work for a longer-term peaceful two-state solution.
PES President Stefan Lofven said:
“We condemn Hamas for its brutal attack on Israel and call for all hostages held to be released immediately and without condition. We fully support Israel’s right to defend itself, in line with international and humanitarian law. At the same time, Prime Minister Netantahu rightly faces many tough questions from the international community about the way the ongoing military operation is being conducted. Civilian casualties must be avoided, and there must be a path back to the peace process. In that process, the Palestinian Authority must play a vital role.”
Prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders welcomed the initiative of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for a peace summit. A few days ago, PES Executive Vice President Francisco André, PES Vice President Kati Piri, PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck, FEPS Special Advisor on Foreign Affairs and former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde, and Head of Foreign Affairs, Europe and International Cooperation of PD Italy, Peppe Provenzano were present in Israel and Palestine to make the PES position and influence visible in the region, meet with PES observer member parties, and assess the latest developments.
Prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders welcomed the agreement reached yesterday at COP28 and congratulated all progressive actors who worked for its success. This included the Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge of Spain, and Chair of the PES Environment and Energy Ministers Network, Teresa Ribera – who represented the EU Presidency, ministers from PES member parties, and the progressive team in the European Commission.
PES President Stefan Lofven said:
“COP28 marks a step forward for our climate ambitions. We can be positive about the direction. But the work continues. The transition away from fossil fuels, climate neutrality by 2050, tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency globally, and more support for adaptation and mitigation for developing countries – this welcome progress must now be implemented.”
Prime Minister of North Macedonia Dimitar Kovačevski and Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti attended the meeting and exchanged with prime ministers, European commissioners and leaders on the next steps towards a European future for the Western Balkans.
The PES reconfirmed its commitment to supporting North Macedonia and Albania in the accession process. The PES welcomed the progress Kosovo has made as a potential candidate for accession.
Progress on the new Pact on Migration and Asylum was welcomed by the meeting. Prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders emphasised the need for a positive conclusion on the file under this mandate and in line with European and progressive values. The core values of solidarity and shared responsibility must be the focus, not the fear, indifference and prejudice offered by the far-right.
Following his decision last month to step down, the meeting thanked Prime Minister António Costa for the dedication and leadership he has shown, in the service of Portugal and the PES political family.
Looking ahead to the presidential elections in Finland, the meeting expressed its full support for SDP candidate and European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen. A true social democrat, she will fight to defend European and progressive values in Finland.
Pictures from the meeting are available on the PES Flickr.
The meeting was attended by:
- Stefan Löfven, President of the Party of European Socialists
- Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain
- António Costa, Prime Minister of Portugal
- Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark
- Dimitar Kovačevski, Prime Minister of North Macedonia
- Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo
- Maroš Šefčovič, European Commission Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight
- Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
- Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner for Economy
- Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
- Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms
- Iratxe Garcia, President of the S&D Group
- Antti Lindtman, Leader of SDP Finland
- Elly Schlein, Secretary of the Democratic Party, Italy
- Katarina Barley, Executive Vice President of the Party of European Socialists, Vice President of the European Parliament
- Francisco André, Executive Vice President of the Party of European Socialists
- Victor Negrescu, Vice President of the Party of European Socialists
- Giacomo Filibeck, Secretary General of the Party of European Socialists
- Yonnec Polet, Deputy Secretary General of the Party of European Socialists
- Saar van Bueren, Deputy Secretary General of the Party of European Socialists
- Thomas Vaupel, Deputy Secretary General of the Party of European Socialists
