A secure Europe is not just a well-defended Europe, it is a Union that acts to provide security to its citizens. From defence to employment, from climate to democracy, Europe must show that it can deliver.
This was the message as heads of state and government, European Commissioners, party leaders and other high-level progressives met in Brussels, Belgium, to coordinate ahead of today’s European Council meeting.
PES President Stefan Löfven and PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck welcomed to the event PES Common Candidate Nicolas Schmit, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, S&D President Iratxe Garcia, European Commission Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič, EU High Representative Josep Borrell, European Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni, PS Belgium head of list for the European elections Elio Di Rupo, SPD Germany head of the list for the European elections Katarina Barley, LSAP Luxembourg head of list for the European elections Marc Angel, leader of DK Hungary Klara Dobrev, interim leader of Vooruit Melissa Depraetere, President of the European Committee of the Regions Vasco Cordeiro, and PES Treasurer Caroline Gennez. The event was hosted by PS Belgium leader Paul Magnette at the PS headquarters in Brussels.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“Ensuring the security of Europe and Europeans is critical. But security is not limited to military and defence – it’s also about democracy, it’s about rights, and it’s about sustainable jobs.
“Rejecting the far right and their toxic ideas, improving everyday life for citizens, embracing a green social deal that delivers for people and planet – we are united behind that clear path for Europe. As the socialist political family we showed that at our Election Congress, whilst other families were unable to unite. All our parties stand with our common manifesto and our common candidate, Nicolas Schmit, for the campaign to come. Nicolas will take these ideas to Europe because citizens deserve a real campaign and a real choice about their future.”
PES Common Candidate Nicolas Schmit said:
“Since my election in Rome, I have met with young people here in Brussels, taken part in International Women’s Day in Madrid, and held discussions in Helsinki on the current state of democracy. Next week I head to Nancy, where I’ll meet young people and Ukrainian refugees. Then I will be in Portimão to talk about housing. And then I’m in Bucharest with leaders and activists. In the coming weeks, I will also be in many other member states.
“With today’s crucial discussions in the Council, I underline that building security must also mean safeguarding democracy at home and strengthening our social fabric. I want to give voice to the insecurity citizens feel in their daily lives, stemming from the changed geopolitical context.
“As I have heard across Europe, people are finding it hard to make ends meet. I want them to know that it is socialists and social democrats coming with real solutions. Social progress, stronger democracies and environmental sustainability – this is how we deliver a truly secure Europe for citizens.
“At the same time, geopolitical instability demands of us the resolve to build a stronger Europe. One that fully supports Ukraine against aggression. One that stands up for international and humanitarian law, works to end humanitarian tragedies in Gaza, and finds lasting peace in the Middle East.”
Heads of state and government, European Commissioners and leaders expressed their thanks and gratitude to Antonio Costa, who joined the PES meeting for the final time as prime minister of Portugal. PES President Stefan Löfven added:
“I want to thank Antonio Costa for his invaluable work for Portugal during almost a decade: breaking with austerity policies, securing a strong economy, and protection women’s rights, just to mention a few of your achievements. Your leadership has truly been impressive and what you have achieved remains an inspiration for our entire political family.”
The meeting discussed items on the European Council agenda.
The PES family reaffirmed its full commitment to providing Ukraine and its people all the necessary political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for as long as it takes and as intensely as required. The meeting commended the work being undertaken by High Representative Josep Borrell.
Victory for Ukraine is victory for the international rules-based order and for democracy, justice and the right to self-determination. The PES welcomes the adoption of the 13th package of sanctions on Russia and supports efforts to hold the Russian regime accountable for its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine must be supported to rebuild, and resilience, security and stability must be supported in the neighbourhood.
The meeting reflected on political repression in Russia and commended the brave displays of defiance by Russian citizens at the recent election. The meeting expressed its sorrow at the death of Alexei Navalny while imprisoned by Russian authorities.
In a more unstable world, heads of state and government, European Commissioners and leaders urged the European Union to increase its overall defence readiness and capabilities through investment in its defence technological and industrial base. The meeting welcomed the leadership shown by the EU High Representative through the Strategic Compass and other actions to strengthen preparedness and security.
The meeting took stock of the latest developments in the Middle East and pledged to work to end conflict, instability, and humanitarian tragedies. While restating their full condemnation of the 7 October attacks and demanding the release of the Israeli hostages, Prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders underlined the urgent need for all required humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and all affected areas, and for international and humanitarian law to be fully respected. The suffering and destitution inflicted upon innocent lives must stop.
The PES supports an international peace conference to achieve an equitable two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians that respects the rights and duties of the two peoples, and supports initiatives leading towards a sustainable ceasefire.
Heads of state and government, European Commissioners and party leaders discussed the importance of a strong and sustainable agricultural sector for food security and the Union’s strategic autonomy, the value of vibrant rural communities, and the essential role of both the Common Agricultural Policy and the European Green Deal. The meeting warned that a rollback on sustainable farming threatens food security in Europe and risks irreparably damaging Europe’s natural environment.
Photographs from the event are available on Flickr.
The meeting was attended by:
- PES President Stefan Löfven
- PES Common Candidate Nicolas Schmit
- Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez
- Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa
- Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen
- President of the S&D Group in the European Parliament Iratxe Garcia
- European Commission Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič
- EU High Representative Josep Borrell
- European Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni
- Leader of DK Hungary Klara Dobrev
- Interim leader of Vooruit Melissa Depraetere
- PS Belgium head of list for the European elections Elio Di Rupo
- SPD Germany head of the list for the European elections Katarina Barley
- LSAP Luxembourg head of list for the European elections Marc Angel
- President of the European Committee of the Regions Vasco Cordeiro
- PES Treasurer Caroline Gennez
- PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck
- PES Deputy Secretary General Yonnec Polet
- PES Deputy Secretary General Saar van Bueren
- PES Deputy Secretary General Thomas Vaupel
