Heads of state and government, European Commissioners and leaders from the Party of European Socialists (PES) convened in Brussels, Belgium, today for a strategic discussion ahead of the European Council today.
On the agenda: international affairs, action to support a fair and sustainable EU economy, and the New Pact on Migration and Asylum.
Ahead of crucial elections in the Netherlands, heads of state and government, European Commissioners and leaders welcomed GroenLinks–PvdA lead candidate Frans Timmermans to the meeting. The PES family is united behind him and his progressive programme for the Netherlands.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“A sense of insecurity can have a real impact on political choices. It is important that we are bold, as socialists and social democrats. We must be clear in our support for citizens and especially the most vulnerable. We must show them that with progressive leadership, Europe is able to navigate through delicate, difficult and complex challenges.
“As we look ahead to our Congress in Málaga, we embrace the positivity of Pedro Sánchez and the PSOE. Their forces of progress thwarted the forces of reactionary conservatism at the election. In Poland, the democratic axis managed to bring down the PiS government. And in a few weeks, we are looking forward to a great result for Frans Timmermans and the PvdA in the Netherlands. As a family, we are working in democratic and inclusive societies to guarantee a better quality of life for citizens.”
The meeting welcomed the strong result achieved by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and PSOE at the general election in Spain, and the positive news that negotiations for a progressive government are progressing. Participants also welcomed the positive result at the Polish election and expressed hope that the vote will herald a new European, positive, Poland.
Heads of state and government, European Commissioners and leaders held a strategic discussion on key issues for Europe.
The meeting reaffirmed the full support of the PES for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as it continues to defend against Russia’s brutal invasion. Progressives continue to back financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine. These must remain in place for as long as is needed. Progressives continue to back strong sanctions against Russia and will continue pushing to hold Russia fully accountable for the crimes it has committed under international law. Support for Ukraine must remain high on the EU agenda, the meeting agreed.
Heads of state and government, European Commissioners and leaders discussed developments in the Middle East. Participants condemned the brutal attack by Hamas; called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages; underlined Israeli’s right to self-defence and fight against terrorism, within the boundaries defined by international law; and, called for actions and initiatives to guarantee that humanitarian assistance reaches Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The meeting commended the efforts of High Representative Josep Borrell and urged Europe to continue working as a positive force for peace, engaging with partners to avoid regional escalation, and working alongside UN Secretary General António Guterres. The meeting expressed concerns about rising discrimination and attacks in Europe, and urged the EU to strengthen action against antisemitism, islamophobia and all forms of prejudice in our communities.
The PES immediately condemned the attacks by Hamas earlier this month, with PES Presidency and PES Foreign Policy Network demanding Hamas release the hostages it has taken.
The meeting also discussed the need to put in place progressive policies to build a robust and future-proof economy that is fit for the twin transitions, strong, resilient and capable of securing long-term prosperity for all citizens.
Heads of state and government, European Commissioners and leaders called for progress on a progressive, European, approach to migration and asylum. They commended the efforts of European Commissioner Ylva Johansson and the Spanish Presidency, which are pushing for the adoption of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. The meeting urged the EU to adopt the Pact during this mandate.
The meeting was attended by:
- PES President Stefan Löfven
- Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez
- Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen
- Prime Minister of Romania Marcel Ciolacu
- European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit
- European Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni
- S&D Group President Iratxe García
- Lead candidate of PvdA-GroenLinks Netherlands, Frans Timmermans
- PS Belgium leader Paul Magnette
- Vooruit Belgium leader Conner Rousseau
- SDP Croatia leader Pedja Grbin
- PD Italy leader Elly Schlein
- PvdA Netherlands leader Attje Kuiken
- PES Executive Vice President and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal Francisco André
- PES Vice-President and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia Tanja Fajon
- PES Vice-President and MEP Victor Negrescu
- PES Vice President Andrzej Szejna
- PES Vice-President Radmila Šekerinska
- PES Treasurer and Minister of Development Cooperation and Urban Policy of Belgium Caroline Gennez
- PES Secretary General Achim Post
- PES Executive Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck
- PES Deputy Secretary General Yonnec Polet
