The Party of European Socialists (PES) reaffirms its commitment to European defence. The PES presidency and the PES summit discussed the topic recently, and PES President Stefan Löfven and PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck attended the Munich Security Conference last weekend.
Both expressed our clear progressive strategy on European defence and the urgent need for a cohesive approach to leaders in attendance and reiterated the firm commitment of the PES in supporting Ukraine. The PES stands firmly by the President of the European Council, António Costa, when he said in Munich that Europe needs to be “the key actor in designing the new security architecture”.
At the emergency summit taking place in Paris later today, our progressive leaders will provide a united view on the future of European security and supporting Ukraine following the US decision to exclude Europe from peace negotiations with Russia. PES leaders Olaf Scholz, Pedro Sánchez, Mette Frederiksen, and Keir Starmer together with the President of the European Council António Costa, the host of the summit French President Emmanuel Macron, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other European leaders will discuss common European approach on defence and security. We are confident that the Paris meeting will play a fundamental role in realising a united position, ensuring that Russia is not rewarded for its aggression in Ukraine and that European security is sustained.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
‘’Following President Trump’s attempts to sideline Europe, it is vital that this summit in Paris bares fruitful conclusions not just for the future of Ukraine but also for the future of the European continent. We are entering a new era in international politics, and Europe needs to react decisively, to protect our security, and the fundamental values of democracy, fundamental rights, and a rules-based internal order.
Europe must urgently improve its crisis preparedness, its structural coordination and cooperation, its defence industry, and its financing of the defence sector.
Unity and concrete measures to support Ukraine and defend our values are of utmost importance. Russia must not be rewarded for its aggression. For the future of Ukraine and the European Continent, we should stand stronger together”
PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck said:
‘‘The aggressive rhetoric of Vice President Vance at the Munich Security Conference is a stark reminder that the security guarantee we once had from our decades-old cooperation with the United States is no longer certain. It is therefore more critical than ever before that we work together more closely as one Europe.
Moreover, in response to the increasing threats to our democracies and our ability to defend ourselves, the PES expects to play a critical role in Europe’s security in the years to come.
We deplore the threats made to Italian President Sergio Mattarella by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We stand by the principles behind his words – international law, multilateralism, and a rules-based global order – as essential foundations for building peace.”
