Over 50 secretaries general and campaign managers from socialist and social democratic political parties across Europe met today for a strategic discussion on the upcoming European elections.
The leadership of the Party of European Socialists (PES) and key figures from PES member parties and organisations gathered in London at the headquarters of UK Labour – a full PES member party which is also preparing for a key national election later this year.
The meeting was opened by UK Labour General Secretary David Evans and PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck, with the participation of UK Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy and UK Shadow Minister for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty.
In June, millions of Europeans are set to take part in the European elections – a key vote that will define Europe’s response to the major challenges its citizens face. 2024 will see further democratic tests in the USA, UK and elsewhere.
PES Deputy Secretaries General Yonnec Polet, Saar van Bueren, and Thomas Vaupel led discussions on key items on the agenda for the Secretaries General and Campaign Managers meeting, including: the 2024 PES elections manifesto, key moments and events ahead, campaign planning and priorities, research and strategy, and best practices from recent elections. PSOE social media manager Sara Gil Alvera briefed the meeting on PSOE’s highly successful online campaign for J23 and UK Labour MP Ellie Reeves outlined how UK Labour is positioning itself for the upcoming UK general election.
The next milestone on the PES campaign for the European elections is the PES Election Congress that will take place in Rome, Italy, on 2 March. At the event, delegates of PES member parties and organisations will elect the PES Common Candidate and vote to adopt the PES manifesto. The manifesto has been drafted with significant input from PES member parties and organisations and in consultation with civil society, NGOs, and trade unions.
