Following today’s high-level meeting in Brussels of PES leadership, prime ministers, and European Commissioners, the PES Presidency officially confirmed that the next PES Congress will take place from 16 to 18 October in Amsterdam.
The announcement was made by PES President Stefan Löfven, who emphasised the urgency and ambition of this year’s gathering:
‘‘Progressives must unite globally against the reactionary tide we are facing.
That is why this year’s PES Congress in the Netherlands will be like no other.
Together with GroenLinks–PvdA and Frans Timmermans, we will bring together citizens from all walks of life to show that a better Europe – and a better world – is possible. We count on your valuable support to make this Congress a success.At this critical juncture, I believe that this progressive mobilisation is the driving force our time demands.’’
In response to the escalating situation between Israel and Iran and the ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip, the Presidency adopted an official declaration on the Middle East, underlining the party’s commitment to peace, the protection of civilians, and respect for international humanitarian law.
The PES Presidency declaration concerning Gaza reads:
‘‘The horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, along with the taking of hostages, was a heinous act of terror for which they must be held accountable. From the moment Israel was attacked by Hamas on October 7, we supported Israel’s right to defend itself. However, this response has been completely disproportionate.
The destruction of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, residential buildings, vital services, the deliberate blockade of food, water, electricity and medical aid, clearly account for war crimes under international humanitarian law.’’
On Iran the declaration outlines:On Iran the declaration outlines:
‘‘Any international dispute must be resolved through lawful multilateral mechanisms, not through military aggression. While condemning the violent and authoritarian Iranian regime, we strongly emphasise that regional stability and long-term peace cannot be achieved through military escalation, but only through de-escalation, strict adherence to international law, and the use of diplomatic and multilateral channels. The international community must intensify efforts to support a just and lasting peace based on dialogue, mutual recognition, and negotiated solutions.’’
Read full declaration here
The PES Presidency welcomed the news of the impressive delegation of progressives who will travel to Budapest for the pride parade on Saturday. Among those accompanying the PES includes the Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament, the PES in the Committee of the Regions, PES Women, Rainbow Rose, and the Young European Socialists will walk side by side with Hungarians marching for equality and human rights. We also stand in solidarity with the Mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, who has been threatened with imprisonment for organising of Pride and we condemn any threats made against him.
Other topics discussed included the proliferation of the far-right in the European public sphere, the direction of European Security and Defence following the signing of the NATO Hague Summit Declaration, and other global developments.
Photos from the PES Presidency meeting on 26 June can be found here.
