From 16 to 18 October in Amsterdam, progressives from every corner of the globe will gather not just to talk, but to act. The PES Congress is more than a political event. It is a moment for Progressive Mobilisation in Europe and beyond.
The world stands at a turning point. Authoritarian voices are gaining ground. The pillars of democracy and the promise of social progress are under growing pressure.
For us, our task is clear: we want to mobilise all actors committed to social justice, democracy, and to a sustainable future in Europe and across the world.
We believe that a new progressive drive is needed – one that opens politics to genuine dialogue, bold ideas, and renewed cooperation between democratic forces.
The PES Congress 2025 will be anything but politics-as-usual:
It will be a Progressive Mobilisation – a large conference of ideas that brings together people from all walks of life to tackle the major challenges of our time, and to shape a shared vision for a fairer, more just and sustainable future.
In the build up to the congress, PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“Our task is clear: to mobilise all those who believe in justice, democracy, and sustainability. We must revitalise progressive thinking, and act with urgency.
We’re here to repair trust, defend democracy, and give people something real to believe in again.
Where the far-right feeds on fear, division, and scapegoating, we offer optimism, courage, and solidarity. This Congress is a call to mobilise, in Europe and beyond.”
PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck added:
“This Congress is a turning point. Not only for our political family, but for European democracy itself.
It’s where we set a common agenda to defend rights, tackle inequality and respond to the urgent demands of citizens: from housing to the climate crisis, from the cost of living to democratic renewal.
It is also an opportunity to foster real exchanges, and to connect ideas with action.
This Congress is about welcoming new voices and bold ideas. Because only together will we win this battle.”
We will assemble prime ministers, mayors, politicians, journalists and authors, activists, artists, academics,trade unionists and entrepreneurs from Europe and around the world – people with something to say and something to change. We are inviting a wide array of speakers from across the globe and from every corner of society.
Over the course of the three-day event, participants from progressive parties and organisations are expected to take part and help shape the debates ahead.
