The European Council must signal its clear commitment to a secure and competitive European Union, anchored in just green and digital transitions that create jobs. This was the call today from prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders from the Party of European Socialists (PES).
Meeting to discuss the EU economy, Ukraine and other topics on the European Council agenda, PES President Stefan Löfven welcomed Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany, António Costa, Prime Minister of Portugal, Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark, Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta, Frans Timmermans, European Commission Executive Vice President, Josep Borrell, EU High Representative, and many other high-level socialists to the PES event.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“Europe’s economy is entering a difficult phase. The cost of living remains a key issue for citizens and it is essential that the EU answers these concerns. Expanding profit margins are the main driver of inflation. Companies must not be allowed to profit while citizens struggle.
“It’s time to boost Europe’s economy, accelerating the Union’s twin transitions towards a green and digital economy. These transitions must be just, and they must be rapid. That is how we create good new green jobs and secure economic security for citizens, now and in the long-term.”
Prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders called for the acceleration of the green and digital transitions in a way that guarantees justice for all. To strengthen Europe’s economic competitiveness, the meeting called for Europe to seize the opportunities of the European Green Deal, which is led by European Commission Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans. The meeting urged lawmakers to back the Nature Restoration Law and protect biodiversity in Europe.
The meeting exchanged on the upcoming general election in Spain and expressed its full support for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and PSOE – a full member party of the PES. Thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister Sanchez, Spain has successfully navigated the energy price crisis with effective measures to bring down bills, built a recovery from the pandemic by creating new jobs, provided Ukraine with much needed support, taken further steps to build true gender equality, and much more.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“Under Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and the PSOE-led government, Spain is thriving with more jobs and a stronger economy. Society is more just and Spain is making good progress on the green transition. This is what is at stake at this election. The political alternative would jeopardise all this progress and see the far-right brought back into power.”
The meeting expressed sadness at recent tragedies in the Mediterranean Sea and once again called for the adoption – this mandate – of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which is being spearheaded by European Commissioner Ylva Johansson. Migration is a European challenge that requires a European response.
Prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders reiterated their full support for Ukraine and condemned Russia’s continuing war of aggression on the country. The PES supports tough sanctions on the Russian regime and others who are responsible for the violence. The PES continues to call for all necessary EU support to be provided to Ukraine, including military, humanitarian, and economic support. The meeting condemned the targeting of Ukrainian infrastructure – including the deliberate destruction of the dam at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant – and underlined the need to ensure stable, predictable and sustainable financial support to rebuild Ukraine in the long-term. The meeting further condemned Russia’s continued attempts to weaponise food through disruption to exports. The meeting called for Russia to be held fully accountable for its war of aggression.
Prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders reaffirmed their hope for a just and long-lasting peace in Ukraine which fully respects its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in keeping with its internationally recognised borders. They encouraged Ukraine to continue making progress towards EU accession.
To safeguard security, prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders called to strengthen the technological and industrial base of the European defence sector.
Prime ministers, European Commissioners and leaders exchanged on external relations and urged the EU to forge a stronger partnership with the Global South to progress global development, sustainability and peace. The meeting looked ahead to the EU-CELAC summit and urged Europe to further build relations with progressive partners in South America. The meeting further discussed EU relations with China and developments in the Western Balkans.
The meeting was attended by:
- Stefan Löfven, President of the PES
- Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany
- Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark
- António Costa, Prime Minster of Portugal
- Robert Abela, Prime Minister of Malta
- Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission
- Josep Borrell, EU High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission
- Paolo Gentiloni, European Commissioner
- Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner
- Lars Klingbeil, Co-leader of SPD Germany
- Elly Schlein, Leader of PD Italy
- Paul Magnette, Leader of PS Belgium
- Nikos Androulakis, Leader of PASOK Greece
- Achim Post, Secretary General of the PES
- Giacomo Filibeck, Executive Secretary General of the PES
- Yonnec Polet, Deputy Secretary General of the PES
- Saar Van Bueren, Deputy Secretary General of the PES
- Francisco André, Executive Vice-President of the PES
- Katarina Barley, Executive Vice-President of the PES
- Victor Negrescu, Vice-President of the PES
- Andrzej Szejna, Vice-President of the PES
