Following the meeting of the PES leadership, prime ministers, and European Commissioners earlier today, the PES Presidency convened in Brussels to discuss items on the progressive agenda. The PES governing body discussed the challenges of the new European mandate.
PES President Stefan Löfven announced that we are officially launching the process of organising the next PES Congress in 2025.
The Presidency adopted two important declarations: On the new European mandate; and the Middle East.
In the declaration on the new European mandate, the PES presidency calls upon the Commission to uphold European values and welcomes the appointment of four PES Commissioners in key positions:
The PES Presidency declaration reads:
As the new European Commission begins its new mandate, we reiterate our commitment to the fundamental values of the European Union: peace, democracy, solidarity. We want to ensure that Europe delivers social progress with the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Green Deal, and an ambitious Cohesion Policy. As the Party of European Socialists, we stand committed to upholding European values and the rule of law against attacks. As the leading progressive force in the European Parliament with the S&D Group, we are unambiguous in our European, democratic, and progressive stance.
[…]
In the face of the rise of the far right and the backlash against democracy and fundamental rights, we fight for equality, progress, and the rule of law. These foundations of the PES are the best way to defend a better future for all, promote equal societies, enhance access to affordable public services, health and care services, and defend everyone against the rising cost of living, energy poverty and exploitation. Our political family will continue to work for progressive policies that leave no one behind. We welcome the appointment of the PES Commissioners in key positions to deliver these objectives and have a direct positive impact on the lives of citizens.
Read the full declaration on the new European mandate here
In the adopted declaration on the Middle East, the PES Presidency calls for progressive forces to work together to help bring stability in the Middle East.
The PES Presidency declaration reads:
Over the past few years, we have seen how the escalation of national insecurities in the region have contributed to the outbreak of wider instability in the Middle East. The EU must play an active role in guaranteeing peace and security in the region. The recent developments in Syria, with the end of Assad’s dictatorship, which we welcome, opens uncertain horizons for the country and the region. The direction for this change depends on the support of the international community. We must encourage any new opportunity which grants freedom and peace for all Syrian peoples based on territorial integrity and respect for all minorities. We should work with our partners in Syria and in the region to ensure a better future.
[…]
We call on the international community to build on the evidence collected by the UN and to take action on crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Syria.
[…]We believe in peace between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as peace in the wider region. Progressive forces must work together to address and defeat the enemies of democracy. With our partners in Israel and Palestine, both sides should find common ground, to end violence, and prepare for a long-lasting peace. Working together, progressive forces on both sides can rebuild trust between Palestinians and Israelis and re-establish a society that can peacefully co-exist.
Read the full declaration on the Middle East here
Presidency members also reiterated their steadfast support for Ukraine and its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting condemned Russia’s continuing brutal attack on the country and reaffirmed that socialists and democrats will continue working to support Ukraine in the immediate- and longer term.
The PES Presidency joined PES leaders in congratulating all PES member parties who performed well in national elections. A round of applause was given to the LSDP, who have come to power in Lithuania, the PSD for winning the parliamentary elections in Romania, the Labour Party in Ireland for nearly doubling their seats in the general election, and the Social Democratic Alliance of Iceland for winning the parliamentary election in Iceland.
- Photos from the PES Presidency meeting on 19 December can be found here:
