In Malaga we will present a bold progressive alternative to put Europe in the lead, the Presidency of the Party of European Socialists (PES) declared today.
Composed of the PES leadership and representatives of PES member parties and organisations, the Presidency gathered in Brussels to discuss the PES Congress and other issues on the EU agenda.
Photographs from the meeting are availble on Flickr.
PES Congress: Europe in lead / Adelante Europa
From 9-11 November, progressive heads of state and government, leaders, activists, and supporters from across Europe will gather for the 2023 PES Congress, organised in cooperation with the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE).
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“This Congress comes at a crucial moment in the follow-up to the Spanish elections, at a very difficult and divisive time for Europe, and just a few months ahead of the European elections. As a political family, we are more unified that ever behind our progressive alternative for Europe.
“The Congress resolution we will adopt is very important, as it will serve as the base for our 2024 PES electoral manifesto. The task ahead, is to take that manifesto to the voters, to show them that only progressives can deliver a more sustainable, more just, and more secure Europe.”
Europe in the lead: progressive solutions to global challenges / Adelante Europa: Soluciones Progresistas a los Retos Globales – under this title the progressive political family will to set out its political priorities to protect citizens through transitions ahead; promote democracy and gender equality; and, secure Europe’s position in the world.
Congress fringe events will begin on Thursday 9 November. The Congress will open on Friday 10 November, and delegates will elect the PES President and vote to adopt the PES Congress resolution. The leadership team and a new Presidency will also be elected. The PES Congress will continue on Saturday 11 November with interventions from heads of state and government, leaders and European Commissioners. Across both days, two thousand people are expected to take part in the Congress.
PES Presidency discussion on the Middle East
The Presidency discussed the evolving situation in Israel and reiterated its condemnation for the brutal attack by Hamas; called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages; underlined Israeli’s right to self-defence and fight against terrorism, within the boundaries defined by international law; and, called for actions and initiatives to guarantee that humanitarian assistance reaches Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
“Today we had very thorough discussion on the terrible situation in the Middle East. I want to reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of Hamas for the terrorist attacks it launched on Israel on 7 October. All hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas and other terrorist groups, within the boundaries defined by international law.
“At the same time, I also have grave concerns regarding the deteriorating humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The European Parliament recently called for a humanitarian pause, de-escalation and full respect of humanitarian law. It is imperative to head such calls, and protect and minimise the impact on civilians, open humanitarian corridors, and enable the provision of basic necessities such as water and power immediately.
“I condemn any form of violence against civilians, who must be protected in accordance with international law.
“I am also extremely concerned about the escalation of the conflict beyond Gaza, which would have dramatic consequences for the populations of the region and put additional strains on global security. I commend the work of EU High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell and UN Secretary-General António Guterres in their efforts to avert a humanitarian catastrophe, establish humanitarian corridors, and to prevent the expansion of the conflict in the region.
“Israelis and Palestinians both have a right to peace and security, and a right to self-determination. There is an urgent need to restart the peace process to reach a negotiated two-state solution, and a lasting resolution of this conflict that respects the rights of all communities involved.
“We shall combat the rise of both antisemitism and islamophobia wherever they arise.”
The PES condemned the attack on Israel as the news broke earlier this month, with the Presidency first discussed the situation earlier this month.
