The Party of European Socialists welcomed our PES prime ministers, progressive commissioners and other high-level figures this morning for a strategic discussion ahead of today’s European Council meeting. Amid the intense global political situation, leaders discussed the Middle East concerning Israel’s war in Gaza, the crisis with Iran, and reaffirming their support for Ukraine. Chaired by the PES President Stefan Löfven, the meeting touched base on international crises and defence and security following the NATO summit in the Hague and the urgency of defending democracies in Europe in response to the rise of the far-right.
PES President Stefan Löfven said:
‘‘The global situation has quickly become perilous. Russia’s brutal war of aggression in Ukraine continues. In Gaza, the suffering is immense as Israel’s military operations persist, and more recently, the already conflict-scarred Middle East has seen a dangerous escalation between Iran and Israel and various interventions by the Trump Administration.
The EU is the voice of reason, but this voice should be heard. We must step up our collective efforts; the European Union needs to play a constructive and determined role in promoting de-escalation in the Middle East, calling for a return to diplomacy, a path toward peace, and ending this cycle of violence. The EU must help restore respect for international laws, the leading role of the United Nations, and the multilateral approach to global crises.
As the world continues to deteriorate into a fragile state, we are facing a serious threat in our own backyard—the steady rise of the far-right. Our opponents, the EPP, are using the far-right’s covert support to roll back key achievements of our political family on environmental, social, and economic policies. We need to defend and strengthen the values on which our European Union was founded, so that we can be stronger and more active when facing global challenges.”
The PES Summit welcomed two significant contributions via online connection: Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of Palestine, and Yair Golan, leader of the PES observer member party, the Democrats, in Israel.
On the same day as the PES leaders’ meeting, the Presidency of the Party of European Socialists adopted a Declaration on the Middle East, specifically on Gaza, listing demands that progressives consider essential to de-escalate the conflict and to achieve a sustainable, long-lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
PES President Stefan Löfven added:
‘‘We remain deeply concerned about the Israeli government’s actions. We stand with our Israeli observer member party, the Democrats, and its leader Yair Golan, as they articulate a true alternative to it. As Europe’s largest progressive force, we join their urgent call to end the war in Gaza and to release the 50 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas and other groups.
Democracy in Israel must be strengthened, and the process of reconstruction must begin. We will play an active role in efforts to achieve a long-lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the two-state solution. Europe must play a leading role in the international effort in the Middle East, making it more peaceful, stable, and secure, improving the lives of all its peoples through long-term regional agreements.’’
The PES leaders welcomed Özgür Özel, chairman of our associate member party, CHP (Republican People’s Party). They expressed their support for the democratic opposition in Turkey, reaffirming that the PES stands firmly alongside the CHP ahead of the upcoming presidential election. The PES also reiterated its call for the immediate release of Ekrem İmamoğlu from prison.
PES President, Stefan Löfven, went on to wish Denmark and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen good luck for the upcoming Council presidency and thanked Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for organising the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, which takes place next week. President Löfven congratulated the Deputy Prime Minister and the ministers from our member party in Romania, PSD, who were recently appointed to Romania’s new pro-European coalition government.
* To see photos taken from the meeting today, click here
