Progressive forces from across Europe and Ukraine gathered in Kyiv for the first EU-Ukraine Progressive High Level Conference, co-organised by the Party of European Socialists (PES), the S&D Group in the European Parliament, and the Social Democratic Platform Ukraine, together with the Party of European Socialists Group in the COR (PES Group – European Committee of the Regions), Amicus Europae Foundation, the European Forum for Solidarity and Democracy, the Olof Palme International Center, and the CEE Gender network.
Over 200 participants – politicians, civil society representatives, trade unions, academics, veterans, and youth movements – joined the two-day event (7–8 November) in Kyiv, discussing Ukraine’s EU path, security and defence, democracy and rule of law, social rights, and reconstruction.
Speaking at the Conference, Katarina Barley, Executive Vice-President of PES and Vice President of the European Parliament stressed that Ukraine’s accession process must go hand in hand with social and democratic reform:
“Progressives in Ukraine need to play a central role in a socially just reconstruction of Ukraine. We will support you in ensuring that Ukrainians can profit from a balanced package of social economic and environmental reconstruction. We stand for social justice, workers’ rights and decent wages, the rule of law, women’s rights, equality, and democracy. The people of Ukraine, that work and fight every day for their country, for its free and European future, deserve to enjoy these same rights. As second largest European political family we look forward to having a strong partner in what is today a country under brutal attack, but tomorrow will be a big, crucial, and flourishing EU member state”
Participating in the panel “Labour Rights and the Future of Trade Unions in Ukraine – Protecting workers, advancing labour standards, and revitalising the trade union movement,” Yonnec Polet, PES Deputy Secretary General, reaffirmed the European social democrats’ long-term commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and social transformation:
“From the very first day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Party of European Socialists has expressed its unwavering support to Ukraine, their fight for freedom and self-determination, and to guarantee a safe, peaceful future for the youth, women, men, displaced people, veterans, workers, and trade union movements. People’s wellbeing and social progress are at the heart of the EU treaties and of our mission as a Progressive family, binding us together. Without social policy, there is no real Union. Our message is clear: We want jobs that pay, protect, and empower everyone, everywhere.”
Antony Beumer, Coordinator of the PES Contact Group on Ukraine and former Secretary General of the PES and S&D Group in the European Parliament, underlined that the engagement with Ukrainian progressives will be long-term and substantial.
“This High-level conference marks a new phase in our partnership. Supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction is not only about rebuilding cities, infrastructure and the economy, but should aim for a fair, democratic and social Ukraine as a fully-fledged member of our European family. Today, we signed a declaration of first EU-Ukraine Progressive High declaration which expresses that, while we allow ourselves to dream about a post-war Ukraine, we fully recognise that first, substantial financial and military aid is needed to end the war under the best possible conditions. The 25-member strong delegation to the conference made clear that Ukrainian progressives are not their own. We need a strong partner in Ukraine in order to make a success of Ukraine’s accession to the EU.”
The joint declaration adopted in Kyiv called for a ceasefire, the immediate end of Russia’s aggression, accountability for war crimes, and comprehensive reparations to Ukraine. It emphasised that a just and lasting peace begins only with the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty and that the EU and its member states must continue and increase military, financial, and humanitarian support.
Participants also called for Ukraine’s reconstruction to follow a social and inclusive model, promoting women’s participation, strong labour rights, education, and transparent institutions, making Ukraine’s recovery a driver of democracy and equality.
As Ukraine moves forward on its path toward EU membership, it is essential that European and Ukrainian progressives stand side by side, as strong, committed allies shaping both Ukraine’s recovery and the shared project of a more united, democratic, and social Europe. This High Level Conference marks an important first and successful step toward putting these shared principles into practice. We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to continue this joint work – to translate words into action, and to strengthen the progressive partnership in the years ahead, the declaration concludes.
The joint declaration can be seen here.
PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck thanked, on behalf of the PES leadership, the steering committee and all partner organisations for their commitment and teamwork in preparing the event:
“I want to thank, on behalf of the whole PES leadership, the steering committee and our partners for making this conference possible. As PES, we are proud to have initiated this process, as we believe that solidarity must be shown in deeds, not only in words. By standing together in Kyiv, our representatives send a clear message: progressives are united in calling for an immediate ceasefire, supporting Ukraine’s European and democratic path, and building a just and lasting peace.”
More information is available here: https://www.eukraine.pro/en
