PES Congratulates New Leadership in the European Committee of the Regions

The Party of European Socialists (PES) warmly welcomes the election of Luca Menesini as the new President of the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions (PES in CoR). Mr. Menesini, Councillor of the Province of Lucca, Italy, brings valuable experience to the role, having served as a CoR member since 2020 focusing on the circular economy.

The PES extends its gratitude to the outgoing President, Christophe Rouillon, Mayor of Coulaines, France, for his dedicated service and leadership during his tenure. PES president Stefan Löfven said:

"I would like to thank Christophe for his commitment and achievements throughout the last mandate and congratulate Kata and Luca on their nominations. They build a strong duo, and the PES looks forward to continuing working with them."

The PES also announced its strong support for Kata Tüttő as the PES candidate for the Presidency of the European Committee of the Regions for the 2025-2030 term. Ms. Tüttő, a member of the PES Presidency and Deputy Mayor of Budapest, Hungary, is a recognised advocate for environmental policies, infrastructure development, and gender equality.

PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck said:

"Kata Tüttő has an impressive record of fighting for democracy and gender equality in her own country, Hungary, and she is well respected at the European level, not only in the CoR, where she is a member but also a member of the PES Presidency. I am confident in her outstanding contribution to strengthening the COR's role and enhancing the voice of the cities and the regions of Europe. I am looking forward to further extending the excellent PES cooperation with the PES group in the COR with its new president, Luca Menesini, who demonstrated how progressive local governance can improve the lives of the citizens during his service as a president of the Province of Lucca.

The PES works in close collaboration with the Committee of the Regions and its current socialist President, Vasco Alves Cordeiro. The Party of European Socialists and the PES Group in the CoR regularly organise events and campaigns on topics such as housing, urban development, employment, sustainability, and more.

PES Deputy SecretaryGeneral Yonnec Polet said:

"Being also a member of the PES in CoR Group myself, I hope with the strong nomination of Kata Tüttő, and with Luca Menesini at the helm of the PES in COR, the progressive cooperation on local level will develop even more. Citizens need progressive solutions on their local issues, and the joint efforts of the PES and PES in COR can deliver."

The Party of European Socialists is looking forward to working with Luca Menesini and will fully support Kata Tüttő as president of the European Committee of the Regions at the upcoming negotiations.