Socialists and democrats set sights on next mandate

A just green transition, progress on Social Europe, action on housing, and a fair future for all - this is our fight for Europe in the coming mandate, the Party of European Socialists (PES) family declared today.

Incoming and outgoing European Commissioners, party leaders, and other high-level figures met this morning in Brussels, Belgium, for a strategic discussion ahead of today's European Council meeting.

President Stefan Löfven and PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck welcomed progressive members of the new European Commission to the meeting for the first time - Executive Vice-President-designate for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President-designate for People, Skills and Preparedness Roxana Mînzatu, European Commissioner-designate for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, and European Commissioner-designate for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef.

PES President Stefan Löfven said:

"As the leading progressive force in the EU, a weight of responsibility rests on our shoulders. We are the only alternative to conservatism. And in the coming mandate, we will make that case decisively, with determination, and guided by our principles.

"With our citizens facing a cost-of-living crisis, a climate crisis and a democratic crisis driven by the far-right, our Union needs a strong progressive force providing solutions. With a socialist President of the European Council, a group of experienced heads of state and government, strong figures in the European Commission, and the largest progressive Group in the European Parliament, socialists and democrats stand ready to deliver."

S&D Group President Iratxe García set out the latest developments on the European Parliament hearings for the next European Commission. She underlined that the commitment to a pro-democratic majority in the next mandate must be respected. The meeting expressed strong concerns about proposals to position far-right figures in key roles within the College's organisational structure, the absence of a dedicated equality portfolio, and other concerning issues. The hearings must clarify these issues, the meeting agreed.

Incoming and outgoing European Commissioners, party leaders, and other high-level figures also exchanged on topics on the European Council agenda.

The meeting reiterated its unwavering commitment to Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion.

Participants called for further efforts to stop dramatic military escalation in the Middle East, given the increased violence and the unacceptable numbers of civilian casualties. They reiterated the call: for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza; the unconditional release of all hostages; to stop the humanitarian catastrophe by giving access to humanitarian aid; and, to end escalation in the West Bank. Participants underlined the need for renewed efforts to achieve a two-state solution that ensures the right to peace and security for all.

The meeting further underlined the importance of defending the rules-based international order, strengthening confidence in the United Nations and ensuring a strong role for the European Union.

Incoming and outgoing European Commissioners, party leaders, and other high-level figures exchanged on European competitiveness, underscoring the need for a strong social model, and a commitment to sustainability and investment. The meeting underlined the need for a European approach to migration that is effective and humane, based on the new Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Later, representatives of PES member parties and organisations met in the PES Presidency to hold further exchanges on progressive priorities for the next mandate.

The meeting welcomed a communication coordinated by PES Women - published yesterday - which urges European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to prioritise gender equality in the next mandate. The letter - signed by PES Women President Zita Gurmai, S&D Member of European Parliament and FEPS Vice-President Lina Gálvez, S&D Group Coordinator of the FEMM Committee Joanna Scheuring Wielgus, PES Executive Vice-President Katarina Barley, and Vice-President of the S&D Group Heléne Fritzon - outlines progressive expectations that gender equality and gender mainstreaming will be prioritised in the new Commission.

The PES Presidency also congratulated LSDP Lithuania for winning the first round of parliamentary elections, and Belgian parties Parti Socialiste and Vooruit on their strong local election results. The meeting also congratulated UK Labour on its landslide victory at the UK General Election.

The PES European Council preparation meeting was attended by:

• PES President Stefan Löfven
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• Executive Vice-President-designate for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera
• Executive Vice-President-designate for People, Skills and Preparedness Roxana Mînzatu
• European Commissioner-designate for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen
• European Commissioner-designate for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef.
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• PES Common Candidate and European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit
• High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell
• European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič
• European Commissioner Ylva Johansson
• European Commissioner Elisa Ferreira
  
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• S&D Group President and PES First Vice President Iratxe García
  
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• PS Belgium leader Paul Magnette
• SDP Finland leader Antti Lindtman
• PD Italy leader Elly Schlein
• Lewica Poland co-leader Robert Biedroń
• SAP Sweden leader Magdalena Andersson
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• PES Secretary General Giacomo Filibeck
  
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• PES Executive Vice President Katarina Barley
• PES Vice President Tanja Fajon
• PES Vice President Victor Negrescu
• PES Vice President Kati Piri
• PES Vice President Andrzej Szejna
• PES Vice President Radmila Šekerinska
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• PES Treasurer Caroline Gennez
  
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• PES Deputy Secretary General Yonnec Polet
• PES Deputy Secretary General Saar van Bueren
• PES Deputy Secretary General Thomas Vaupel

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