Bringing Europe left, progressive cities and regions can 💪
64 years ago #OnThisDay, the European Union was cementing its foundations with the signing of the Treaty of Rome. Today, our continent faces a new difficult challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences. Today, as 64 years ago, the only way forward is united, leaving no people and no places behind. Progressive cities and regions from across Europe are committed to keep fighting for the values and ideals of an ever closer Union.
Concretely, what kept us busy at the PES Group and what lies ahead? Take a moment to scroll through these steps!
👧👦 Children are our future, but what are we doing for them?
As the European Commission presented its proposals for a Strategy on the Rights of the Child and a European Child Guarantee, we launched a campaign to turn the spotlight on innovative childcare policies. From free meals to community involvement, what are your cities and regions doing to put children first? Share with us your stories to create new ideas for the future ➡️
✊ Socialists wins at the plenary
Last week, during the plenary of the European Committee of the Regions, PES Group members managed to pave the way for a more social, sustainable and inclusive Europe.
Peter Kaiser, Governor of Carinthia, Austria, obtained broad support for his call for adequate minimum wages, a major step to fight in-work poverty. Learn more ➡️
Workers rights matter in the transition towards a sustainable future, this is also the key message of Isolde Ries, Vice-President of the Parliament of Saarland, Germany. What role do critical raw materials play in it? See how ➡️
Antje Grotheer, Vice-President of the Bremen City Parliament, Germany, won a hard battle to make the new Migration Pact more humane. Read more ➡️
Enrico Rossi, Local councillor of Signa, Italy, put forward innovative ideas to make the Renovation Wave Strategy a new opportunity to change our neighborhoods, create jobs and secure better well-being for all. Find out how ➡️
Leaving no one behind is also the goal of Loïg Chesnais-Girard, President of the Brittany region, France, who asked for more financial support for the territories impacted by Brexit. See why ➡️
🏳️🌈 We must act now for LGBTIQ rights!
As the European Parliament declared the EU an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone, our Group, together with Renew Europe, European Alliance and the Greens, calls for further action, also within the Committee of the Regions. Check our our joint statement ➡️
🏠 Home, home, always home
We continue our fight for the right to housing for all. Our President Christophe Rouillon had the opportunity to speak to Housing Europe about it. Check out his interview 🎙️ But also, don’t forget to sign our petition available in all EU languages ✍️
❤️ #ProgressiveLocalStories
We love sharing what progressive cities and regions do, as they can inspire many others with their stories. This month, we bring you an example of the Emilia-Romagna region, where Vice-President Elly Schlein wants to make public transport accessible to all, including homeless people, because, she argues, “moving in a sustainable way is a right for everyone”.
What’s coming next?
♀️ Equal opportunities at work
How can we promote social responsibility from a gender perspective? Take part in tomorrow’s #EULocal debate in Bologna hosted by our member and mayor Virginio Merola! How to join ➡️
🙌 If mayors ruled the world…
We are proud to share that our members Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor of Rotterdam, and Peter Kurz, Lord mayor of Mannheim, have been shortlisted for the #WorldMayor2021 prize! Vote now for them and for other progressive mayors ➡️
🇪🇺 Women leaders going Europe
Gender equality needs to be promoted every day of the year! Following our campaign with PES Women to #MakeHerCount, we would like to encourage local and regional women leaders to apply for the European Committee of the Region’s Programme for Young Elected Politicians! This is your chance to take part in great discussions, events, and networking sessions. Only female candidates can still apply by 5 April 👉
💡 We know you have amazing ideas...
So progressive cities and regions cannot miss the European Capital of Innovation Awards. Apply by 15 July 📃
Header photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash