Cities and regions are the first line of democracy I Your PES Group Newsletter
Across Europe, cities and regions are where democracy becomes real. As the closest level of government to citizens, they play a key role in delivering fairness, rebuilding trust, and turning progressive values into concrete action on the ground. We bring these local stories directly to you 👇👇👇
🌟 Local Progressive Mobilisation in Barcelona
Led by Pedro Sánchez and driven by the PES, the Global Progressive Mobilisation in Barcelona brought together thousands of progressives from across the world to defend democracy, fight inequality and build a fairer future. Our PES Group ensured that this global momentum had a strong local and regional dimension, showing how shared ambitions take shape in cities and regions every day.
Bye bye Orban: renewal for democracy in Hungary
After sixteen years of attacks on the rule of law, hostility toward Europe, fear-driven politics, and the targeting of LGBTQ+ communities, Hungarians voted to turn the page. A win for Europe, and a win for democracy that proves that no country belongs to one man, and no future can be built on division. Congratulations, Hungary!
🗳️ ELECTA: Training Women to Win in Politics
ELECTA supports female candidates from across the political spectrum with high-impact training led by experienced political strategists and campaign experts. Built on decades of hands-on campaigning across Europe, the programme focuses on the core skills needed to run successful elections and step into leadership with confidence. Ready to take the next step? 👉 Apply now and become part of a new generation of women shaping Europe’s political future.
❤️❤️❤️Progressive Local Stories ❤️❤️❤️
Paris cracks down on illegal Airbnb conversions to defend housing rights
A Paris court has just sentenced a property owner to a €585,000 fine for illegally converting an entire building in the 9th arrondissement into Airbnb rentals. Freshly-elected progressive mayor Emmanuel Gregoire welcomed the decision, stating that ‘the abuse of Airbnb in Paris is over.’ Housing is a human right, not a cash machine for landlords!
🍎🥦 Public food justice in practice: New York’s municipal grocery stores
In New York, Progressive Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced the first site of the city’s public grocery store programme at La Marqueta in East Harlem, a flagship initiative to tackle rising food prices and improve access to affordable, healthy food. By combining public ownership with local delivery, the project reflects a growing progressive push to treat food as a right, not a commodity, while strengthening neighbourhood economies and community resilience.
🤑 Cohesion funds: More than a Budget
Two of our Young Elected Politicians Andrea Capellini, City Councillor of Gragnano Trebbiense, and Asia Trombaioli, Deputy Mayor of Gaiba, Italy, presented the “Manifesto for Cohesion Policy 2028–2034” at the Chamber of Deputies in Rome. Their message is clear: we need a strong Cohesion Policy that starts from and works through our regions and local communities. Sign the manifesto here!
✍️ Friends of Cohesion: defending a Europe that leaves no one behind
On 22 April, the Friends of Cohesion met in Warsaw, bringing together governments and progressive leaders to defend a strong Cohesion Policy in the next EU budget (2028–2034). With the participation of Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions, and PES Group member, the message was clear: cohesion cannot be weakened through opaque budgets, false “simplification” or centralised control disguised as shared management. From mismatched governance with the RRF to strategies that divide rather than coordinate, the discussions offered a reality check and a united call to protect cohesion as the EU’s most powerful tool to deliver fairness, solidarity and real impact on the ground
What’s next?
🗓️ 9 May is Europe Day!
Join us on Saturday 9 May 2026, from 10:00 to 18:00 at the European Committee of the Regions for Europe Day! Engage with us through interactive activities to discover how cities and regions shape Europe and why local democracy matters. Meet local and regional leaders, exchange ideas, and experience Europe from a local perspective in a friendly and open atmosphere. 👉 More info here
🏳️🌈✊ 16 May: Brussels Pride - Standing together for equality
This year, the PES Group proudly joins our Belgian comrades at Brussels Pride, standing up for equality, dignity and love in all its diversity. Walk with us and show your support for a Europe that leaves no one behind. You’ll find us on the PS Belge float (the last one in the parade). 👉 More details here
