Let’s go the extra mile for Social Europe l Your PES Group Newsletter

Small actions can make a big difference in the lives of people, and so it goes for politics.

As the 2024 European elections are slowly but safely approaching, the question “What lies ahead for Social Europe?” comes more and more in the focus: will we witness an expansion of Social Europe or a regrettable weakening?

As progressive regional and local leaders, we have committed to going the extra mile for a strong social Europe that cares about all. But we can't walk this extra mile alone! Scroll down to join us 👇👇👇

 🌹 Let's make Europe a champion of social progress

At the PES Congress in Málaga, we launched the campaign “Go the extra mile for Social Europe”, which intends to showcase how progressive local and regional leaders are championing social progress, be it by initiating local initiatives that ensure decent wages for workers, by promoting decent and accessible housing for all, or by promoting inclusive child education. Discover it here.

What does #SocialEurope mean to you? Post your answer on social media and tag @pes_cor, like our young local leader João Martins Pereira from France. We will share it!

📢 ​ International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Our #SafePlace4Women campaign continues to make waves around Europe and we are proud to announce that Occitanie is the first French region, Valongo the first Portuguese city, and Krefeld the first German one to adopt our resolution.

At the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women celebrated on 25 November, we invite you to follow the example of our members Nadia Pellefigue and José Manuel Ribeiro, as well as of City Councillor Maxi Katharina Leuchters and adopt our resolution, available in all official EU languages here, in your city or region!

We were also part of this year's European Parliament's Gender Equality Week to present our #SafePlace4Women campaign to decision-makers, NGOs and citizens. We heard about best practices from Rome, Paris and Zagreb when it comes to providing programs and policies to not only respond to the needs of victims, but also tackle the root causes of this shameful reality.

🚵 A #FairGreenDeal for all

Ahead of the next European elections 2024, we call for a clear commitment from Europe to support our efforts to make the Green Deal a #FairGreenDeal for every citizen. How? Make up your mind by reading our 15-point declaration, available now in all official EU languages. Check out the stories of our members Mikko Aaaltonen and the Tampere Climate roadmap, of Arianna Censi and Milan's urban forestry project, of ​ Luca Menesini, who made Capannori Italy’s first ‘Zero Waste’ town, and of Joško Klisović, who made Zagreb firmly commit to renewable energy. 👇

🙌  Ukraine: PES Group members take part in mission to Lviv

We continue to work closely with our Ukrainian partners, in particular with the SD Platform, ensuring that we start rebuilding now the war-torn country according to European standards and a decentralized approach. The war is not over and it will not be over tomorrow, but it's in our hands to act now. Our President Christophe Rouillon, Antje Grotheer, the CoR rapporteur on Ukraine's accession process, and our member Patrick Molinoz confirmed our firm commitment at the scene.

❤️  Progressive Local Stories ❤️

For the first time, the #FashionGreenDays made a stopover in Nantes, a city led by the Socialist Johanna Rolland. Redefining the fashion industry is the only way forward to get out of the fast fashion nonsense and this is an opportunity to promote a circular and sustainable model based on the wise use and reuse of existing materials.

What’s coming next?

The European Committee of the Regions will hold its last plenary session of the year next week! You will also be able to register for the 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities, to be held from 18-19 March 2024 in Mons, Belgium. Sign up for updates and and discover the hosting city, hometown of our member Elio Di Rupo, here. 

Last but not least…Bom dia Portugal! Our next external Group meeting and School of Young Local Politicians will take place in Portimão, hometown of our member Isilda Gomes, from 4-5 April 2024. Stay tuned for more news!

🙏 For the header photo, we thank Steven Lelham on Unsplash