Local action, global impact l Your PES Group Newsletter

Across Europe, progressive change starts locally and resonates globally. In this edition, we share the latest news from our socialist family in cities and regions, highlight opportunities for young leaders, and show how Social Democrats are turning values into action: defending reproductive rights, building feminist cities, promoting regional development, and shaping Europe’s future together. ​ 👇👇👇 

👏 My voice, My choice: it’s a YES!

After months of mobilisation, the European Commission has backed the My Voice, My Choice campaign and confirmed that EU funds can be used by member states to support safe and legal abortion care. With more than 1.2 million citizens mobilised, this victory shows that when people organise, Europe moves. The fight continues until every woman, everywhere, has real access to her rights.

♀️ Ahead of 8^th March: Take action for a feminist city!

This International Women’s Day on 8 March, don’t give flowers: adopt our resolution to combat violence against women and make your city a #SafePlace4Women!

Make your city a Feminist city: check out our Toolkit

Empower yourself and your community by using our comprehensive Toolkit, designed to provide practical steps and resources for building a feminist city. Whether you're organizing a local event or advocating for change, these tools can help turn ideas into impactful action. Download it and get inspired to make a difference ahead of International Women's Day!

🏆 Ekrem İmamoğlu wins the Paweł Adamowicz Award

The Paweł Adamowicz Award for Freedom and Courage will be presented on Thursday 5 March. As Ekrem İmamoğlu remains unjustly imprisoned, the award will be received on his behalf by the acting Mayor of Istanbul Nuri Aslan at 10:00. Join us live to stand together for freedom, courage, and democratic values.

🤑 MFF: More than a Budget

Europe’s strength is built from the ground up. In this interview, Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions, highlights that the EU budget is not just numbers: it is a strategic tool to keep Europe strong from the inside, invest in local communities and foster resilience.

📺 Watch the interview here 👇

❤️❤️❤️Progressive Local Stories ​ ❤️❤️❤️

Ahead of the 8^th march, Jesi in Italy adopts the resolution #SafePlace4women, led by Giacomo Mosca, local councillor in Jesi and young elected politician, taking concrete steps to eliminate violence against women.

👀 Spotted

Isabel Cademartori, Young elected politician (YEP) alumni, now a parliamentarian at the Bundestag, had the honor of showing US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez around the Bundestag. A moment of transatlantic solidarity reminding us that young leaders continue to defend democracy across borders. We wish we could have been there and we are very proud of our former YEP!

⭐ REGIOSTARS Awards 2026 – Apply Now!

Do you have an EU-funded project making a real difference in your region? The REGIOSTARS Awards celebrate outstanding initiatives that drive regional development, promote inclusion, and leave a lasting impact. Applications for 2026 are now open! ​ Submit your project before 22 May 2026 via the EU Survey REGIOSTARS application form.

What’s next?

🌟 Opportunity: Call for Young Elected Politicians (YEP) 2026

The 2026-2027 YEP Programme is now open from 2 March to 17 April 2026, giving young, elected leaders across Europe the chance to join a dynamic network of changemakers. The application link will be available here. Share it with your network! ​

🗓️ Event: Place-based industrial policy in Europe

Economic activity is fundamentally spatial, and strong local institutions are key to development. Join us on 19 March in Brussels to explore place-based industrial policy and lessons from Pori, Silicon Saxony, Port Talbot, and Cornwall, with insights for social democrats shaping Europe’s future. Info & registration here