New challenges ahead, new inspiring stories | Your PES Group newsletter
“Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist”. We know it’s hard not to become cynical when it comes to reality today. Yet, the world needs more dreamers and people challenging the status quo to shape the world of tomorrow.
Are you longing for hopeful prospects? We might just have what you need: real and inspiring #ProgressiveLocalStories! Scroll down to take a look at what kept us busy at the PES Group and what lies ahead 👇👇👇
💪 🙍♀️ Progressive women leading the change
It’s a fact, progressive cities and regions are the first ones to put concrete measures in place to push for sustainability, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. So, we’re extremely proud of our member Kata Tüttő, Deputy Mayor of Budapest, who’s been appointed Chair of the Commission for the Environment, Climate change and Energy in the European Committee of the Regions!
✊⏲️ Platforms: it’s time to deliver rights!
Platform workers deserve the same rights as everyone else: fair wages and decent working conditions. Progressive regions and cities are committed to introducing social frameworks for new forms of employment. In the European Committee of the Regions, our member Yonnec Polet, 1st Deputy Mayor of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe (Belgium), is calling for better working conditions for people engaged in work through digital labour platforms.
📢 Young elected politicians, wanna join?
We are happy to announce the opening of the applications of the European Committee of the Region’s Young Elected Politicians 2022 programme. We look forward to involving closely young progressive local and regional leaders in our work. They are the ones making a difference in their territory every day and we want to hear from them! ➡️ Apply here (before 8 April)
❤️ #ProgressiveLocalStories
Directives, strategies, resolutions, but what are local and regional authorities doing concretely? Let’s take a minute to see an initiative to improve urban mobility from a progressive city.
Dario Nardella, Mayor of Florence, believes that cycle lanes are the answer to reduce the congestion of his city. So he’s going to invest in 10 km of new cycle lanes thanks to European funds. It’s inspiring to see local authorities investing in sustainable transport infrastructure. Getting more people cycling is better for air quality, the economy and for your own health!
🗣️ Share your #ProgressiveLocalStories with us!
Is your city or region a front-runner in promoting Sustainable Development Goals, LGBTIQ rights, gender equality or inclusive children education? Does your city or region have an inspiring story to share? We want to know more and share your story with our community! Get in touch with us at pes-group@cor.europa.eu and find inspiration on our website!
What’s coming next?
🌊 European Summit of Regions and Cities in Marseille
Join us in Marseille next week for the European Summit of Regions and Cities! We will be discussing the EU's future challenges. ➡️ Save your seat (in person or online)
📅 #Progressives4Europe meet in Budapest
Our Progressive family will be visiting Budapest on 4 March for an event on social justice and defending democracy. ➡️ Last chance to win a trip to share your ideas!
♀️ 8 March and the fight for women’s rights
Women in Europe need more than empty phrases, so it might be good to think about how we could turn words into concrete actions. According to the Gender Equality Index 2021, the score for gender equality in the EU stands at 67.9 out of 100. To reach the 100 mark of total equality, it is estimated that it will take us at least sixty years, at the current rate of progress. We are talking about more than half the population in the EU, still struggling to be treated equally. We must speed up the process of gender equality and this cannot wait a single day. ➡️ Find out more and stay tuned to our social media
🌍 Climate Chance Summit Europe
We will be at the Climate Chance Summit Europe organised by the French Presidency of the Council of the EU on 7-8 March in Nantes. With our members Kata Tüttő, Donatella Porzi and Christophe Clergeau, we will bring the voice of local governments to strengthen climate action. More info ➡️
🙏 For the header photo we thank: Greg Rakozy on Unsplash.