Our big wins this year. Thank you for standing with us | Your PES Group newsletter
🌟 Our big wins this year
2025 was a year of action. Together, we defended democracy, pushed for progressive change, and helped deliver real results for people across Europe.
From hard-fought campaigns to concrete victories, here’s a look at some of the moments you helped make possible this year — and the stories that continue to inspire us as we head into the year ahead. 👇👇👇
📌 Defending Cohesion Policy
This year, we called out the European Commission for sidelining regions and cities in the next EU budget. The proposed Multiannual Financial Framework risks amputating Europe from its local and regional heart, where trust, democracy and cohesion are built every day.
At a time of profound geopolitical, social and ecological challenges, centralisation is not the answer. Europe’s strength lies in its territories, its people and its shared management model. Cohesion is not a cost: it is Europe’s greatest investment.
Because Europe starts in the smallest street of the smallest neighborhood.
📌 Affordable Housing for Europe
We secured an ambitious EU-wide plan for affordable housing, making housing justice a reality for thousands of citizens across the continent. Cities and regions now have the tools to build homes that everyone can afford a concrete win for social cohesion and quality of life.
📌 Standing up for imprisoned opposition mayors in Türkiye
We proudly nominated Ekrem İmamoğlu as a candidate for the Mayor Pawel Adamowicz Prize, celebrating leadership that advances human rights, inclusion, and local impact. This nomination puts a spotlight on leaders who turn progressive values into real-world change.
📌 Cities Taking Action
Many more cities adopted our resolution on #SafePlace4Women. Our campaign across Europe continues to grow. The commitment of progressive leaders to put an end to gender-based violence is concrete and action-oriented, backed by real measures.
We are proud to announce that, thanks to the strong engagement of our Young Elected Politician Justin Hermes, Municipal Councillor of Rhenen, Netherlands, another city has officially joined our campaign.
Throughout this year, our progressive leaders have organised EU Local Dialogues across Europe, bringing the Union closer to citizens by actively engaging them and putting their priorities at the center of the political agenda.
🗣️ Citizens at the Heart of Change
This year, progressive local and regional leaders have shown outstanding commitment, working tirelessly (as always 😊) for a bolder, feminist, inclusive, social, and green Europe.
We hosted citizens’ debates and interactive dialogues, built campaigns, and more: making sure people’s voices truly shape Europe’s policies. Your participation fuels our fight for a more democratic, just, and cohesive Europe.
Throughout the year ,we strongly supported the “My voice, My choice” Citizens Initiative, calling for universal access to safe and legal abortion for every women in Europe. And just yesterday, the European Parliament voted in favour of the proposal!
A hard-one victory and a huge step forward for women's rights, bodily autonomy and dignity in every city, region and corner of Europe.
Thank you for being part of our movement, transforming Europe from the ground up. ❤️ Onwards, together, into the year ahead.