✊ This Pride Month, We’re Taking Action l Your PES Group newsletter

This month, as far-right forces grow bolder, we double down on our values: putting people first, championing equality and standing with pride for every community, in every corner of Europe.

From adopting our new political priorities to raising our voices in defence of LGBTIQ+ rights and affordable housing, progressive local and regional leaders are showing that solidarity is more than a slogan. We are proud to share how local and regional leaders are delivering change where it matters most, in people’s everyday lives. 👇

🗳️ New Political Priorities: The PES Group Commits to People-First Politics

Our new political priorities for the next five years are adopted! We will focus on cohesion, democracy and quality of life. These guiding principles reaffirm our mission: ensuring that social justice, environmental sustainability and equality are at the heart of EU policy-making. Read more ⤵️

Cohesion, democracy and quality of life: the PES Group adopts its new political priorities

At a time when Europe is facing historic challenges, from the climate crisis and geopolitical instability to growing inequalities and democratic backsliding, progressive local and regional leaders have a vital role to play in building a fairer and stronger European Union.

PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions

🏳️‍🌈 IDAHOT: Pride in Our Values, Proud of Our Communities

This Pride month, we are urging cities and regions to step up as defenders of equality and dignity. With backlash rising, local action now matters more than ever. A recent win in Poland, where all “LGBTIQ-free zones” have now been removed, proves that local resistance, backed by EU solidarity, leads to real change for our communities. 

🏠 11 Concrete Steps to fix the Housing Crisis

Housing is a human right but across Europe, it’s increasingly treated as a commodity. In a joint letter, Progressive leaders from all over Europe outline 11 bold and practical solutions to tackle the housing crisis, from rent regulation to public investment.

11 concrete steps to fix the housing crisis

This article was originally published on Euractiv.

PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions

In our last plenary, the European Committee of the Regions adopted a legislative text led by Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni calling for a comprehensive European Affordable Housing Plan that includes increased investment in building, more affordable housing units and acknowledges the central role of cities in addressing this issue. Collboni highlighted that the housing crisis affects not only the most vulnerable but also middle-class and front line workers, urging the EU to treat housing as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of European democracy.

❤️ Progressive Local Stories ❤️

🏳️‍🌈 Roeser: A Small Town with a Big Stand for LGBTIQ+ Rights

Tom Jungen, Mayor of Roeser in Luxembourg is showing how local leadership can make a powerful impact on human rights. Under his leadership, Roeser was declared an LGBTIQ Freedom Zone in 2021. Since then, Tom Jungen led Roeser to sign a Pact of Coexistence, reinforcing the town’s commitment to fighting discrimination in all its forms from schools to workplaces.

He also used his national platform as Secretary General of the Socialist Party (LSAP) to encourage other municipalities to act. As a result, nearly half of Luxembourg’s municipalities have now joined the movement.

Leading locally for LGBTIQ+ freedom

By Tom Jungen, Mayor of Roeser, Luxembourg, and PES Group member and coordinator for the SEDEC Commission. At a time when LGBTIQ+ rights are under attack across Europe, staying silent is complicity. As a Socialist mayor, I believe that the defence of freedom and equality starts in our towns and cities – but it must drive bold action at EU level, especially with the revision of the LGBTIQ+ strategy on the horizon.

PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions

Carolina Darias: Week of Open Government in Las Palmas

As part of the Open Government Week 2025, Mayor Carolina Darias is turning Las Palmas de Gran Canaria into a model of transparency and citizen engagement. Under her leadership, the city launched a full week of public activities from guided tours of the historic city hall to community dialogues and participatory budgeting sessions. The goal? To bring citizens closer to local decision-making and reinforce values like accountability, inclusion and transparency.

✌️ Progressives Win in Italy!

The latest local elections in Italy have brought encouraging results for the centre-left, with the Partito Democratico (PD) and its allies reclaiming or holding several major urban centers.

📍 Genoa, Ravenna and many more cities are now under progressive leadership, in some cases after years of right-wing rule. These victories show that when progressive forces unite, they can not only resist the right-wing advance but also reclaim key cities through strong local engagement and inclusive platforms.

What’s coming next?

📅 🏳️‍🌈 Budapest Pride on 28 June: Join the PES Group Delegation

Despite repeated attempts by far-right authorities to silence LGBTIQ+ voices, Budapest Pride will go ahead and we’ll be there. Our PES Group delegation will join the march to send a clear message: equality is non-negotiable and hate will not go unchallenged. Local and regional leaders from across Europe are invited to take part and stand united in defence of freedom, diversity and human dignity.

Have your say on Housing policies!

The European Commission invites all citizens, civil society and local authorities to contribute to shaping new EU laws and other policies. ➡️ Share your views on the “Have Your Say” portal

Join the Ocean Rise Coalition!

On 7 June, Nice in France will launch an initiative to address ocean rise. The Commission of Natural Ressources in the European Committee of the Regions encourages all regions and cities to sign up. ➡️ More info on how to join the coalition.

🙏 © Photo credits of the header: Margaux Bellot from Unplash