Wave of actions: ocean protection, pride and local wins l Your PES Group newsletter
This month, we dive deep into one of our planet’s most precious commons: water. From safeguarding our oceans with the new Ocean Pact to strengthening water resilience in cities and regions, progressive leaders are charting a course for sustainability and solidarity.
Alongside this, we continue to stand proudly for equality from Budapest Pride to supporting Ukraine’s courageous local leaders. See below how we’re turning progressive values into local action. 👇
🌊 Stronger Together for Ocean Resilience
Earlier this month, Nadia Pellefigue, Vice-President of the Occitanie, Pyrénées-Méditerranée Regional Council in France and André Viola, Departmental Councillor of Aude in France joined the European Committee of the Regions delegation at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. They called for urgent action to protect our oceans and for local and regional authorities to have a stronger say in global ocean governance.
🌍 Giving Water Resilience a Political Voice in Europe
This week, Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions, was appointed rapporteur for the opinion on the European Water Resilience Strategy. With droughts and floods hitting European regions and cities, but also the challenges of water management, infrastructure and affordable water services, cities and regions that are on the frontline.
👉 Read more here and stay tuned to our social media for the plenary session debate next week!
🌈 See You in Budapest for Pride 2025!
Despite increasing attempts to silence LGBTIQ+ communities, Budapest Pride remains a beacon of courage and hope. Join our PES Group delegation on Saturday 28 June in Hungary, as we march together for equality, freedom and dignity for all, everywhere in Europe.
🌈 In Conversation with Budapest Mayor
Hear directly from Budapest’s Mayor Gergely Karácsony about the fight for equality, local democracy and a safe, more inclusive city for all. A powerful reminder that local leadership can stand strong against authoritarian pressure.
🌟 New Generation, New Ideas: Welcome to Our 2025–2026 YEPs!
This week, we welcomed 44 inspiring young local and regional leaders to our PES Group network as part of the European Committee of the Regions’ Young Elected Politicians programme. From the EU and candidate countries alike, these young progressives bring fresh energy and ideas to shape EU policies, defend democracy and bring people closer to the European Union project.
❤️ Progressive Local Stories ❤️
🌿 Green Momentum in Athens
In Athens, citizens are turning climate ambition into action through a vibrant green award competition. Backed by Mayor Haris Doukas, the initiative highlights local projects focused on sustainability and urban resilience. It’s a reminder that the green transition starts in our neighbourhoods and that residents are ready to lead the way.
🏠 Housing Solutions in Catalonia
Catalonia is stepping up in the face of Europe’s housing crisis. With a bold new plan presented by Salvador Illa Roca, President of the Government of Catalonia, regional leaders are tackling affordability head-on, aiming to ensure housing is treated as a right, not a privilege. It’s a progressive blueprint for social justice at regional level and one worth following.
What’s coming next?
✅ Last plenary before Summer on 2-3 July
The European Committee of the Regions will meet next week for its plenary session. Find out more ➡️ and stay tuned to our social media channels for the debates on sustainable tourism, agriculture, water resilience and more!
✅ All Eyes on Paris: the YES Congress 17–20 July
The 17th YES Congress is just around the corner! From 17–20 July in Massy (Paris Region, France), young progressive leaders will gather to debate Europe’s future, from democracy and digitalisation to housing, equality, and climate justice. This year’s Congress promises to be a key moment for shaping the next generation of socialist leadership. Stay tuned and see you there!
✅ Let’s Talk Trust: See You at EuroPCom on 3-4 July
Did you know that local and regional representatives are the most trusted by citizens? EuroPCom 2025 is back on 3–4 July. Europe’s largest conference for communicators, changemakers, and leaders. This year’s theme: Beyond Words – A Story of Trust. We’re excited to share that our member Federica Cuna, Provincial Councillor in Barletta, Italy, will join the debate on trust in institutions, technology, and communities. Register here ➡️
✅ Save the date: 25 September for a debate on clean, just and competitive EU Industry
We’re gearing up for the Clean, Just and Competitive European Industry Policy Conference 2025, in collaboration with FEPS and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung! We’ll fact-check industry narratives and bring top-level voices, including progressive MEPs, into the debate. Stay tuned for more details!
🙏 © Photo credits of the header: Pritindra Das from Unplash