Our Top 5 of 2022 | Your PES Group newsletter

What a year it has been! The Russian invasion of Ukraine, the energy crisis, a series of natural disasters linked to climate change, and growing social and economic disparities. All these challenges have one thing in common: the need for more solidarity and resilience.

As the year comes to an end, let's take a moment to remember this year’s achievements that will continue to inspire our action in the months to come. Just scroll down to discover them. 👇

We look forward to making 2023 a brighter year and continue our fight for a more sustainable, social and just Europe!

❤️ 5 political highlights of 2022 ❤️

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃 Youth for Europe, Europe for Youth: the way forward

To contribute to the European Year of Youth, we discussed at our external Group meeting in Florence a progressive vision for the future of young people. Local and regional progressive leaders showcased inspiring youth projects which have made concrete improvements to the lives of the young people they represent. ➡️ ​ Take a look at some good practices and at the main political messages here

❤️ Ukraine

Since the first day of Russia's full-scale invasion, the PES Group and its members, together with its progressive family, stand firmly in solidarity with all the Ukrainians. From welcoming millions of refugees to sending humanitarian aid and donations, progressive cities and regions have shown impressive support in the most difficult times. Likewise, they will help rebuild Ukrainian cities and regions and create new perspectives for the Ukrainian people. We can shape our European future together!

🌈 Promoting the rights of LGBTIQ people

Everyone should be able to love whoever they want. We called on European cities and regions to declare themselves LGBTIQ Freedom Zones and commit to public policies that protect LGBTIQ rights. Many more cities joined our call last year, is yours the next one? Check this out!

🏡 New EU Housing Strategy wanted!

Progressive local and regional politicians from all over Europe adopted the declaration "WANTED – New EU Housing Strategy!". Handed over to Commissioner Nicolas Schmit, it makes 15 concrete proposals on different aspects of housing policy, including social housing, sustainable housing, emergency housing, and youth & housing. ➡️ Read the declaration

🌍 Cities and regions are key to move from goals to actions

Within the UN Climate Change conference #COP27 and the UN Biodiversity Conference #COP15, ​ we called for cooperative action at all levels of government to address climate change. From greening urban spaces to fighting energy poverty, it is cities and regions that make a real difference by implementing the EU Green Deal. Their voice needs to be heard!

🗓️ Save the date: we are going to Valencia!

Our external PES Group meeting and the next School of young elected politician will take place on 2-3 March 2023 in Valencia (Spain)! The focus will be on preventing and combatting violence against women. Details about the event will follow soon, so stay tuned on our social media channels for more!

Happy holidays,

The PES Group Secretariat

🙏 For the header photo, we thank Danil Aksenov on Unsplash.