PES - Party of European Socialists

06/18/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/18/2026 13:17

Ahead of the EUCO: Progressive Leaders call for a stronger Europe in a changing world

Meeting ahead of the European Council, progressive leaders from across Europe, including heads of government and European political leaders, gathered in Brussels to coordinate common positions on Ukraine, the Middle East, European economy, EU enlargement and the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

Leaders welcomed the formation of the new government led by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Denmark and congratulated Prime Minister Robert Abela on his recent electoral victory in Malta, reaffirming confidence in progressive leadership at a crucial moment for the European Union.


Mette Frederisken, Prime Minister of Denmark, Elly Schlein, Leader of PD Italy, Iratxe García Pérez, PES First Vice-President and Leader of the S&D Group in the European Parliament
The leaders also expressed their support for progressives preparing for important electoral contests in the months ahead. They encouraged Magdalena Andersson as Sweden approaches parliamentary elections in September, as well as Elly Schlein and Antti Lindtman as their parties enter campaign mode ahead of upcoming national elections.


Antti Lindtman, Leader of the SPD Finland
Following the decision by members of PvdA and GroenLinks to unite under a common political project, an important milestone for the Dutch progressive movement, members congratulated Jesse Klaver on becoming the leader of Progressief Nederland (PRO). PES reaffirmed their support for a stronger, fairer and more progressive Netherlands.


Jesse Klaver, Leader of Progressief Nederland, Raphaël Glucksmann, Co-Leader of Place Publique France
Building on the momentum generated by the Global Progressive Mobilisation in Barcelona, leaders stressed the importance of working together to address common challenges and strengthen progressive cooperation across Europe and beyond.

Iratxe García Pérez, PES First Vice-President and President of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, said:

" The Global Progressive Mobilisation in Barcelona demonstrated the strength of progressive cooperation across Europe and around the world, thanks to the vision and leadership of Pedro Sánchez and Stefan Löfven. Europe is entering a new era, and the decisions we take now will shape our security, our prosperity and our place in the world for decades to come.

From defending peace, security and democracy to promoting social progress and protecting our values, the PES family works for a future where no one is left behind. At a time of growing uncertainty, Europe must be stronger, fairer and more united. Our future cannot be built on fear, division or austerity, but on solidarity, democracy and shared prosperity.

To meet today's challenges, Europe needs the ambition to invest in its future. The next EU budget must give Europe the means to strengthen its security, boost sustainable competitiveness, accelerate the green transition and deliver social progress for all. Europe cannot do more with less."


Giacomo Filibeck, PES Secretary General, Iratxe García Pérez, PES First Vice-President and Leader of the S&D Group in the European Parliament
Discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) highlighted the need for an ambitious long-term EU budget capable of addressing Europe's security, economic, social and environmental challenges. The MFF should address new challenges in relation to security, sustainable competitiveness and the green transition. Leaders reaffirmed that cohesion policy, social investment, quality public services and upward convergence must remain at the heart of the Union's priorities.

On the green transition, leaders stressed that it is not only a response to climate change but also a matter of economic competitiveness, energy security and strategic autonomy. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels strengthens Europe's resilience, protects citizens from external shocks and contributes to a more secure, sustainable and prosperous future.

Members welcomed the adoption of the European Union's twentieth sanctions package and called for continued efforts to weaken Russia's war machine and increase pressure on the Kremlin. They reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, long-term security and European future. Progressive leaders also expressed their solidarity with Romania and other Member States affected by Russia's increasingly reckless actions along the EU's eastern border.

Progressive leaders expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. They called for immediate and unhindered humanitarian access, the reopening of crossings and the delivery of aid at scale. Leaders also condemned the continued expansion of illegal settlements and violence by extremist settlers in the West Bank, stressing that such actions must be stopped. They reaffirmed that a two-state solution remains the only viable path towards lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Participants also discussed regional tensions involving Iran and underlined the importance of diplomacy, de-escalation and international cooperation. They stressed that diplomacy remains the only sustainable path to preventing nuclear proliferation and ensuring regional stability. The PES reiterated its longstanding position that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons and called for renewed diplomatic engagement.


Raphaël Glucksmann, Co-Leader of Place Publique France, Jesse Klaver, Leader of Progressief Nederland, Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Elly Schlein, Leader of PD Italy, Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, António Costa, President of the European Council

The leaders also reiterated their commitment to the European future of the Western Balkans and welcomed the renewed momentum in the enlargement process. They welcomed the recent opening of accession negotiation clusters with Ukraine and Moldova and commended the efforts undertaken by European Council President António Costa to advance enlargement discussions with partners across the region.

Members underlined that enlargement is not only a political commitment but a geostrategic investment in Europe's stability, security, democracy and prosperity. At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, a larger Union means a stronger Europe.

On European security and defence, progressive leaders agreed that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security while strengthening cooperation, industrial capacity and resilience against hybrid threats, cyberattacks and disinformation. A stronger European defence capability complements NATO and contributes to a stronger transatlantic partnership. Leaders stressed that increased defence investment must go hand in hand with greater European coordination, stronger industrial capacity and enhanced protection of Europe's citizens and critical infrastructure.

The PES will continue working with progressive governments, parties and partners across Europe and beyond to advance peace, democracy, social justice and shared prosperity for all
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