Making life better for people where they live and work – this is the objective at the heart of a new agreement signed today by the presidents of the S&D Group in the European Parliament and the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions.
Backed by local and European progressive politicians gathering in Athens, Greece, for the ‘Democracy at its roots’ conference tomorrow, the two groups have committed to working more closely across the European, local and regional levels to advance a fairer, more democratic and more sustainable Europe.
Iratxe García Pérez, president of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, said:
“The cooperation between the PES Group in the Committee of the Regions and the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament is essential to build a Europe that delivers for its citizens.
“Europe’s strength does not depend only on Brussels or Strasbourg; it is even stronger in our cities and regions, where people experience the impact of our policies every day. By joining forces across the European, national, regional and local levels, we can turn progressive priorities into concrete action: stronger public services, quality jobs, social justice and a fair green transition. This is how we strengthen democracy, ensure that the European project delivers for everyone, everywhere, and put cohesion at the heart of Europe’s future.”
Luca Menesini, president of the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions, said:
“European policies are strongest when they are shaped by the realities of people’s everyday lives. As local and regional politicians, we are often the closest to citizens, their concerns and the challenges they face. We see where European policies work, where they fall short, and what needs to change.
“This cooperation strengthens that connection with European decision-making and helps ensure that the voice of our communities is heard where policies are shaped, from affordable housing and quality of life to the green transition.
“The fight for a better quality of life, for a respected environment, and for a strong Europe that develops its policies based on people’s real lives is what guides our work.”
The ‘Reinforced Political Collaboration Agreement’ will be used internally within the groups – both members of the Party of European Socialists political family – to strengthen the impact of their work in key shared priorities, such as housing, quality jobs, affordable public services, democracy and the fight against inequality.
The renewed partnership covers political and institutional strategic collaboration, operational coordination, joint initiatives and campaigns, and communicating and amplifying progressive voices.
