It’s time for a progressive Europe, starting from the local level

28 May 2019
It’s time for a progressive Europe, starting from the local level

On 23-26 May, several elections took place across Europe at local, regional and European levels. The results show that citizens believe in the European project but that they also want change in order to build a European Union that can deliver for its people. The 26th of May marks a pivotal moment after which it is now impossible to continue with the status quo. It also marks a positive result for progressive cities and regions that have demanded radical change for a fairer, more democratic and sustainable Europe. While it is regrettable that some national leaders have sought to hijack these elections for national political purposes, a proper analysis of the votes shows that we have reached a momentum for change.

The way forward is through a progressive agenda dedicated to fighting social injustice and the climate crisis, building equality, ensuring that the climate transition is  unbiased for all citizens, building a European democracy for all that gives regions and cities a say in EU policy-shaping and in policy-making.

"The vast majority of citizens believe their future lies in a united Europe. Every level of government must now come together for change. By empowering its 1 million local and regional politicians, the EU will be more responsive to the needs of its citizens, strengthen democracy, be more inclusive, and deliver a sustainable future that leaves no one behind. It's time to rebuild the EU with its cities and regions," says Karl-Heinz Lambertz, President of the European Committee of the Regions.

The PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions is committed to work for a new progressive Europe, together with our lead candidate for the Presidency of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, and the new progressive Members of the European Parliament.

 

 

 

We congratulate our members who were re-elected at local and regional level, such as Karl-Heinz Lambertz, President of the European Committee of the Regions and Member of the Parliament of the German-speaking Community (Belgium), Francina Armengol, President of the Government of the Balearic Islands (Spain), Abel Caballero Álvarez, Mayor of Vigo (Spain), Antonio Decaro, Mayor of Bari (Italy), Juan Espadas, Mayor of Seville (Spain), Niall McNelis, Councillor of Galway (Ireland).

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also commend all our politicians who engaged in a difficult fight by running for elections at European, local or regional level with a progressive European agenda and a passionate belief in a better future, like Marco Dus (Italy) and Christophe Clergeau (France).

 

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