From 9-11 November, the Socialists and Democrats will join the progressive family in Málaga, Spain, for the 2023 PES Congress. S&D Group President Iratxe García Pérez will gather with other Social Democratic EU leaders and commissioners who are set to prepare the progressive manifesto for the 2024 European elections.
The heart of the S&Ds' mission in Málaga will be to engage with Europeans – especially young people – and talk about how to strengthen democracy and ensure the future is based on progressive values.
On the fringes of the congress, the S&D Group is organising a series of events and debates, open to the media and the public. Those interested in joining the debates in person or online can find more information here.*
Iratxe García said:
“We are going to Málaga to start working on our Manifesto for the next European elections. Over the last four years, the Social Democratic family has played a crucial role in advancing a progressive agenda for the European Union, including the Green Deal for a sustainable and fair transition, the strengthening of social and labour rights, as well as gender equality and protecting the rule of law.
“At a time when populist and far-right parties threaten to weaken democracy and the future of our European project, it is important to share our vision with citizens, because they expect a lot from our Union. Spain is a very good example of how progressive policies based on solidarity bring benefits both at the national and the European level.”
*Note to editors:
On Thursday, 9 November, the S&D Group will meet with young people to discuss how they can make their voices heard. There will also be an exchange with youth representatives, politicians and specialists on the pressing issue of how to ensure decent and affordable housing for youth. At 19:00, President Iratxe García will launch the debate on the theme of Adelante Europe: Youth in Action. Doors open at 18:30.
The following day, the Group will tackle climate change in a discussion with decision makers. Vice-President Mohammed Chahim will open the debate with Teresa Ribera, Vice-President of the Spanish Government and Minister for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for the European Green Deal, Inter-institutional Relations and Foresight and Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights.
On the last day, the S&D Bureau members will hold a meeting on the Gender-Based Violence Directive, together with PES Women and representatives of member parties. The Group is pushing for European rape legislation based on the lack of consent, as laid out in the Istanbul Convention and the gender-based violence directive. S&D Vice-President for gender equality Heléne Fritzon, and S&D negotiator for the gender-based violence directive Evin Incir, will be joined by PES Women President Zita Gurmai, a GREVIO representative, and other speakers.
