Our work

Cohesion is about making sure that no people and no places are left behind. As progressive local and regional leaders, we believe that the EU must do more to reduce inequalities in our communities — from rural villages to urban centres, from outermost regions to mountainous areas. This means more investment in public services, affordable housing, and good jobs. We are calling on the EU to reinforce cohesion policy as a pillar of European integration, and to ensure that the policy continues to deliver economic, social and territorial cohesion for all regions. Local and regional authorities know what works on the ground, and they must remain at the centre of this policy. As PES members in the European Committee of the Regions, we will mobilise local actors to build a stronger cohesion policy, shape the European Housing agenda, and promote quality public services across Europe. We want a European Union that supports sustainable development, empowers communities, and builds a better future for everyone, everywhere.

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Democracy is under growing pressure — from extremist forces, autocratic regimes, and economic powers that seek to undermine public trust. The EU must defend its founding values: democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights. To meet today’s challenges, Europe needs stronger, more transparent and participatory decision-making. Gender equality and intergenerational justice must be mainstreamed in all policies. The EU must also support Ukraine’s path to accession and EU enlargement in general, promote a humane migration policy, fight disinformation, and protect media freedom. As the level closest to citizens, local and regional representatives are key to restoring trust in democracy. Cities and regions are where people engage, where inclusion happens, and where new forms of participation can take root. The PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions is committed to reinforcing democracy from the ground up — promoting participatory dialogues, fighting all forms of discrimination, promoting the participation of women at all levels, and demanding a stronger voice for regions and cities in EU decision-making.

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Improving quality of life means ensuring everyone in Europe has access to what matters most: decent jobs, affordable housing, clean energy, healthcare, education, and healthy food. As we shape the green and digital transitions, the EU must ensure that these transformations are fair and inclusive, creating new opportunities and bringing social progress. As progressives, we call for the full implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, providing high-quality jobs, regulating algorithms and fighting against poverty. The EU must deliver on reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, support a sustainable Common Agricultural Policy, invest in renewable energy, and ensure digital innovation respects citizens’ rights. Local and regional authorities are at the forefront of these transitions. They plan sustainable cities, lead climate adaptation, promote social innovation, and ensure public services reach everyone. The PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions is pushing for a fair transition, high-quality public services, and gender equality.

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Read the Rules of Procedure of the PES Group in English - French - German.

Read the Code of Conduct of the PES Group in English - French - German.

Read the Welcome Toolkit of the PES Group in English - French - German.