The PES launches three major political initatives
1. A new social Europe
Ministers from Spain, Sweden and Belgium are among those taking part in a PES conference on “A New Social Europe” in Brussels on 11 October, with the support of the European Trade Union Confederation. A PES publication on “A New Social Europe” will be launched on the same day. Together the conference and publication start a PES initiative to forge a common socialist vision of how Europe can combine social protection with international competiveness, jobs and growth.
2. A People’s dialogue on the future policies of Europe
A new PES initiative to encourage a discussion across Europe on the EU’s future direction will kick off in November with a seminar hosted by the Irish Labour Party.
3. A new growth and investment strategy for Europe
The PES is drawing up a growth and investment strategy – a socialist blueprint for creating more and better jobs to achieve full employment across Europe. A draft strategy will be discussed by PES Finance Ministers and Spokespersons at a pre-meeting to ECOFIN on 11 October and a final version will be discussed at the PES Leaders meeting on 27 October.
German Social Democrats bounce back
"Gerhard Schröder has given a masterclass in campaigning" said PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen following the German elections. But media regrets over the conservatives’ failure to win a majority forced the PES into a strong defence of Chancellor Schröder's approach to reform. The PES President sees important messages from the German election for the future of social democracy in Europe.
Election news from Bulgaria, Norway and Poland
Sergei Stanishev, leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), was confirmed as the new Prime Minister, after elections in which the Socialists became the largest party.
Jens Stoltenberg is expected to become Prime Minister following the Norwegian Labour Party’s victory in the country’s general elections. First come talks aimed at forming a coalition government.
A rebuilding of the Polish left will be necessary following an electoral defeat in which previous coalition leaders, the Democratic Left Alliance, gained 11% of the vote. The PES will support their member parties in this important challenge.
Global Progressives Unite
Over 2,000 people attended the 2nd Global Progressive Forum on 9-10 September in Milan to take part in discussions with some 90 speakers from all over the world on reforming globalisation.
Demographic Challenges
Ylva Johansson, Minister for Health and Elderly care (Sweden), has delivered a report on Europe’s demographic challenges: an opportunity for social democratic parties to renew and modernise their policies.
Romania
The PES has condemned the mounting political crisis in Romania caused by the right-wing Government seeking unnecessary conflict with the constitutional court and opposition Social Democrats at a time when Romania should focus on achieving full EU membership.
PES Website – in French
The French language version of the PES website has been launched today. Enjoy the surf! 
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Socialist Leaders meet
PES Leaders meet in London hosted by Tony Blair on 27 October immediately before the EU Informal Summit on Social Europe and reconnecting the EU with its citizens.
Turkey
The PES will have a high level delegation to Turkey, led by former Finnish Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen and Greek Socialist Leader George Papandreou, on October 12-13 to review the progress of and prospects for EU accession .
Immigration
‘The Challenges of Immigration and Diversity for Europe in the Twenty First Century’ a conference for PES member parties will be held in Amsterdam on Friday 7th October. Keynote speakers include Dutch Labour Party Leader Wouter Bos, PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and Ministers from UK, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic.
Ministerial meetings
The PES is organising further meetings of Socialist Ministers (and Socialist opposition spokespersons) prior to EU Council meetings, including ECOFIN on 11 October, and Environment Ministers on 2 December.
Lisbon network
The PES ‘Lisbon Network’ of leading national politicians following the EU’s economic renewal process meets on 13 October in Brussels. Top of the agenda is the national reform programmes for growth and jobs.
