The two day event built on the concrete plans of the PES Council of 24th November by identifying the policy areas of our fundamental programme. Be it on a fair economy, equal societies, a just world, or on active democracy, the Convention gave clear direction for the progressive movement.
But most importantly, the Convention was a fantastic open forum for progressives from our member parties, trade-unions, NGOs, for progressive authors, academics and artists, for our activists, to discuss, exchange, pave the way towards new ideas and a credible and fair alternative. The challenge is to build on this spirit.
The challenge is to build on this excellent momentum. The Convention received a well timed boost on the second day, as Belgian negotiators announced a breakthrough deal. Now, as new Interim President Sergei Stanishev said we need to take back France, then Italy, then Germany, and then in 2014, Europe.
The PES now has solid pillars upon which to build European Social Democracy. Firstly, the declaration of principles, the “identity card” of our political family; secondly, the historic decision to agree a process for a “lead” candidate for the 2014 European elections; and finally, the numerous inspirations from various workshops and activities organised at the Convention, that pave the way towards the PES fundamental programme.
Thanks again to each and every participant at our Convention. Now let’s build!
