Rome, 28/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - During its party congress in Rome, the Party of European Socialists (PES) welcomed a new member on Friday 28 February - the Italian Democratic Party (PD). PES President Sergei Stanishev said that without the PD, the Socialist family had until now been “incomplete”. The party of Italy's current prime minister, Matteo Renzi, can now bring all its weight to bear on Saturday 1 March, when the PES members formally approve the candidacy of Martin Schulz, as well as their manifesto. During an executive session on Thursday, the PD decided to join the PES by 121 votes in favour, one against and two abstentions. Roberta Agostini, an Italian member of parliament from the PD, stated on Thursday that this was a unique experience for her party. (EL)