Similar to the European People's Party (EPP) and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), the Party of European Socialists (PES) is preparing to hold its annual congress on 7 and 8 December in Lisbon, which will be the last one before the European elections in May 2019.
Few surprises are expected at this large meeting since the European Party has already nominated its Spitzenkandidat as the Dutchman Frans Timmermans, who will defend social democratic matters of priority. He is the only candidate for the position of frontrunner candidate in the European elections after the withdrawal of his only rival, European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič (see EUROPE 12131).
This event will provide an opportunity for the party to discuss its priorities and identity in view of the European Parliamentary elections in May 2019. It should also lead to the adoption of resolutions that will serve as a basis for the party manifestom which is to be presented in February 2019. Mr Šefčovič was responsible for preparing the draft texts.
Several speeches are expected during this ceremony. The current first Vice-President of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, will speak publicly for the first time in his capacity as the official PES candidate. Other people to speak include: - the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini; - the Maltese Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat, the Portuguese Prime Minister, António Costa, and the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez.
In light of the British Parliament's high-risk vote on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU that looms on Tuesday 11 December, the speech by British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on 7 December at around 17:50, will be of particular note (see EUROPE 12145).
It should also be noted that on Friday 7 December, several round tables will be devoted to topics such as: (1) migration, democracy and fundamental rights; (2) building a progressive alliance in the world for our values and (3) PES for equality, PES for sustainability. On Saturday 8 December, three other round tables will be organised on the following themes: (1) working for a just Europe (2) working for a free Europe and (3) working for a sustainable Europe. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)