Across our continent, people are asking who will defend their future, who will turn anxiety into confidence and division into progress. Europe is at a crossroad, and the answer cannot come from those who thrive on fear or seek to dismantle democracy. It must come from those ready to build, with fairness, solidarity, and purpose.
At our Congress in Amsterdam (16-18 October - see EUROPE 13732/22), Europe’s progressive family is setting out 14 resolutions that turn vision into delivery. In this Progressive Mobilisation - in Europe and beyond - we call on all who defend democracy and free societies to stand up and to act together for social progress. Hope for a better future is essential.
We start with a simple conviction: people and their dignity must come first. Every worker deserves a quality job that pays and protects. Every young person deserves a future built on opportunity, not fear. Every family deserves a home they can afford, healthcare they can trust, and a planet that sustains life. The dreams of today will be the reality of tomorrow.
Progressive leadership has already proved that it delivers. During the pandemic, we created the SURE instrument that saved millions of jobs and NextGen EU that kickstarted our economy. We spearheaded the European Green Deal, advanced equality, and fair wages, and turned climate ambition into industrial renewal. Europe must continue, for workers, for young people, for communities and for the planet we share.
Our Progressive Mobilisation rests on four imperatives that guide everything we do.
Fairness. We are building a new economy that serves people and the planet. That means a European investment plan instead of austerity, fair taxation, strong social dialogue, secure work, and equal pay. Our vision of sustainable competitiveness is where everybody wins and not a race to the bottom.
Democracy. Europe’s democratic model is under assault from authoritarianism, disinformation and the far-right, which has moved from the margins to power. Regressive forces are not just indifferent to the future; they are actively accelerating its destruction. We will not follow or validate them. We defend the rule of law, press freedom and civic space, ensuring that democracy is felt in everyday life.
Security. With war at our borders, we reaffirm Europe as a force for peace and international law. We reaffirm our unwavering support to Ukraine. We will defend multilateralism and a rules-based international order, strengthen the EU’s role as a global actor for peace, democracy, and human rights, and stand firmly against unilateralism and any breach of these rules. We will support and work closely with the United Nations, whose role remains essential to preserving global peace.
The EU reacted too slowly to stop the bloodshed in Gaza. We must be on the right side of history. Security is also human and economic: cohesive societies, decent work, affordable renewable energy, and resilient supply chains are part of the foundations of our freedom. That means global cooperation and solidarity among nations and peoples.
Solidarity. From housing and healthcare to fair mobility and cohesion, Europe’s strength lies in standing together. Cities must grow inclusively, socially, economically, and culturally, with vibrant civic life, strong public services, and sustainable transport.
These principles take shape in five priorities for action, for a better Europe.
Jobs you can build a life on. We will promote secure, well-paid employment through rights, innovation, skills, and education, investing in the green and digital transitions to create quality jobs and ensure no one is left behind.
Affordable housing for all. A 50-billion-euro EU fund will help build quality homes, curb speculation, and regulate rentals, including short-term lets, and protect local affordability.
Universal access to healthcare. We will strengthen public health systems, support a European Health Union, and ensure fair pay and mobility for medical professionals.
European renewable energy for people and planet. Europe must become a continent powered by renewables by 2045, lowering bills, ensuring energy independence, and creating clean industry jobs.
A Union for peace. We will work for a European Union that promotes peace, democracy, and the rule of law, defending multilateralism, international institutions such as the United Nations, and human rights worldwide.
Together, these priorities demonstrate that progressives offer better solutions, concrete, fair and realistic answers to Europe’s challenges.
Building, not dividing. This is our answer to those who exploit discontent, and the antidote to fatalism. The progressive path for Europe means security in everyday life, fairness in opportunity and hope in common purpose. This Progressive Mobilisation in Europe and beyond is our collective commitment to act, deliver, and lead. We are a movement. And when we move together, Europe moves forward.
Stefan Löfven is President of the Party of European Socialists.