The Party of European Socialists welcomed European Council President **António Costa**, our PES prime ministers, and other high-level figures this morning, for a strategic discussion ahead of today’s Special European Council meeting on defence and support for Ukraine. During the meeting leaders reaffirmed their firm support for Ukraine, condemned the behaviour of US President **Trump** and Vice-President **Vance** in last week’s outburst in the Oval Office, and underlined the need to bolster efforts for a joint European security.
PES President **Stefan Löfven** said:
> ‘‘If the past few weeks have taught us anything, its that we are living in an age of grave uncertainty. The Special European Council convened by President António Costa, represents a crucial moment in the history of our continent and our transatlantic partnership.
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> It is imperative that we accelerate cooperation and step up our autonomy in the field of defence and to take together common European initiatives in defence. Moreover, individual rearmament of 27 member states per se is not an EU-wide solution, which is what we need. EU efforts must go alongside renewed cooperation with allies in third countries. We trust in the leadership of the progressive movement to play a leading role in this process.
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> The progressive stance on European security must not focus exclusively on weapons – it is also stability, welfare, cooperation and European cohesion. Investments in defence cannot be at the detriment of European cohesion policy as it is an essential part of the European project.
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> The recent announcements from US President Donald Trump makes it even more critical that as Europeans we are there to support Ukraine in this challenging period. Together we are European, our security and our futures are intertwined.’’
The PES stands with President **Zelensky** and the people of Ukraine in these ever-challenging times in the history of our continent. Ukraine is Europe, and the conception of the European project was driven by a dream to bring peace to our continent, and to stand together as one people. The PES reiterated its view that Ukraine is not the aggressor and never has been and is defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the three-year anniversary of which took place on 24/02/25.
The PES stands united in countering disinformation, far-right propaganda and conspiracy theories peddled by Trump friendly social media outlets. Social media outlets operating in Europe must be regulated to prevent the spread of disinformation and interference in elections and political life as outlined in the Digital Services Act, ensuring that Europe’s digital security, democratic and political life, is robust.
PES leaders also welcomed Lithuanian Prime Minister **Gintautas Paluckas**, recently elected Vice-Chancellor **Andreas Babler**, and Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister **Atanas Zafirov** to their first PES preparation meeting in their new roles and thanked **Olaf Scholz** for his time as German Chancellor. Members present commended the SPÖ on breaking the five-month deadlock to form a government. The PES commends SPÖ challenging the far-right rhetoric of the FPÖ and deciding to resume coalition talks that has ultimately resulted in FPÖ not being part of the Austrian government.
The PES also welcomed the leader of the Turkish Republican People’s Party, **Özgür Özel**.
Progressives will reconvene on 20/03/25 to make a decision on the date and place of the upcoming PES congress, foreseeing it as a demonstration of progressive mobilisation willing to work together for a better future.
\* To see photos taken from the meeting today click [here](https://www.flickr.com/photos/partyofeuropeansocialists/albums/72177720324243785/)