The Party of European Socialists brings together the Socialist, Social Democratic and Labour Parties of the European Union.
There are 33 full members from the 25 member states, Norway, Romania and Bulgaria. There are also 5 associate and 5 observer parties. The PES President is Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and Vice-President Giuliano Amato.
PES Leaders meet three to four times per year to discuss key issues and adopt common resolutions. The Presidency is the highest body of the PES and is responsible for managing the political business. Labour Party Chair Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP represents the Labour Party on the Presidency. The Coordination Team (international secretaries) meets every two months to discuss the planning, preparation and follow through of PES activities. The Labour Party is represented by Rachel Cowburn.
ECOSY (Young European Socialists) and PES Women are the Youth and Women organisations respectively. Labour MPs and Ministers regularly participate in PES working groups and seminars.
To see a copy of the latest PES newsletter, please click here>>
Links:
http://www.pes.org
http://www.ecosy.org
PES activists
Diversity YES - Intolerance NO
The PES is currently running a campaign against fascism and the rise of the far right across Europe. 'Diversity yes, intolerance no' encourages the diversity that makes Europe so successful but reminds Europeans that this success is built on the acceptance of such diversity.
The PES has launched a petition which calls on its signatories to reject all forms of intolerance and hatred. It argues that everyone has the right to live in dignity and to be treated with full respect regardless of their nationality, ethnic origin, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.
Signatories of the petition include Labour's Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP pictured right with other Foreign Ministers from across the European Union.
Latest campaign - Burma
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