Message from S&D Group Leader Iratxe García:
“To our friends in Hungary, we say: you are not alone. We are here with you, side by side, proud and loud with the LGBTIQ+ community. Defending your rights is defending freedom, equality, and human dignity. Together we will win.”
This weekend:
We stand with the LGBTIQ+ community in Budapest
Today and tomorrow, 28 June, an S&D delegation led by Group President Iratxe García will be in Budapest, Hungary, to defend the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community.
This afternoon, we will gather citizens, NGOs and the progressive political family for an outreach event in the heart of the Hungarian capital. Under the title ‘Banned by Law - Backed by Love’ the event will discuss the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights in the context of the banned Budapest Pride. S&D speakers at the event include President Iratxe García, S&D vice-president Ana Catarina Mendes, head of the S&D Hungarian delegation Klára Dobrev, and European Parliament Quaestor and Chair of the LGBTIQ+ intergroup of the European Parliament, Marc Angel. The event is open to media. Interested? Follow the livestream on the S&D website.
Tomorrow, 28 June, S&Ds will join with other members of the PES family to stand with the LGBTIQ+ community in Budapest, side-by-side, proud and loud.
Up next:
Denmark at the EU helm
Starting on 1 July, Denmark, led by its centre‑left coalition, will take the helm of the rotating EU Council Presidency, with an ambitious agenda under the banner "A Strong Europe in a Changing World".
Backed by a socialist-led government committed to security and green innovation, this presidency promises bold leadership on key progressive fronts: accelerating the green transition, simplifying bureaucracy to support sustainable businesses, championing rule-of-law standards across the bloc, and advancing digital sovereignty and competitiveness.
Notably, the government is doubling down on EU enlargement, especially for Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans, pushing merit-based integration as a force for democratic resilience and continental solidarity.
Having a fair share of youth engagement initiatives, cultural events, and debates woven into the opening ceremonies in Aarhus, this presidency sets a new standard for democratic inclusion.
Under Denmark’s progressive guidance, the EU has a real chance to combine energy independence, solidarity and investments in security into a coherent, people-oriented agenda strengthening Europe’s position in the world.
Upcoming events:
How can you afford a home?
Join us this Wednesday to discuss ways to stop speculation in the housing market at an event hosted by our spokesperson on housing, MEP Andreas Schieder.
We continue working to secure the right to an affordable, decent and sustainable home for all.
More about our event here. You can register here to receive a Webex invitation to follow online.
Read the S&D Lisbon Declaration on Housing here.
And as always don’t forget to stay updated on all our initiatives and reactions on Facebook, Bluesky, X, Instagram, Telegram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and TikTok!
