EL in 2024: A Year of Action
2024: A Year of Action and Unity for the European Left We are proud to share the milestones we achieved in 2024, a year of transformative efforts for social justice, peace, and solidarity. As a coalition of over 40 progressive parties across Europe, we worked tirelessly to connect with communities, challenge systemic inequalities, and champion a brighter future for all. Here are the highlights of our 2024 activities:
A Bold Vision for Europe: The 2024 Electoral Campaign
The European Parliament elections were the centerpiece of our efforts. From launching our campaign in Ljubljana to debating our European Elections Manifesto in Maastricht, Brussels, and beyond, we presented a vision for a progressive Europe.
Our campaign, led by Walter Baier, focused on addressing the climate crisis, tackling inequality, and resisting authoritarianism. We called for a just green transition, affordable housing, universal healthcare, and anti-fascism measures, rejecting austerity and militarization. Through debates, rallies, and creative outreach, we empowered citizens to reclaim Europe for the many, not the few. (Watch the campaign highlights: [here] and [here].
“Europe for the People”: Uniting Progressive Forces
Together with PVDA-PTB (Belgium), AKEL (Cyprus), and LEVICA (Slovenia), we co-hosted the Europe for the People event in Brussels. This gathering addressed critical issues such as the cost of living and the fight for a just transition, showcasing the power of united leftist forces. (Explore the event: [here])
Standing Strong Against Fascism: The “No Pasarán” Conference
In Lisbon, we marked 50 years since the Portuguese Revolution with the No Pasarán conference. In partnership with transform! europe, we amplified anti-fascist voices, resisting the far-right’s rise and reaffirming our commitment to equality, freedom, and democracy.
Empowering Communities and Youth
Throughout 2024, we were actively involved in a variety of events across Europe, fostering connections with workers, young activists, and the general public. Each event offered a unique approach to engaging communities, strengthening ties with progressive leaders, and amplifying our shared vision for change.
To mention just a few, we traditionally celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1st in Brussels alongside PTB-PVDA (The Workers’ Party of Belgium). Joining workers and activists, we shared our commitment to social justice and solidarity, highlighting the importance of transformative change at every level.
In July, our Summer University in Mieres, Spain, became a vibrant hub for young activists, politicians, and academics. Co-organized with transform! europe, the event featured workshops, debates, and plenaries on critical issues such as countering far-right movements, addressing AI’s societal impacts, and prioritizing peace over militarization. It was a powerful platform to inspire and equip the next generation of progressive leaders. (Explore the event: https://www.european-left.org/events/summer-university/)
As summer turned to autumn, we connected directly with communities at vibrant festivals organized by our local parties. These gatherings combined debates, cultural exchanges, and public outreach, providing invaluable opportunities to share the European Left’s vision. With presentation stands and active participation, we showcased our work, discussed EU affairs, and gathered feedback from attendees. These moments were crucial for exchanging fresh ideas and refining our collective goals for the future.
Strengthening Alliances: The European Forum and Meet & Greet
In October, our Meet & Greet event in Brussels brought together old friends, political allies, NGOs, civic society representatives, trade unions, key figures from the European Parliament, and embassies. At a time of internal challenges and fragmentation within the left, this event stabilized our presence in the political and public arenas, reinforced connections, and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.
Since 2017, the European Forum has been a cornerstone of our work to unite leftist, green, and progressive forces. This year’s edition continued to align international guests, movements, and trade unions around our shared vision for a just and democratic Europe. (Read more: https://www.european-left.org/european-forum-in-budapest/)
Looking Ahead
The Party of the European Left remains steadfast in our fight for a Europe of peace, justice, and solidarity. Whether through political campaigns, grassroots activism, or international collaboration, we are committed to building a future for the many, not the few.