European Left Assembly Unites for Peace and Justice

In Brussels, the European Left gathered in unity and defiance—championing peace, workers’ rights, and a progressive vision for Europe’s future.

Brussels, April 26, 2025 – In a pivotal moment for progressive forces across the continent, the General Assembly of the European Left convened today.

Delegates from member parties reaffirmed their collective commitment to peace, justice, and workers’ rights, and called on grassroots supporters to join the Dutch peace movement’s protests on 21–22 June against the NATO summit in The Hague and to oppose the European Commission’s rearmament plans. A press release was issued after the General Assembly (see below).

As part of its broader message of internationalist solidarity, the General Assembly also sent a message of support to activists in Prague, who on April 26 mobilised against a conservative “pro-life” march taking place in the city. The European Left expressed firm solidarity with those defending bodily autonomy and gender equality in the face of growing right-wing pressure across Europe.

As Europe faces deepening inequality and ongoing threats to peace, the European Left charted a bold path forward—rooted in opposition to policies that bring austerity for working people and super-profits for the arms industry.

We are building a strong, united front against the militarisation of the EU and the sexist, racist, and neoliberal policies that continue to harm people across the continent,” said Walter Baier, President of the Party of the European Left.

A central focus of the Assembly was to reinforce support for member parties—empowering them to grow, lead mass mobilizations, and form progressive governments grounded in dignity and equity. The party’s mission is clear: to improve conditions for the working class and ensure a just, sustainable future for generations to come.

The General Assembly also marked the formal start of preparations for the 8th Congress of the Party of the European Left, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. Delegates approved a Policy Paper that lays the foundation for the months ahead. To this end, the party will launch a broad discussion on its tasks, strategy, working methods, and structures. The Party of the European Left calls on all member parties, observers, partners, and individual members to actively participate in this process, with the shared goal of strengthening and improving our common political home.

What we stand for:

Securing fair wages and protecting workers’ rights
Expanding quality public services
Guaranteeing dignified and affordable housing
Defending the right to live in peace
Actively confronting the rise of the far-right

The European Left is gaining strength and momentum. With the addition of new member parties such as the Workers’ Party of Belgium (PTB-PVDA) and New Left (Nea Aristera) from Greece, the movement is becoming more united—and demonstrating that alternative governments are not only possible but necessary. “We are not here to manage decline—we are here to fight back,” Baier declared.

red tapas – against austerity

Immediately following the Assembly, PTB-PVDA, together with the Party of the European Left, hosted Red Tapas Against Austerity. The event featured dynamic discussions with:

Peter Mertens, General Secretary of PTB-PVDA, Belgium
Sira Rego, Minister of Youth and Children and member of Izquierda Unida, Spain
Tea Jarc, Confederal Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC)
Walter Baier, President of the Party of the European Left

Activists, unionists, and citizens gathered in a vibrant setting to share strategies and solidarity in the fight against austerity and neoliberal policies.