FEPS

03/06/2026

🇨🇾 🇪🇺 "In this new decade of multilateralism and geopolitical shifts, the approach is the common-sense approach.” The latest edition of took place in Cyprus. Watch the recordings from the event:
https://bit.ly/CallToEuropeCyprus

In the University of Nicosia, experts and policymakers gathered to discuss:
🗳️ Democratic resilience in North Africa
🤝 The Pact for The Mediterranean
🌎 Implications of the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East for the Mediterranean region

With speakers:
👉 Ambassador Theodora Constantinidou, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus
👉 Federica Mogherini, former Vice-President, European Commission & former High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, EEAS (2014–2019); former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy (2014)
👉 Costas Mavrides, Member of the European Parliament, S&D Group
👉 Nicola Zingaretti Member of the European Parliament, S&D Group
👉 Anna Diamantopoulou, former European Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights; President, DIKTIO - Network for Reform in Greece and Europe – Network for Reform in Greece and Europe & Bureau Member, FEPS
👉 Hella Ben Youssef, Vice-President, Ettakatol; Vice-President, Socialist International Women
👉 Sophia Christodoulou Makri, President, EDEK Youth & Bureau Member of European Affairs, EDEK Socialist Party
👉 Amina Zakhnouf, Development Policy and Africa Youth Expert
👉 Amel BOUBEKEUR, Professor, Aix-Marseille University; LEST and scholar, Arab Reform Initiative
👉 Rim FILALI MEKNASSI, Head, Euro-Mediterranean Policies Department, IE MED
👉 Kostas Maronitis, Professor, Leeds Trinity University
👉 Marcus Schneider, Project Director, FES Regional Project on Peace and Security in the MENA Region (Lebanon)
👉Trita Parsi, Co-founder and Executive Vice-President, Quincy Institute; Writer & Political Analyst
👉 Afentouli Despina, Senior Policy Advisor and Head of the Observatory of Geopolitics and Diplomacy, Hellenic Foundation for Foreign and European Policy (ELIAMEP)
👉 Michelle Pace, Professor in Global Studies, based in Roskilde, Denmark; Visiting Academic Fellow, Refugee Studies Centre, Oxford Department of International Development, University of Oxford
👉 László Andor, Secretary-General, FEPS
👉 Hubert Faustmann, Director, FES Cyprus

Taking place in the context of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the aim of Call to Europe is to stimulate a more positive, participatory, and progressive Europe by bringing together a wide range of progressive actors.

🤝 By FEPS, organised in cooperation with the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Cyprus, Eteron, Fundación Avanza, CeSPI - Centro Studi di Politica Internazionale, Fondation Jean Jaurès, the ΕΔΕΚ Σοσιαλιστικό Κόμμα Socialist Party and the University of Nicosia School of Politics and Governance.

02/06/2026

🇲🇹 LIVE NOW: Join the event "Unpacking Malta's election results”!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98sqGG1pdGw

On 30 May 2026, voters in Malta headed to the polls to elect a new parliament in a snap general election, which saw the election of the Maltese Labour Party and re-election of Prime Minister Robert Abela. 🗳️

What factors shaped the election outcome? What governing scenarios could emerge after the vote, and how will the country’s key political actors navigate the post-election landscape?

These questions and more will be discussed with:
🔺 Professor Carmen Sammut, Pro-Rector of the University of Malta
🔺 Alex Saliba, MEP
🔺Helena Dalli, Former European Commissioner for Equality and Member of FEPS Scientific Council
🔺Christian Salm, Head of Democracy and Participation Programmes, FEPS

🤝 By FEPS, in collaboration with European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity.

On 30 May 2026, Maltese voters will head to the polls to elect a new parliament in a snap general election called by Prime Minister Robert Abela. What factor...

01/06/2026

🇨🇾 🇪🇺 In Cyprus, experts gathered for "A new strategy for peace and cooperation in the Mediterranean", the latest edition of in the context of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union! 👇
https://bit.ly/CallToEuropeCyprus

began with closed-door sessions engaging experts, academia and policymakers on key issues affecting the region and the EU, including welcoming remarks from Fabrizia Panzetti, Secretary-General, S&D Group and László Andor, Secretary-General, FEPS.

Discussions included:

🟢 justice and the green transition
This panel explored how to ensure that North African and European energy and partnerships are mutually beneficial, promote local development, and protect the rights and interests of local communities. The EU’s path towards decarbonisation cannot be made at the expense of others. 🇪🇺🤝🌍

With:
👉 Amira El-Shal, Assistant Professor of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University
👉Alfonso Medinilla, Head of Climate Action and Green Transition, EDCPM
👉 George Papanastasiou, former Cypriot Minister of Energy
👉Akram Zaoui, Associate Fellow, ORF Middle East

🇵🇸 🇮🇱 The role of European and SWANA countries in the so-called Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

How can progressive leaders across the Mediterranean region come together for the implementation of a plan that can bring and justice in Palestine and Israel?

With:
👉Roa'a Kittaneh, Palestinian lawyer, legal advisor, and human rights advocate
👉 Liel Maghen, Senior Policy Associate, Mitvim - The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies
👉Domènec Ruiz, Adviser to the Presidency, Senior Research Fellow and CIDOB's Representative in Brussels
👉Marcus Schneider, Project Director, FES Regional Project on Peace and Security in the MENA Region (Lebanon)
👉Mattia Giampaolo, Research Fellow, CeSPI

💼 Externalisation and securisation trend of EU policy and the implications for the Mediterranean countries

How can we ensure that the Mediterranean stops being the graveyard for the thousand migrants that cross it to reach Europe, as well as for their rights? How can we shift the focus to the creation of legal pathways that put people at the centre?

With:
👉 Eléonore Thenot, International expert specialised in migration and forced displacement, gender, children, and youth, CEPRA
👉Eleni Takou, Former Chief of Staff for the Greek Minister of Migration; Member, Mediterranean Migration and Asylum Policy Hub (MedMA)
👉Juan Fernando López Aguilar, MEP, S&D Group
👉 László Andor, Secretary-General, FEPS

🤝 By FEPS, organised in cooperation with the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Cyprus, Eteron Institute, Fundación Avanza, CeSPI - Centro Studi di Politica Internazionale, Fondation Jean Jaurès, the ΕΔΕΚ Σοσιαλιστικό Κόμμα, and the University of Nicosia Department of Politics and Governance.

27/05/2026

Labour migration cooperation needs a progressive approach. Read more about the latest Progressive Migration Group ( ) meeting in Addis Ababa 🇪🇹
https://bit.ly/PMGAddisAbaba

During this meeting, the Group:
🔸 Analysed the potential impact of the Multiannual Financial Framework ( ) on migration management and African countries
🔸 Reflected on the outcomes of the recent International Migration Review Forum ( )
🔸 Reviewed existing bilateral labour migration agreements between European and African countries and explored what they mean for expanding legal pathways
🔸 Examined the tensions between Europe's migration priorities and Africa's ambitions for continental integration and free movement

Since 2023, the PMG has worked consistently to promote progressive and rights-based approaches to migration cooperation, in general, and labour migration policies, in particular.

🤝 The Progressive Migration Group is a project by FEPS and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. The meeting of the Progressive Migration Group in Addis Ababa was organised by FEPS, in collaboration with FES and FES African Migration Policy Centre.

Photos: ©️ Optal Communications

26/05/2026

🇲🇹 Join the event "Unpacking Malta's election results" online! Register below:
https://bit.ly/UnpackingMalteseElections

In four days, on 30 May 2026, voters in hashtag will head to the polls to elect a new parliament in a snap general election called by Prime Minister Robert Abela. 🗳️

What factors will shape the election outcome? Can the governing Labour Party secure another mandate? What governing scenarios could emerge after the vote, and how will the country’s key political actors navigate the post-election landscape?

These questions and more will be discussed with:
🔺 Professor Carmen Sammut, Pro-Rector of the University of Malta
🔺 Alex Saliba, Member of the European Parliament
🔺 Helena Dalli, Former European Commissioner for Equality and Member of FEPS Scientific Council
🔺Christian Salm, Head of Democracy and Participation Programmes, FEPS

🤝 By FEPS, in collaboration with European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity.

Outcomes and trends

25/05/2026

🇨🇾 LAST CHANCE TO JOIN FEPS in NICOSIA, for to discuss progressive strategies for peace and cooperation in the Mediterranean on 30 May 2026! Register below:
https://bit.ly/CallToEuropeCyprus

will examine the geopolitical shifts affecting the region, including the urgent need for a just peace process that leads to a fair and sustainable solution between Palestine and Israel, as well as the responsibility of the European Union to actively condemn Israel’s illegal violations of international law and uphold the protection of Palestinian rights.🕊️

Participants will also reflect on the broader regional implications of the United States and Israel’s illegal war against and Lebanon, and the wider destabilising impacts on the Mediterranean region, as well as the democratisation struggles in North Africa. 🌍

With speakers including:

🔸 Federica Mogherini, former Vice-President, European Commission (2014-2019); former High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, EEAS (2014–2019)
🔸 Ambassador Theodora Constantinidou, Permanent Secretary of the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs
🔸 Costas Mavrides, MEP, S&D Group
🔸 Nicola Zingaretti, MEP, S&D Group
🔸 Hella Ben Youssef, Vice-President, Ettakatol; Vice-President, Socialist International Women
🔸 Rim Filali Meknassi, Head, Euro-Mediterranean Policies department, IE MED
🔸 Anna Diamantopoulou, former European Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights; President, DIKTIO - Network for Reform in Greece and Europe & Bureau Member, FEPS
🔸Sophia Christodoulou Makri, President, Νεολαία ΕΔΕΚ - EDEK Youth & Bureau Member of European Affairs, EDEK Socialist Party
🔸 Amina Zakhnouf, Officer, Fund for Innovation in Development; Forbes 30 Under 30 Afrique '22 & '23; Co-founder, Je m'engage pour l'Afrique
🔸 Kostas Maronitis, Professor, Leeds Trinity University
🔸 Trita Parsi, Co-founder and Executive Vice-President, Quincy Institute; Writer & Political Analyst (online)
🔸 Michelle Pace, Professor in Global Studies, based in Roskilde, Denmark; Visiting Academic Fellow, Refugee Studies Centre, Oxford Department of International Development, University of Oxford
🔸 Constantinos Adamides, PhD, Head of Department of Politics and Governance, University of Nicosia
🔸 Marcus Schneider, Project Director, FES Regional Project on Peace and Security in the MENA Region (Lebanon)
🔸 Hubert Faustmann, Director, FES Cyprus
🔸 László Andor, Secretary-General, FEPS .. and more to be announced soon!
The aim of Call to Europe is to stimulate a more positive, participatory, and progressive Europe. Every edition takes place in the context of the Council Presidency of the European Union, which is held by the Cypriot Presidency.

🤝 By FEPS, organised in cooperation with the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Cyprus, Eteron, Fundación Avanza, CeSPI - Centro Studi di Politica Internazionale, Fondation Jean Jaurès, and the ΕΔΕΚ Σοσιαλιστικό Κόμμα.

Call to Europe Cyprus

24/05/2026

🟣 Women belong at the peace table. Yet in 2026, as we celebrate a new International Women’s Day for Peace and Disarmament, women remain largely shut out of the very processes that directly affect their lives. This is a matter of democracy and social justice, but also of strategy. The evidence is clear: more inclusive peace processes make peace more durable.

Research consistently shows a direct link between women’s group participation and better outcomes in peace talks. When women's groups are involved, agreements are reached more often and are more likely to hold. When they are excluded, the chance falls; when they are absent entirely, it falls further still.

❗The logic extends beyond the negotiating table. Women’s economic empowerment has a multiplier effect on a country’s local and national well-being. Empowering and promoting is crucial to accelerating development and producing more equal societies, which are important elements in preventing violent conflict.

Yet, the numbers tell a different story. Over a recent five-year period (2015-2019), women made up, on average:

🔻 7 % of signatories
🔻 14 % of negotiators
🔻 11 % of mediators

When they were included at all. Many peace talks still include no women at all.

It is as simple as that. Including women in peace processes is among the most effective tools available to reduce conflict, ensure more sustainable peace and advance stability and security. That starts with a concrete step: funding women’s organisations in conflict and crisis settings.

➜ We need to do better. Now. For all of us.

Watch the full intervention of Ann Linde, co-chair of the and Former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, at the event "Ukraine Solidarity Day: Applying a gender lens to Ukraine’s reconstruction"
📺 https://bit.ly/UkraineGenderLens



Source: Council on Foreign Relations & UN Women

22/05/2026

🌹The sense of Eastern discomfort that the European progressive family noted after the last EU elections is slowly transforming into the realisation of a disaster... But is the situation really that bad?

⬇️ Read the new article of the Progressive Post by Ania Skrzypek, Director for Research and Training, in which she analyses the state of the centre-left on the Eastern front

The sense of Eastern discomfort that the European progressive family noted after the last European […]

21/05/2026

🇱🇺 🏘️ Housing affordability is a top concern for people across Europe - but what does this look like in practice? FEPS was in Luxembourg to discuss this and more!
https://feps-europe.eu/event/housing-in-practice-luxembourg/

🇪🇺 Across the European Union, housing affordability has risen to the top of the political agenda. However, the successful delivery of the EU Plan will largely rely on innovative ideas to expand housing supply, mobilise investment, balance immediate needs with structural reforms, and support the most vulnerable. For all this, understanding the territorial realities and working with local and regional actors will be key.

The housing crisis remains one of Luxembourg’s most urgent challenges. Rising rents and property prices continue to place a heavy burden on low-income households, increasingly even pushing them out of the country. On top of this, the country’s landownership structure is highly unequal, marked by concentrated ownership of residential land, low property taxation, and limited public intervention.

Most importantly, it answers a pivotal question when discussing EU action: How do local and national dynamics shape housing affordability, and what lessons can feed into the broader European debate?

❗ With social cohesion at risk, the need for more public social housing and affordable homes on the rental market has never been greater.

FEPS President Nicolas Schmit also spoke at the citizen debate hosted by PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions, titled “Housing - A European Crisis - Local Solutions”.

This event is part of FEPS’ “Housing in Practice” series, a collaboration with FEPS members and progressive local and regional leaders, which offers a platform for housing actors on the ground, such as urban planners, geographers, architects, community land trusts, and civil society, to engage and test their ideas with policymakers and experts.

🤝 By FEPS, in collaboration with the Robert Krieps Foundation.

📸 PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions

20/05/2026

🇨🇾 NEXT WEEK! Join FEPS in Nicosia for to discuss progressive strategies for peace and cooperation in the Mediterranean on 30 May 2026! Register below:
https://bit.ly/CallToEuropeCyprus

will examine the geopolitical shifts affecting the region, including the urgent need for a just peace process that leads to a fair and sustainable solution between Palestine and Israel, as well as the responsibility of the European Union to actively condemn Israel’s illegal violations of international law and uphold the protection of Palestinian rights.🕊️

Participants will also reflect on the broader regional implications of the United States and Israel’s illegal war against and Lebanon, and the wider destabilising impacts on the Mediterranean region, as well as the democratisation struggles in North Africa. 🌍

With speakers including:
🔸 Federica Mogherini, former Vice-President, European Commission (2014-2019); former High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, EEAS (2014–2019)
🔸 Costas Mavrides, MEP, S&D Group
🔸 Nicola Zingaretti, MEP, S&D Group
🔸 Hella Ben Youssef, Vice-President, Ettakatol; Vice-President, Socialist International Women
🔸 Rim Filali Meknassi, Head, Euro-Mediterranean Policies department, IE MED
🔸 Anna Diamantopoulouu, former European Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights; President, DIKTIO - Network for Reform in Greece and Europe & Bureau Member, FEPS
🔸 Amina Zakhnouf, Officer, Fund for Innovation in Development; Forbes 30 Under 30 Afrique '22 & '23; Co-founder, Je m'engage pour l'Afrique
🔸 Kostas Maronitis, Professor, Leeds Trinity University
🔸 Trita Parsi, Co-founder and Executive Vice-President, Quincy Institute; Writer & Political Analyst (online)
🔸 Michelle Pace, Professor in Global Studies, based in Roskilde, Denmark; Visiting Academic Fellow, Refugee Studies Centre, Oxford Department of International Development, University of Oxford
🔸 Constantinos Adamides, PhD, Head of Department of Politics and Governance, University of Nicosia
🔸 Marcus Schneider, Project Director, FES Regional Project on Peace and Security in the MENA Region (Lebanon)
🔸 Hubert Faustmann, Director, FES Cyprus
🔸 László Andor, Secretary-General, FEPS .. and more to be announced soon!

The aim of Call to Europe is to stimulate a more positive, participatory, and progressive Europe. Every edition takes place in the context of the Council Presidency of the European Union, which is held by the Cypriot Presidency.

🤝 By FEPS, organised in cooperation with the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Cyprus, Eteron, Fundación Avanza, CeSPI - Centro Studi di Politica Internazionale, Fondation Jean Jaurès, and the ΕΔΕΚ Σοσιαλιστικό Κόμμα