02.12.2008

The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), a new political foundation, brought together members of the Party of European Socialists (PES) on the eve of their Council to discuss their Manifesto for the upcoming European elections, and debate the EU decision-making process.

The FEPS hosted event also saw the launch of the Foundation’s new logo, designed to represent the fresh thinking they aim to bring to the European debate.

The facilitation of debates at a European level on issues affecting citizens is central to the activities of this new foundation, which aims to be an incubator for progressive ideas. Ernst Stetter, the Secretary-General of FEPS, described the foundation saying "At FEPS we consider progressive thinking to be looking in a new way at challenges, issues and problems that effect Europeans. FEPS is a melting pot of ideas. We are working in close collaboration with progressive thinkers and social-democratic organisations to tackle the challenges Europe is facing today."

Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, Vice-President of FEPS and President of PES, detailed the relationship between FEPS and the Party, saying that "The Party of European Socialists committed itself to creating FEPS in 2007 as an independent platform for new ideas. FEPS is close to, but independent of, the Party of European Socialists."

FEPS is comprised of full members, which include social-democratic, socialist and labour parties, national political foundations and affiliated think-tanks and organisations. It also has consultative members, which are organisations that support FEPS’ values and objectives.

http://www.feps-europe.eu/
FEPS Press release