Leaders of progressive movements from around the world are meeting in Spain on Friday to coordinate a response to the growing influence of far-right and nationalist movements — from Europe to the United States. At the center of these activities is Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain.
Over 3 thousand participants from over 100 organizations came to Barcelona for the launch of “Global Progressive Mobilization” – a new initiative aimed at strengthening international cooperation between left-wing parties and activists.
It is an experiment in organizing internationally, explains Stefan Loefven, president of the Party of European Socialists (PES), in an interview with POLITICO. — Democracy is under increasing pressureand representatives of progressive movements are taking action all over the world.
“A common challenge that requires a coordinated, global response”
The two-day event aims to create counterweight to growing authoritarian and far-right forces — from the nationalist right in Europe, including parties associated with the Patriots for Europe bloc, to global politics in the era of Donald Trump's presidency in the USA.
Donald Trump, president of the United States, talks to the media in front of the White House. Washington, April 16, 2026PAP/EPA/GRAEME SLOAN / POOL
“This is not an isolated phenomenon,” Loefven said. — This is a common challenge that requires a coordinated, global response.
The conference program in Barcelona includes a leaders' dinner on Friday, followed by a day of events with Socialist Group leader Iratxe Garcia, European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
“It tries to play a leadership role at the European level”
The meeting also gives Sanchez — the event's host — an opportunity strengthening its international image as one of the key figures of the resurgent global socialist movement.
Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister of Spain, and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil. Barcelona, April 17, 2026PAP/EPA/QUIQUE GARCIA
“He is not acting solely as the leader of Spain,” says a senior European Parliament official. — Trying to play a leadership role at European level.
According to the same official, in the future Sanchez may have his eye on a role in Brussels. It is possible that he will challenge the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, whose term of office must be renewed in 2027. It is widely believed that Costa, who is scheduled to attend the meeting in Barcelona, will retain his position, but Sanchez's growing profile may complicate this scenario.
“The great catalyst for progress in the world”
The Spanish prime minister's international ambitions come at a difficult moment on the domestic scene. In Spain, elections must be held no later than 2027.and polls show the fragmentation of the political scene and fierce competition between the Socialist Party and the conservative opposition.
Proceedings of the Congress of Deputies, the lower house of the Spanish Cortes. Illustrative photoPAP/EPA/CHEMA MOYA / POOL / PAP
This week, Spanish prosecutors filed a lawsuit indictment against the wife of Prime Minister Sanchez. He accuses her of committing four crimes: economic corruption, embezzlement, misappropriation of property and abuse of influence by taking advantage of her position at the prestigious Complutense University in Madrid.
Despite all these problems allies see Sanchez as the driving force behind the broadly understood progressive movement.
Sanchez is “a great catalyst for progress in the world,” says Hana Jalloul Muro, vice president of the Socialist International and co-organizer of the event. He cites his recent diplomatic activity, including a high-profile visit to China and clashes with politicians associated with Donald Trump, as evidence of Sanchez's expanding role.
