On 17 October 2017 the Socialist Group of the Congress held its plenary meeting in the framework of the 33^rd Session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. The Guest of Honor was Mr Sergey Stanishev, the President of the Party of European Socialists who was invited by Mr Piero Fassino, President of the Socialist Group of the Congress to exchange the views on the perspectives of the socialist political family in Europe such as serving citizens on local level, standing for solidarity and equality. Mr Stanishev elaborated on the importance of standing for the fundamental values of democracy and human rights in the difficult times which now Europe is facing and on the importance of a distinguished vision based on socialist Europe. He also underlined that one of the main priorities for the political group should be the development of its own socialist vision. Mr. Fassino opened a general discussion by stressing a huge importance in defending the human rights. The group members took an active part in the discussion by sharing their opinions and raising questions to the guest speaker.