On 15 June 1945, in Berlin, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Otto Grotewohl in the Soviet zone, declares its willingness to cooperate with the German Communist Party (KPD). This attitude leads to a split with the Social Democratic Party in the Western occupied zones, led by Kurt Schumacher, who rejects any cooperation with the Communist leaders.

On 21 April 1946, Wilhelm Pieck, leader of the German Communist Party (KPD) in the Soviet zone, and Otto Grotewohl, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in the Soviet zone, merge the two parties to form the German Socialist Unity Party (SED), dominated by the Communists.

On 11 May 1946, in Hanover, the German Social Democratic Party (SPD), led by Kurt Schumacher, publishes its political manifesto in which there is no mention of the merger that took place 20 days previously in the Soviet occupation zone between the SPD and the German Communist Party (KPD) to create the German Socialist Unity Party (SED), dominated by the Communists.

In February 1949, the monthly newsletter News from Germany, published by the Executive Committee of the German Social-Democratic Party, publishes an article on Germany’s place in Europe written by Kurt Schumacher, Party Chairman.

In this interview, Egon Bahr, former journalist and editor-in-chief of Radio in the American Sector (RIAS) as well as member of the German Social Democratic Party (SPD) since 1956, discusses the divisions within the SPD concerning the European integration process until the 1961 nomination of Willy Brandt as Social Democratic candidate for the post of Federal Chancellor.

On 6 May 1947, Adolf Schärf, leader of the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), delivers an address in Vienna in which, with particular regard to the question of reparations involving German property in Austria, he criticises the Soviet proposal and compares it to the US proposal for the restitution of property, whilst outlining the position of the Austrian political parties on this issue.

At the ‘Victory Congress’ held from 9 to 11 June 1945, members of the Belgian Socialist Party (PSB) adopt the new party manifesto based on the Socialist principles adopted when the party was founded in 1894 in Quaregnon, Hainaut.

On 20 May 1945, at the Conference of the Secretaries of the Socialist Federations, the former President of the French Council delivers a speech in which he sets out the future responsibilities and duties of Socialism in France.

On 16 December 1946, in Paris, Leon Blum, President of the final Provisional Government of the French Republic, holds his first press conference.

On 4 August 1945, with a view to the forthcoming general elections, the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party announces its main plans for the future of the Grand Duchy.