Let’s debate together a new progressive future for the European Union.
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Watch below PM Antonio Costa’s intervention on the Future of the EU during the Plenary session in Strasbourg:
Antonio Costa on the Future of Europe
Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa is in the European Parliament today to share his vision of a progressive future for Europe. Yes, another Europe is possible! Obrigado Antonio 🇪🇺 ❤️ 🇵🇹
Geplaatst door Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament op Woensdag 14 maart 2018
Dear all, I am a member of the federalist movement of Italy and of the political party +Europa I strongly believe that if Europe will survive, that will depends on a new constitutional setting: a federalist one. We need to build the United States of Europe and this should be the topic of the next Eu Parliamentary elections. In the next Parliament it should be set up a Constitutional Assembly in order to write a new federal constitution. This constitution should be voted by the European citizens. I wonder about your opinion about it.
Moving from election to election and handing over more self-regulating powers to ‘the market’ our world has become very short term orientated. An activist kind of approach, with specific themes we want to tackle as major issues, that simply wont work. If we want a progressive future we need to come up with a 2050 mission. An envisionment of how we see Europe in ~30 years. With such a vision we have freedom to come up with longterm strategies to realize a fair socialeconomic environment in a wealthy Europe. Central within that vision must be that we take back some self-regulating powers from the market. Our message is not a centrist economy but we should have more to say in what direction our markets move forward. Giving guideance to the private sector will be the only way to form a coherent identity, a single interest among market players, the fact they operate in a single market is not enough, no, the next step is that they bring our single market to the next level. That our markets become integrated and our markets, and its companies, will become the messengers of the European identity we want to establish.
Next year, 2019, the European institutions have an opportunity for renewal. Elections for MEPs will take place and nominations for commissioners and the European Commission President The nomination of a new European Commission President gives us an opportunity to put the ‘progressive’ element of ‘progressive alliance’ into action. We could start by nominating more women, those of different ethnic backgrounds or those from countries that have recently joined the bloc (the former Soviet states such as Romania, Bulgaria). Perhaps suggesting younger candidates would bring in fresh ideas about how we can serve and support the next generation of Europeans. These are just examples, but measures like these could do a lot to show that Europe is for everyone.
I am writing to express my deep interest and enthusiasm in becoming one of Europe’s Together Ambassadors. I’m a committed, energetic, creative and dedicated young who aspires to help creating a free, equal and fratern global society based on the values of tolerance, freedom, justice and love. Devoted to democracy and to human rights activism. Together, we are stronger! Ready and willing to join you! Best regards.
People are afraid of losing control of their lives and they feel unrepresented in politics, especially on EU level. They are losers of the globalization and thanks to that, it is easy to convince them of nationalism, xenophobia and protectionism. It is task of Social Democracy to help them, they are our voters and supporters. And the S&D Group has to Go where they live and speak with them. We have to go to small regions, to the factories, schools and small cities. We have show people positive vision of our policy, our values and programs. We have to show them the good side of globalization, good side of the EU and good side of the cooperation. Things which effect their daily lives and things which are here because of EU and because of S&D policy. We have to answer their questions and stop their fear from globalization, migration, or even Brussels. We as Socialist and social democrats have to show them, that we will protect them and we will fight for their rights. So they stop voting for far-right parties and start to trust us. And we have to do it together, together on EU level, supporting each other and change the current situation.
On the occasion of the day June 1, I wish all children in the world, health, joy, fulfilment and a brighter future! All children deserve to live a happy childhood, free from wars, famine, poverty and other shortcomings! Unfortunately, for the world in which we live, these precept are cancelled in many places, that is why we must watch over the future and education of our children. They represent and carry on our customs, our desires, what we have accomplished, as humans, as a society. They are the mirror of the present we create for them, in order to build the future…
We are not living good times. Besides poverty and shortcomings, there are wars, as if something would be solved that way. On the contrary, the wars increase even more poverty, they bring disasters and misfortunes. Europe and the world do no need wars, on the contrary, we must “preach” peace and respect it! War raises even more all forms of hatred, while peace fades them. Wars have destroyed children, homes, village, cities, states, consciousness, while in times of peace, many goals were accomplished. Good cooperation to solve military conflicts should be an alternative to any dispute. History, is like a versed woman who has gone through many in her life and from which we should learn. Let’s learn from history’s mistakes and not repeat them, otherwise risk falling into the trap a “total war” and that’s what we do no need, not now, neither in the future! Peace is the best treatment for the world , after which any state can guide in troubled times.
Peace is one of the desires to be considered by the European Community and the world. Where there is no peace, there is no order, stability and security. I think that at present, more than in recent years, the “talks” that take place politically throughout the world lend to threaten peace and security even in Europe. We must take this into account and be prepared to “respond” to challenges of any kind in such a way that we do not harm the order and security that should guide the whole world. We are helpless in all short of conflicts that destabilize the normal courses of the present world. Conflicts that could be solved otherwise than by resorting to ” unleashing” the fire, or worse… All these degringdas tend to bring about poverty (poverty with all that this sinister phenomenon implies), shortcomings, instability, and last but not least, hatred. these should be past, while they are still “haunting” us. There is nothing perfect in the world, but we can achieve perfection by resorting to cooperation and good invoicing. the European Union must encourage such steps, precisely in order not to threaten the peace and security of the territory and its citizens. Be peace in the world!
António Costa is the first progressive leader to speak in the context of this new series of exchanges launched in the House setting out a clear vision for a progressive Europe. In light of the various challenges today, there can only be European answers to the problems we face. In his speech, António Costa called for a European response to the refugee crisis, the fight against terrorism, to tackle climate change, to fight unemployment and ensure a fair digitalisation. In order to face these challenges and to re-establish economic and social convergence, the progressive leader was clear: Europe needs a stronger EU budget and a eurozone reform with a proper fiscal capacity. In this sense, fair taxation and new own resources are necessary tools. Costa led by example when announcing that Portugal is ready to raise its contributions to the long-term EU budget. Replying to António Costa’s speech, S&D acting Group president, Maria João Rodrigues, said: “Portugal’s socialist-led government has proven that there is an alternative to blind austerity. It is possible to go back to growth while fighting social inequalities. Another Europe is possible! With his speech, António Costa has proven that he has an ambitious and progressive vision for what should be the new phase of the European project. “We must launch a powerful strategy to invest in the future making the best of the energy transition and the current digital revolution. “The Europe of tomorrow must be a social one. The proposals from the Commission on the implementation of the Social Pillar are crucial in this respect. The various initiatives are a good start but we must do more to ensure that the measures do not remain empty words but become concrete reality for people. Investment in jobs, fighting youth unemployment, ensuring the rights of the children, pursuing minimum wages across Europe – it is our duty to deliver on these needs. “The EU can only take effective action if it has the means to do so. The EU must be equipped with a strong, long-term EU budget based not only on contributions from member states but also increased own resources. Today’s vote on the MFF and the Own Resources report will play a central role as well as our continued joint fight against tax evasion and tax fraud. “Finally, the EU must remain an example of international co-operation based on human values, democracy, fairness and sustainable development.” Maria João Rodrigues emphasised the need to engage with citizens in the upcoming EP elections 2019: “The upcoming EP elections in 2019 are the moment when people can decide which Europe they want. It is our duty to ensure that citizens have a real say in these elections. Thus, to engage with them in an open and inclusive way is fundamental. “We warmly welcome the ‘Citizens Conventions’ to be launched by the EP and the other EU Institutions. It will be important to ensure that all political groups will take part in these dialogues, so that the people can see the differences between the proposals offered by the political groups. “The S&D Group, together with its partners from the progressive family, is already engaging with citizens in the context of its #EuropeTogether initiative launched in October 2016 in Brussels. We will continue our citizen events all across Europe and are looking forward to listening and debating with citizens about the future Europe they want. Join us and have your say on your future!”
The #EuropeTogether initiative aims at bringing European politics closer to citizens. The campaign brings together politicians, academics, civil society and citizens to debate and come up with new proposals for the future of Europe. On 12 April 2018, the next Together event will take place in Hamburg, focusing on the topic of ‘Managing Migration & Supporting Refugees in a Globalised World’. The full programme is available on our event page.
O enfoque nas pessoas e na sustentabilidade dos recursos é essencial para o sucesso! Diz Carlos Zorrinho no final da sus obra: “Todos os paises e todas as pessoas têm o futuro que sabem escolher e antecipar como protagonistas ou o futuro que os outros quiserem escolher e antecipar para eles. Eu acredito em Portugal e nas ideias que aqui explicitei por uma única razão: porque acredito em si.” Junto o link do nosso repositório onde poderão aceder a documentos importantes para “construir”, cada país, a sua própria matriz de desenvolvimento sustentável sem esquecer que são quatro os pilares essenciais para o mesmo: Economia, Ambiente, Sociedade e Comunicação”. https://github.com/VinaGuarda21/Portugal
The prime minister of Portugal is going to you to talk about his example of socialism and progress, about his success in his country. When I read this notice I thought that there is much more to do for the future of Europe. It must be less poverty, less inequality, more humanity and the success of economy doesn’t have to be made only by numbers. The future of Europe can’t ignore the most important thing: Education. With people more educated we can build a better future and a better world. That is not happening in his country. Portugal must seriously invest in Education. Better schools, better work conditions for teachers, less students per class, not classes with 30 or more students. Professional courses taken seriously, not ones that everybody passes anyway. Teachers are old and with more work to do than ever. They don’t see their work recognized, not by time of service of the last nine years, not by just money. So they are on strike again. What benefits are our kids gaining with that situation? What education the future of Europe gains with this? Nothing. It is very important and urgent to invest in education, public education. So that we will have in the future young people that are really educated and that can think by themselves and help to built a better United Europe and a better world. For that is indispensable a better public education. Education is the way, nothing else. Please, listen to teachers and students. There is much to do in Portugal. A long way. But that is the only one that can bring all together to a better future.
We are delighted to welcome Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa in the European Parliament in Strasbourg to speak about the future of Europe. Portugal’s socialist-led government has proved that there is an alternative to blind austerity. Portuguese government is relaunching the economy while fighting inequalities. We should use the Portuguese experience to reshape the EU and put an end austerity. Another Europe is possible!
How could be possible those? There are necessary to change our behaviour, mentality and reinforce many things weach believe them (common values, ideas, good laws- even make something in this directions). We want a bright future for Europe, not come back in the past, not to repeat mistakes there are made in the past, we do not want this, on the contrary!
It is very important for us, as citizens of European Union to move our attention over social areas. More than that, its obviously what happen at a economic, social, work level in our country from all over U.E. land: – social conflict, social violence; – missing education at a poor environments; – missing place works; – increase level of taxes and value in rapport with decrease level of life in many country; – and so on… Many European politics have as a object of interest problems regarding military conflict, politics to refer at environment, accelerate of infrastructure, European fundraising, etc. All of these are very important, but, at the same time it’s more important to do something in this direction which has as a object the decrease of the level of poverty in many places, improvement of the quality of life, higher level of education, health, economy, and more. I think that this aspects will improve our future in the European Union, little by little.
Having just returned from a meeting of Labour Assembly against Austerity yesterday in the U.K. , I could not fail to notice that there was not one disabled speaker, not one one Disability organisation represented, and not one MP mentioning disabled people, and yet we have been hit by austerity 90% worse than any other group!! Why is that? Are we that worthless, THAT much surplus to requirements that no one in government gives a damn if we are deprived of support, starved, made homeless or driven to suicidal despair?! If we are fighting austerity together, why does this exclude disabled people, why are we invisible? I look forward to your reply!
I would like to see the Progressives take on a campaign for a new and appropriate indicator to measure our economic, social and ecological wealth and progress, and to replace the outdated, neoliberalist tool that we used for too long to measure growth, namely the Gross Domestic Product, or GDP. Why: 1) The GDP is not an appropriate measure for growth, as it measures social and ecological destruction in positive terms and does neither consider the depletion of natural resources, nor negative impacts on people, both of which leading to erosion of the basis for wealthy and healthy societies. 2) The 2030 agenda for sustainable development requires indicators and measures for sustainability. 3) We have enough data and enough knowledge to develop an appropriate, composed indicator that measures “sustainable development” and not “unsustainable economic development”. 4) In Italy, a sustainability indicator has been developed and implemented and this shows that we can do it. The EU Statistical departments have enough data available. 5) To build a progressive future and to regain previous socialist and democrate voters across Europe, people are waiting to see concrete and radical realistic solutions – this would be one of them, addressing several factors in one campaign that can be communicated in a straightforward manner.
Italy, as it is known, is having much more difficulties, than most other European countries, in emerging from the economic crisis. An unbridgeable-looking discrepancy opened up between the left wing and the subordinate working-class, who live in precarious conditions. At the moment, the existence of a concretely progressive force, which could at least offer some sort of social redemption, is called into question. The gap between the Italian center left and the younger generations seems even bigger. For the afore mentioned reasons, I am very impressed by the path taken up by Jeremy Corbyn, appreciated and supported by the younger generations because capable of conciliating innovation and tradition. I would like to create and be part of a group of people who could plan and propose social inclusion paths, capable of giving again hope to the new generations.
The potential for cooperation between the European Union and India remains absolutely massive. Though, co-operation with India comes as a part of the Common Security and Foreign Policy and is not an area of great debate or for that matter an issue in which elections are fought. A progressive future for Europe is in many ways tied with its partnership for India. The Erasmus+ Program and continued people to people engagement form the bedrock of this relationship. Increased trade and improved market access are important deliverables.
Social democrats are not seen as a force close to the common people any longer. We are all crisis managers every day, but there is no perspective what people think it is worth fighting for. Dreams we are living for. Instead of campaigning at a European level, with people who are convinced about the advantages of Europe already will not bring Social democrats closer to the people. Especially since campaigning is often related to elections. Instead we should start a campaign called “Get local”, obliging to spend financial resources on local, very local meetings. All officials of the political group, including parliamentary assistents should spent at least 2 weeks a year in structures of the local.municipality. The SD group should start a project obliging all EU officials to spend two weeks on local level, to undergo a traineeship with organisations they are working for. Down to the lowest level. A program of the SD group and PSE party alles “Get local” should start immediately, listening to people at the local level, bringing together complaints ideas, making this part of the process of creating a plan for the future, being open for dreams. Europe, Brussels have to get back to Earth, fighting the imago of being a spaceship.
As European citizen I worry about the long-term implications of globalisation and automation on the job market and the wider society. I believe public resources must be invested in the social safety net to smooth the transition and curb the most negative effects for the most vulnerable groups, while at the same time providing for retraining opportunities. How to find these additional resources without increasing the (already high) level of public debt? Tax policy should be updated to the new digital business landscape and reconfigured at the EU-level, specifically to address tax elusion and fiscal optimisation by digital multinationals.
The modern social democratic agenda must point out a new political project against the empty political skirmishes that happen in Europe; a new political view that can restore the power of the progressive political thoughts in a globalized world. The social democtasy must fight against the same politicians who are perhaps for decades in the forefront and personal political power schemes who are willing to fight the ideas of all those who feel “outsiders” of the various closed and exclusive systems that keep the continent captive, for all of us who believe that Europe can change. What we need to recall to our collective political memory is that the level of progress that we have conquered is premised on the tenets of the open and inclusive society.
We ask from the European Union in collaboration with EU universities to undertake gender balanced mobility programs for young refugees or/and citizens coming from countries with high possibility of their citizens to be granted asylum and to offer them scholarships in order to be able to come safely and legally to study in our Union. It could be done also through the expansion of Erasmus Program. An Erasmus that will also include refugees ! Scholarships should cover tuition fees, travel expenses and the cost of decent living in the reception countries. One position in each one of the higher education Institutions of the EU means 3300 young refugees per year should be offered a chance for a new life but also the educational background to rebuild their home countries the day after the conflicts. But it means also something more. It means that they will also become our culture ambassadors that they will play a key role in the near future for the establishment of core values of the Union, like peace and democracy, in their home countries and they will be a permanent link of the Union and third countries.
As far as European Integration is concerned, Less, history teaches us, is More. One look at the past is enough to understand what the Union was built on and for : Peace in our time, cooperation between peoples, stability and prosperity for all. But those things have been stolen from us : peace have been achieved through silence, the ideal of cooperation has been used to promote a liberal agenda, stability and prosperity, which our elders rightfully considered as rights now appear to be privileges. The growing number of European leaders turning their back on the EU is nothing but the results of those dark dynamics : we never had dreams about economic cooperation though we could understand how that would allow our interactions to be even more relevant and healthy, but we can’t live in a Union of bosses and investors, of tax evasion and social dumping, of performances and failures. We need ideals to drive us forward, we need ideals to carry on with our lives, we need ideals to connect peoples otherwise divided by boarders, mountains, rivers and seas. For sometimes, waking up requires from us to dream first, we need to offer the workers and the peoples of the Union a common foundation of values and ideals that every European nations should pledge to honour and defend. Let the Union to the dreamers and the passionate! Let go of the pragmatists, of the selfish! For they are killing our Union, our ambitions, our aspirations and our hopes.
THE EUROPEAN UNION BECOMES A DRIVER FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN EUROPE AND BEYOND Why and how? In a scenario where sustainability sits firmly at the heart of the European project,the EU27 will prioritise the interests of citizens, in the EU and beyond. Europe will have a strong focus on Europe’s core social values – democracy and participation, social justice, solidarity and sustainability, respect for the rule of law and human rights, both within Europe and around the globe. Citizens seek economic, social and environmental wellbeing. Economic wellbeing in the form of prosperity for all, starting with redistribution of wealth. Social wellbeing in the provision of quality, inclusive and affordable public services, the promotion of cultural diversity and a caring society. Environmental wellbeing residing in a healthy natural environment that sustains all life on Earth and protects our soils, waters and air, provides nutritious, healthy food and where climate change is minimized. As a result of this focus, the EU27 will ensure a better health and quality of life for its citizens. This will increase public trust in European institutions. It will move away from the current focus where commercial and corporate interests are all too often prioritized over the public interest. Decisions are made in the public interest and transparent, accountable and inclusive institutions will be the norm. The EU27 will ensure that policies agreed by the Member States are fully implemented and enforced. Scandals like Dieselgate, which caused tens of thousands of premature deaths, will not be repeated. By 2025, this means: Delivering the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the principles and Sustainable Development Goals: leaving no one behind, living within Europe’s fair share of our planetary boundaries, and putting respect for human rights at the core of EU and national policy-making. The full implementation of the Paris Agreement by decarbonising our economy, enhancing energy efficiency and accelerating the just and sustainable transition to clean and affordable renewable energy, based on the principles of climate justice, in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The notion of ‘Better Regulation’ implies that all EU policies, laws and regulations are focused on ensuring policy coherence for sustainable development and on enforcement of high standards for jobs, health, safety and the environment, delivering tangible benefits to all citizens and the regeneration of environmental capital. Policy coherence as a key objective will result in an end to negative externalities of domestic policies for the Global South and the phasing out of perverse public subsidies, especially for unsustainable food production and fossil fuels. Companies and their subsidiaries outside the EU and throughout their supply chains are under a legal obligation to assess, mitigate and prevent negative environmental and human rights impacts of their business activities globally. International trade is recognised as a means to achieve social, environmental and economic objectives, not an end in itself. A positive agenda for trade and investment agreements will be designed primarily to advance wellbeing and the public interest instead of cost reduction for companies. Europe will raise the bar for all other regions and actively discourage a race to the bottom. Through strengthening representative and participatory democracy and ensuring civic space for people’s participation beyond elections, citizens can better engage with the European project and shape a positive European vision for the future. The EU27 and the Member States will consider education as a public responsibility that offers lifelong learning for all in order to develop active citizenship, critical thinking, social inclusion, cultural diversity and an understanding of sustainable development and human rights. Gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights will be priority in all EU policies and practices, both domestically and externally A just transition to a green and socially fair economy, in which our human and natural resources are cherished, within the planetary boundaries. A European Social Model provides full protection to all workers, all consumers and all generations of people living in the EU. Effective and coordinated taxation measures ensure that all companies pay appropriate taxes and contribute to national public budgets for socio-economic wellbeing. The EU27 will effectively fight tax evasion and close down European tax havens. Pros and cons: Europe reinvents itself and better communicates the benefits, rights and protections it delivers to citizens. Acceptance of and trust in European institutions will increase as citizens experience the benefits of European cooperation. Policy silos are dismantled, incoherencies and contradictions are resolved. All policies and programmes are contributing to the sustainable development agenda. IMPACT ON POLICIES Capacity to address citizens’ concerns and democratisation The EU27 will introduce new methods to increase the influence of citizens and civil society on key European policy issues and give them a bigger role in EU decision making, to strengthen transparency, participation and accountability. Climate and a healthy environment Common standards are set that bring citizens clean air and water, renewable and community based energy, safe and healthy food. Ambitious measures to phase out fossil fuels and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, including from the Global South, are implemented, leading to a fair share (sufficiency) in the use of natural resources. Social and inclusive policies All European citizens and residents enjoy the same level of protection, based on international human rights. Income gaps are narrowed, equality goals are achieved, wellbeing is improved and health disparities decrease within and between countries and across generations. Trade policies Trade policies become more transparent and contribute to the achievement of social and environmental objectives, including global climate agreements, the protection of the health and well-being of citizens, and are consistent with fundamental rights. Foreign policy, migration and international cooperation Europe assumes a leading role in ensuring a human-centered response to global migration, for the benefit and protection of all those involved. It contributes its fair share, both as a donor and as host for refugees, ensuring equal and fair access to services for all. The EU continues to be a key donor to implement its commitments to the protection of human rights in its international cooperation. The EU actively supports binding rules on human rights for its businesses that are operating overseas. Budgets The EU Budget lives up to its potential to catalyse sustainability, economic justice and wellbeing, to maintain and restore our natural resources and biodiversity. It includes participatory spending tools as well as strong accountability mechanisms. In other words, there will be a budget for the people. More progressive tax policies and a tax shift from labour to environmental use. ILLUSTRATIVE SNAPSHOTS Trade, regional development and food policies incentivise local, national and regional governments to develop sustainable and locally distributed energy and food production systems: local production for local needs. International trade prioritises sustainability principles. An EU Enforcement Agency monitors the implementation of EU laws and quickly responds if needed. Amongst other tasks, this body actively monitors emissions from a wide range of products (cars, household appliances, etc.) for conformity with the agreed standards and applies effective sanctions in case of breaches of the regulations. EU budget and indicators: a new definition for economic progress in the EU is published regularly which goes beyond reliance on GDP and guides and measures impact of spending on the sustainable wellbeing of all citizens and their environment. All spending lines are fully sustainability- proofed, resulting in more targeted spending, and greater linking of resources with performance of Member States and regions in achieving the EU’s 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Energy, climate and social policies: the EU27 introduces a fund to make 50 million houses in Europe energy neutral, thereby lowering living costs for citizens, stopping energy poverty and drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. New and effective civil society participation improves democracy, governance transparency and trust of EU citizens in building a positive and sustainable Europe. Europeans consume healthier food produced by reformed European agricultural systems and they enjoy widely restored European nature and increasing green spaces in the cities. Europe’s ecosystems are sufficiently protected and restored to deliver socio, economic and health benefits. Nature based solutions are at the center of Europe’s development. Free movement: the EU guarantees effective free movement to all people living in Europe. EU accessibility legislation will be adopted to ensure the 80 million persons with disabilities in Europe who currently cannot use mainstreamed products and services can participate on an equal basis with others as consumers in the internal market. Brussels, June 2017
Ireland fined 13 billion by the EU! A bill the Irish Government doesn’t want to collect! Meanwhile: The banks went broke in 2007 and the Irish People bailed them out to the tune of 80 billion euro +++. Now they evict us from our homes daily!!! Thousands are Homeless with thousands more in the courts where the vulture funds foreclose on family homes everyday! The privatization of our water is being push through against the wishes of the People even though we have paid for it through direct taxation for decades and there are already laws to underpin these payments! Thousands of People wait on trolleys in Hospital corridors across our country each day with hundreds of thousands waiting for months and years on waiting lists! The Irish government gave away a complete oilfield off our West coast to Shell for FREE! Tens of billions of euro that should have gone into the country’s coffers! The Irish government has turned its back on its People and turned instead to placating Corporations who take everything in return for cheap labour and short-term contracts! To the outsider, Ireland is the perfect pupil in it’s dealings with the EU but at home they are seen by many as Fascists who have put the Troika, the Banks and the Vulture funds before the wishes of the People and the ‘common good’!
In the face of the neoliberal policies that have been implemented in the eurozone over the last few years, we will support growth, equality and social justice policies. We should fight for a globalized world where the economy is at the service of politics and citizenship.
European Union, despite of these decades of conservative politics, is the GREAT legacy of the XX century: a century devastated by wars, death, intolerance and inequality, capable to generate an uthopia based on three simple concepts, in nect discontinuity with the past. Europe became, in less than 50 years, the homeland of the Civil and Human Rights (Equality), of the Welfare and Social security (Wealth) and the guiding light of democracy for the entire World (Peace). The path is so long, and progressive ideals must play the key role in the next year, in the perspective of the creation of the a new European Union based on the effective equality; a place where no one may suffer of poverty, a place where the first aim of governments must be to fight for job and the lack of it. A place builded on the Social ideal that you can’t be satisfied if there’s someone behind yourself. A place that despise intolerance, that is ready to save people and include them easily into the society. The only way possible is to fight for socialist and democratic ideals, to incourage the socialist family and put our leaders to be brave and not frighten of the challenges that future deals with. For leaving to our children a better world than we had.
Many European citizen complain about the so-called “democratic deficit” within the EU, but what does this actually mean and how can we handle this problem? The European Parliament (EP) is the only supranational institution whose politicians are directly elected every five years. The Parliament is composed of 751 members, who represent the second-largest democratic electorate in the world and the largest trans-national democratic electorate in the world. In the last decades, especial after the Lisbon treaty, the EP gained more power. This means, that the EP in now part of the legislative process (ordinary legislative procedure) together with the Commission and the Council. Furthermore, EU citizen have the right to join the political debate when using the European Citizen’s initiative, which aimed at increasing direct democracy. However, many citizens still don’t feel a number of European institutions actions. They are scared that their worries are not heard in the bubble of Brussels. So, what can be done to target that institutional crisis? First, transparency is needed to increase the EU’s efficiency and credibility. It must be easier to understand the EU’s working process. This also means that a lobby register is finally needed to make EU’s decision making more transparent. Second, Brussels should decentralize some of the decision making since member states are closer to the everyday life of people. The EU should always respect results of democratic elections, even these means that the decision-making processes can take longer. A good example is the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a free-trade agreement between Canada, the European Union and its Member States. All 28 European Union member states approved the final text of CETA for signature, with Belgium being the final country to give its approval. Even in that case Belgium finally supported that agreement, democratic decisions must always be accepted by the EU. Third, the European Parliament needs to receive the power for legislative initiative, what currently alone the Commission has. Since only the Parliament is directly elected by the EU’s citizen, it is not acceptable that it has not this significant right. Finally, it can be seen that the latest treaties decreased the EU’s democratic deficit with shifting more power to the Parliament or the implementation of the European Citizen’s initiative. However, it needs to be pointed out that it is still a long way to completely end the democratic deficit. Events like “Europe Together” are a good way to involve more citizens in this political debate and it makes the EU more attractive for the youth. I would be very delighted to support this S&D vision in October 2017 and hope that it will be a great event for all participants.
Hi Friends, revolutionary innovation usually does not come from cooperations but from state investmens in technology (Internet, computer, telecommunication, touch screens). To use the creative power and the ability to use technology to create wealth on a market, the EU schould fund high risk and capital intensive research and make the eventual results accessible to the public (this can also be extended to buying patents). This offer can be combined with certain requirements for the requesting company, namly further developpement of the products in Europe, high end engineering in Europe, further cooperation with European universities (extensible to demanding producing in economically underdevelopped regions). Also the research itself can be designed as intra-european research with cooperating universities, exchange of scientists etc. The aim is to make Europe an innovation hub for our economic future, to increase European cooperation, integration and identification on an academical level, combined with the hope of groundbreaking discoveries to benefit humanit as a whole. I would be extremely happy for feedback about flaws in reasoning or further consequences. Greetings from Bonn, Thabo
As the world is witnessing the terrible events, neither Left nor Right wings had a better idea. Especially, increased racism against Muslims has put the all European parties in silent. There are two very effective solutions that I believe that can solve or decrease such racism and immigration issues in Europe. 1-) The United Nations should not be limited by 5 world countries ( At least, one of them should be an Islamic Country) 2-) the European Union should also have some member from the Islamic country.
Hello Friends, believing in the connecting power of borderless communication, convinced by the already taken measures to normalise pan European use of communication technology (mobile tariffs), aspiring to boost this developpement and prevent monopolys, I would propose a European Telecommunication Agency. This agency would provide an European wide network for modern and fast telecommunication and opens the possibility for different cooperations to use these networks to provide the corresponding services for the European citizens. This approach would take into account that pivate networks tend to become monopolies in increasing scale income and need a lot of capital to be build. European wide competition hopefully leads to an efficient and customer friendly supply and a more European perspective for each and every consuming citizen. This seems for me economically and socially, therefore politically reasonable. I would be very happy if there are flaws in reasoning or effects not considered. Greetings from Bonn, Thabo
Many European citizen complain about the so-called “democratic deficit” within the EU, but what does this actually mean and how can we handle this problem? The European Parliament (EP) is the only supranational institution whose politicians are directly elected every five years. The Parliament is composed of 751 members, who represent the second-largest democratic electorate in the world and the largest trans-national democratic electorate in the world. In the last decades, especial after the Lisbon treaty, the EP gained more power. This means, that the EP in now part of the legislative process (ordinary legislative procedure) together with the Commission and the Council. Furthermore, EU citizen have the right to join the political debate when using the European Citizen’s initiative, which aimed at increasing direct democracy. However, many citizens still don’t feel a number of European institutions actions. They are scared that their worries are not heard in the bubble of Brussels. So, what can be done to target that institutional crisis? First, transparency is needed to increase the EU’s efficiency and credibility. It must be easier to understand the EU’s working process. This also means that a lobby register is finally needed to make EU’s decision making more transparent. Second, Brussels should decentralize some of the decision making since member states are closer to the everyday life of people. The EU should always respect results of democratic elections, even these means that the decision-making processes can take longer. A good example is the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a free-trade agreement between Canada, the European Union and its Member States. All 28 European Union member states approved the final text of CETA for signature, with Belgium being the final country to give its approval. Even in that case Belgium finally supported that agreement, democratic decisions must always be accepted by the EU. Third, the European Parliament needs to receive the power for legislative initiative, what currently alone the Commission has. Since only the Parliament is directly elected by the EU’s citizen, it is not acceptable that it has not this significant right. Finally, it can be seen that the latest treaties decreased the EU’s democratic deficit with shifting more power to the Parliament or the implementation of the European Citizen’s initiative. However, it needs to be pointed out that it is still a long way to completely end the democratic deficit. Events like “Europe Together” are a good way to involve more citizens in this political debate and it makes the EU more attractive for the youth. I would be very delighted to support this S&D vision in October 2017 and hope that it will be a great event for all participants.
More strong laws to protect animals rights in all Europe.
The EU needs to include aspects of sustainable development, education, migrants re-integration scheme in its policies for Territorial Cohesion. The territorial aspect of stronger economic development, job creation and technological development could improve real life citizen-cooperation and positive outcome of policy making in different regions of Europe and different institutional levels. Importantly, education which is directly linked to job creation, creating chances of sustainable development and stronger economies can be a fundamental pillar of migrant resettlement and integration policies – which are seen as a crucial part of future social and cultural development in the continent. I wouldn’t leave behind why these are all linked to values of democracy which the European citizen strongly values in terms of local identity and development – stronger local policy making by conveying better programs related to territorial strategic development goals -> stronger Union and Europeans.
That the migration of “illegal immigrants” to Europe through the southern gateway to the continent to migrate to the level of unilateral or level of institutions the European Union in general. The confrontation between the police and migrants, in addition to the killing of a number of migrants on the border between Morocco and Spain, a European and global approach that calls for practical solutions and more realistic Important solutions to preventing illegal immigration include: 1- Raise awareness and awareness about the risks and effects of illegal immigration 2- Making legislation and laws that improve the living conditions of migrants in their countries of origin. 3- Strengthen the security control on the border with Europe, especially the Arab countries because most of the migrants from the Arab world. 4- To help African countries provide job opportunities for the unemployed and improve living conditions by providing electricity, water and treatment to more citizens and pressure their governments to respect human rights and to prevent illegal immigration to Europe.
New social and economic changes of the first and second decades of this century should encourage people to look for solution, which would allow mitigating the results of the crisis in case of human rights to education. There is no question that improvement of the human rights in the field of education will develop good education system itself, but it is critical that the government of every country must ensure that the access to education will be exercised without discrimination of social status. For sure, European Union has a big need and potential for general development, but equal access to education will open other doors to progress, which can help to make the whole world a better place to live! For instance, educational mobility of youth and intercultural learning. Nowadays, due to some political reasons, researchers cannot work easily in some countries, they face with struggles and bans from governmental organizations just because of passport origin. I believe, that the more people are educated; the more need they have to open the borders for some new knowledge, which is definitely a springboard to traveling and intercultural learning. I see this as a preventing from hate speech, which is some wide spread in our world. Will it make our world better? I am sure it will! We just need to make it happen and start with improving the situation with human rights on education, because if ones do not have free access to education, the awareness about other human rights violations will be lower as well.
The European institutions clearly lack empathy from the electorate. Even the European Parliament which is directly voted is perceived as an institution far from the citizens. Part of this comes from the fact that the list of candidates for the European Parliament is selected from the national member parties rather than euro party groups. In an evermore integrated continent, the current format of selecting candidates is leaving certain groups of people unrepresented. European citizens have the freedom to freely live in another member state, yet the candidates they vote for the European Parliament have to be affiliated with national parties. I believe together we the citizens can change this and fight for a more representative and democratic Europe
Building the progressive future together requires working together, and reducing polarisation and ‘alternative’ facts. At the moment, ignorance abounds in Europe concerning the actual impact of migration, the progression of climate change and the phenomenon of violence against women, to name just three. The lack of unbiased knowledge available on these topics for citizens to examine and interpret means that populists peddling misinformation can conceivably be seen as ‘experts’ and speaking the truth, as it’s difficult to fact-check. With a website and app run by the EU and governments, people could fact-check their governments and learn the truth about the positive links between migration and economic growth, the terrivle underlying problem of violence against women, and the fast and terrifying progression of climate change (as well as many other pressing problems) . Armed with the facts, a more informed populace can press the governments and EU to act on problems and support solutions, reducing ignorance and ensuring that democracies are actually tackling the issues that matter.
Together is a word that means future. Europe is an ensemble of different States, but each one of them has common goals with others. In front of the challenges that the future will face us, each country, every state, will have to feel less lonely and more inclined, together with the others, towards the common goals. Together we can stand up against conflict, fighting for human rights, take the future that young people expects. I think Europe can go on if each State will act together and not just one by one. Together we can build, we can connect, we can dream.
In the heart of democracy lies the true controversial element of our political structure which is how can we truly benefit the lives of the very people that struggle with migration aren’t being allowed in certain areas of Europe to reform and flourish their contributions to society. Instead for example in Italy, particularity African refugees or migrants can not contribute to a system that can not prepare or allow them to advance in a career. Yes there are programs for languages, however instead of selling bracelets, there needs to be another way in which immigrants can bring an advantage in the career field. For example, in some countries, such as Senegal, French is spoken. Northern Africans in Tunisia also can bring this asset in the work force. However, the questioning of a sustainable system needs to be revealed, but, this question also reveals Italy’s economic as well as political structure. That in itself, needs to be questioned first to reveal the answer when it comes to the relations of the stranieri or the foreigners. First, the realization that Italy is still an early unified country needs to be evaluated . And there are still tensions between the different regions in Italy. Second, the concept that until 1991, Italy had never been modernly accustomed to difference, therefore this is the opportunity to allow new laws to emerge because of how recent immigration has become. And finally, the end result will be how the Italian Parliament can accept this difference, as well as Italians as a whole. This will be the resulting question that will determine Italy’s democratic notions when it comes to immigration.
My name is Petra, I’m a 23 year old Romanian girl. Been an advocate for non discrimination and the rights of persons with disabilities at a very high level such as the European Parliament in 2009 and the Fundation for European Progressive studies in 2016. However, I’m still the white stick user who gets pushed on the stairs at the metro station where people rush before train doors close in a blink, the blind student who took a chance to drop the special educational system and ended up with two bachelor degrees… and I’m not bragging… I’m actually noticing people even in more westernized countries, people who are not only persons with disabilities but maybe people with a different sexual orientation/gender issue, religion, race, ethnicity and so on… Awareness raising is great and growing in the EU but is it enough? I started my innitiative in Romania by getting employed in the National Authority for Persons with disabilities and finding jobs or occupation for my friends with disabilities. Then I created a small organization where my mom carries out her job as a therapist doing her best to integrate parents of disabled youngsters and I’m doing my best to find stuff for them out of the sterilized protected environment of their home or of society limits. I think this kind of initiative can be extended also at EU level and not only by covering persons with disability as a target group but also everyone who is in their way beautifully different. I am a leftist and I encourage mutual cooperation and the opportunity of offering any kind of resource from a good listening friend to a great and hardworking manager! by involving we can change mentalities and it doesn’t have to be a continuous fight against the world but an emphatic peaceful friendship! Our UN convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities advocates the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities. I think this principle can be extended to advocate all human rights in a very diverse Europe!!! I hope friends will come up and join the idea and also get involved and enjoy building a diverse and brilliant Europe where people live for unity , peace and community!!!
There are literally millions of people in the European Union who are in some type of homelessness situation. Yet, the EU has no noteworthy policies to help people in such situation. The European Commission shields itself from responsibility by invoking the principle by which social protection is the main responsibility of Member States. That is not an adequate justification. EU bodies such as the Committee of the Regions, the European Social and Economic Committee and the European Parliament itself, have called for and proposed the adoption of serious measures to fight homelessness in Europe. Nothing serious has been done though. A Europe where such severe forms of social exclusion, as is the case of homelessness, exist, is a paradoxical one. It has been noted by the institutions mentioned above how homelessness restricts individual freedom and how it is contrary to dignity. The EU can do much more to fight the problem and to work in favour of the right to housing for everyone. Homelessness does not result from physical limits. We have enough space and materials to provide for everyone. It results solely from psychical and ethical limits in the ways of thinking of many people, including people in power.