We Greens are convinced that Europe is our common home and our future. But during the crisis, the European Union has been everything but united on how to it can change for the better. We propose an alternative to austerity and are dedicated to fighting for a better Europe. Instead of turning a blind eye to unemployment, social injustice, environmental destruction and unsustainable economic policies, we're calling for a Green new deal.
It is time for a Green transformation to create decent jobs and a healthy environment: Green innovation and eco-efficient solutions are the solution for tackling climate change. We believe that the first step is the re-regulation of the financial industry to make sure it serves the real economy. It's the only way out of excessive debt and the only fair way to stop burdening our citizens and future generations.
"We need to move away from fossil-fuel dependency and shift fully to renewable energy by 2050 to preserve our planet for our children. Fossil fuels are a dead end, and shale gas is something that Europe's environment and people cannot afford"
We need to move away from fossil-fuel dependency and shift fully to renewable energy by 2050 to preserve our planet for our children. Fossil fuels are a dead end, and shale gas is something that Europe's environment and people cannot afford. We need to say goodbye to nuclear energy across the EU, and invest in renewables and energy efficiency. None of this will be worthwhile without ambitious climate goals for 2030, and binding CO2 targets.
We have to decide on how we want to live; an enduring way of life implies sustainable food production and distribution, supporting local production chains, organic farming and fair trade with developing countries, including a total ban on GMOs.
A Green commission will focus on a social Europe with stronger social rights, and end zero-hours contracts, low-paying jobs and unfair internships. We'll work for fair European minimum social standards that apply to each national situation and labour market model – particularly in terms of job quality, security, wages, safety at work and pensions.
Widespread unemployment, particularly youth unemployment and old age poverty, are cementing injustice all over Europe. Political measures that promise relief, such as the European youth guarantee scheme, must be underpinned by a strong policy of job creation. We want to be clear: It is not about 'making young people disappear from unemployment statistics'.
We want the EU's youth guarantee programme to be fully and well-funded, and provide good and fair opportunities for jobs, further education and training. And, when a young European gets an internship, it must be fair. The youth guarantee needs to be a long-term instrument of empowerment.
European society exists well beyond its borders. Europe has a duty to ensure that people can seek protection, be it with humanitarian visas, the creation of emergency resettlement, or through long-term investment that address the initial reasons why people are forced to flee their home countries. We cannot silently watch as thousands of people die on Europe´s external borders.
We want to work to strengthen European democracy. Citizens must have effective ways of participation through direct democracy. It is vital to strengthen cooperation between the EU and national parliaments across all 28 member states. We Greens see citizens as European decision makers. National parliaments must play an active role in how the EU operates, and provide scrutiny to European legislation. The European council must definitely become more accountable and transparent. The reinvigoration of European democracy also means that the European parliament must take the lead to rein in lobbying and give a stronger voice to citizens.
The Greens have always pushed for strong digital rights, and will continue to do so. The new reality of the digital age means we need to look again at citizen's rights, especially online. A 'digital bill of rights' must protect privacy, personal data and guarantee net neutrality.
Populism, nationalism, and short-sighted economic decisions are threatening our common achievements and our democracy. One hundred years after the beginning of the first world war and 57 years after the statute of Rome led to the founding of the EU, Europe is now at a crossroads: We do not want antagonism and a relapse of narrow-minded nationalism.
While the economic, social, and environmental crisis and the austerity policies that have been Europe's response have increased social division and injustice, we Europeans must still stand together to rekindle hope for everyone. We Greens are the alternative for a better Europe.