Ahead of Jean-Claude Juncker's State of the Union speech and the informal Bratislava summit, a collective of 177 European civil society organisations and trade unions called on 12 September for a new Europe for people, the planet and prosperity for all. The aim is to renew engagement in the European project, whilst learning lessons from the current crisis.
"Together, we can shape a Europe that is inclusive, open, just, sustainable, and that works for people of all ages, social backgrounds and nations", these organisations state in a joint statement.
Briefly, their recipe for success includes:
- We must all – leaders, media and individuals – reject populist solutions.
- Tackle challenges together, as the fight against inequality, climate change, the exhaustion of natural resources and "a global economy that benefits the few and not the many" will be more effective at European level than at national level. The EU, the embodiment of international cooperation, "needs to be leading in ensuring sustainable and inclusive development, advancing human rights" and permitting migration in conditions of dignity.
- Fighting for a social and sustainable Europe, for people and for our planet. To do this, the EU's economic policies must go hand in hand with strong social and environmental policies.
- Working on more Europe, not less Europe, rejecting the deregulation that strips away protection for citizens and the planet, by putting forward a positive vision of Europe and undertaking to respond to people's concerns, particularly those of young people, who need to be more engaged in decisions with an impact on the future.
- Listening to the citizens and launching a democratic and inclusive dialogue on the future of Europe.
CONCORD, European Youth Forum, ETUC and WWF were behind this appeal. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)