A draft political document from the European Green Party sets out twelve priorities for the European Union after the European elections in May 2019 and it sounds like the beginning of an election campaign. It will be approved by delegates at the Party Conference which will take place in Berlin from 23 to 25 November.
"We consider that the European election campaign has really started", stated Monica Frassoni on Friday 16 November in Brussels, who is co-chair of the Party. "This European campaign will be the most important campaign we’ve ever had", added Reinhard Bütikofer, also co-chair.
Environmentalists reiterate that they want to end the use of coal in 2030 in order to fight climate change. They argue for a minimum income in all Member States, and for each individual or economic operator to pay a fair share of tax. The end of arms exports to dictatorships and countries at war is also put forward.
The draft document also mentions that environmentalists will only support a candidate for the future presidency of the European Commission if he or she was, a leading candidate ('Spitzenkandidat') for his or her political party during the European election campaign and if this official is willing to support the main priorities of the Greens.
Asked by EUROPE about the European Green Party's expectations regarding the number of seats of the future Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament, Mr Bütikofer replied that "60 seats would not be a bad number". This forecast is rather in line with those of the three candidates for the two co-Spitzenkandidat positions for the environmentalists, the Dutchman Bas Eickhout, the German Ska Keller and the Belgian Petra De Sutter (see EUROPE 12134).
As a reminder, the European Green Party will present a double nomination to defend its colours in May 2019. The two co-Spitzenkandidates will be nominated at the Berlin Conference. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)