European Green Slogan: A Green New Deal for Europe!

The manifesto of the European Greens focuses on the need of a new direction for Europe by creating a new economic and social system based on stability, sufficiency and sustainability. The Green New Deal means a Europe of solidarity that can guarantee its citizens a good quality of life based on economic, social and environmental sustainability; a truly democratic Europe that acts for its citizens and not just narrow industry interests; a Europe that acts for a green future.

ECONOMY

The European Greens see the financial, food and energy crises as an opportunity to transform Europe’s economic and social system into one that will offer generations-to-come a future based on stability, sufficiency and sustainability. The Greens want to end the careless deregulation and to develop a new economy (a truly prosperous, innovative, stable and sustainable) driven by long-term prosperity.

In their manifesto there is no reference to European Central Bank and European Rescue Fund.

MIGRATION

The European Greens oppose the idea of “Fortress Europe” and believe that immigration is an opportunity and not a threat. They defend equal rights for immigrants in the workplace and in politics; as well as the opportunity of European citizenship. They oppose repressive, xenophobic and inhumane legislation on migration.

Moreover, the Greens/EFA have stated its refusal to the fact that the immigration and asylum pact focuses on border control rather than on prioritising means of legal migration; the focus on border controls and the systematic return of illegal immigrants represent barriers to access to asylum and family reunification. They also accept the Blue Card proposal as a first step towards a more open migration programme, while they reject any hierarchy of rights for migrant workers.

SOCIAL EUROPE

The European Greens believe that the European Union should defend social systems and labour conditions from the pressures of fierce competition, both within Europe and beyond.

Europe should lead a global economic revolution that can only be achieved by a massive investment in education, science and research in green, future-oriented technologies. This new economy requires a fairer society guaranteeing fair working conditions, equal opportunities and a decent standard of living for all. The Greens aim to reverse the widening gap between rich and poor and guarantee a decent minimum living standard for all Europeans.

The Greens want to strengthen social and labour rights through collective bargaining. Equality in the workplace is a must regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, disability, religion or sexual orientation, as well as equality for immigrant or temporary works. Finally, they advocate that sound pensions are needed to enable senior citizens to actively participate in economic, social and civic life.

GENDER EQUALITY

The Greens claim that the fundamental right of equality between men and women must be made a reality. They lead by example: they have an equal number of male and female MEPs.

The Greens support the Charter of Fundamental Rights which implies fighting for equal rights for women, ethnic minorities including the Roma, people with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people and religious minorities as well as for social and civil rights. This also means continuing the fight against sexism, and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

DEMOCRACY AND ATTITUDE TO THE EU

The Greens want to reform the EU, so that it can become a truly participatory democracy. As the only EU institution directly-elected by the people, the European Parliament should be granted the right to initiate legislation. They also support the reformation of the European Parliament and the way the MEPs are elected.

They support the Treaty of Lisbon as a further step in the European constitutional process. It is a compromise, and in many ways an unsatisfactory one, however it is indispensable and represents a step forward. They believe that the Irish No has once again demonstrated that national referenda are not an adequate instrument to decide European questions. The Greens offer 25 reasons to oppose Barroso’s candidacy.

Moreover, the political party EFA urges the reform of the EU institutions to achieve democratic legitimacy and to create greater openness and transparency in decision making. For this purpose, the reform of the Parliament is essential. The Committee of the Regions should be reinforced and reformed as a Senate of the regions. EFA wants a democratisation of Europe and wants to enhance the participation of the citizens through a direct election of the President of the Commission.

HUMAN RIGHTS

The Greens emphasise that human rights are for all, particularly within EU Member States. For this reason, European policies must champion peace, democracy and human rights in the world and do so consistently and coherently.

EUROPEAN IDENTITY AND EUROPEAN VALUES

One of the projects of the European Greens is to deepen democracy by decentralisation and direct participation of people in decision‑making that concerns them, and by enhancing openness of government in Council and Commission, and making the Commission fully answerable to Parliament.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

The Greens are in favour of a new style of foreign policy for Europe: European policies must champion peace, democracy and human rights in the world through international cooperation and humanitarian aid. Moreover, they believe that the European Union must lead by example in its engagement with the rest of the world, devoting its energy to solving root causes of international tensions; and strengthening multilateral bodies and international law.