#yEUrManifesto – the citizens manifesto for a sustainable Europe
The European Humanist Federation, together with major NGOs from a number of sectors such as SDGWatch, Save the Children, Global Call to Action Against Poverty, the European Environmental Bureau, Global Health Advocates, Solidar and Nyt Europe launched the Civil Society Manifesto for a Sustainable Europe for its Citizens. This manifesto envisions a more ambitious and efficient but also a fairer, more sustainable and more democratic European Union.
The response of European decision makers’ to a number of challenges have run contrary to our core values and have walked back some of the historical gains we fought for. Many Europeans feel frustrated and have lost trust in the capacity of EU institutions to respond to their needs. The growing support for nationalist and xenophobic political forces across Europe is a worrying indicator of this discontent and a severe threat to democracy and our core values.
Recognising this, we should not limit ourselves in the debates on the Future of Europe to the question: ‘Do you want more or less Europe?’ but focus on our needs for the future and our rights.
The key question is: What kind of Europe do we want?
That is why (200+) civil society organisations all around Europe are uniting to bring people together to discuss the “Europe we want”, and to influence the debates in the run up to the European Parliament elections of next year.
We believe strongly in a European project based on democracy and transparency, social and environmental justice, human rights, the rule of law, equality, and solidarity. These values must be at the heart of all policies.
This means fundamental changes from today.
We want European policies, rules and standards that do what they were intended for: protect and safeguard well-being and health, ensure safety and freedom for people and protection of the climate and the environment.
We want policies that support and serve present and future generations in and outside Europe.
This is why we urge the European Parliament, the European Commission and Member State governments to prioritise the following key issues for the European Parliament elections:
- PUTTING EUROPE IN THE HANDS OF PEOPLE
- EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
- A STRONG SOCIAL EUROPE
- AMBITIOUS CLIMATE ACTION
- ROBUST MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
- SUSTAINABLE AND HEALTHY FOOD SYSTEMS
- FAIR TAXATION
- A FAIR-TRADE AGENDA
- THE EU’S ROLE IN THE WORLD
- A PEOPLE-CENTRED RESPONSE TO MIGRATION
- NEEDS-DRIVEN & RESPONSIBLE RESEARCH
- A PEOPLE-CENTRED EU BUDGET
If you are interested in the more concrete ideas behind these headlines, you can download the entire manifesto and have your organisation’s name added to the list of signatories here.
Furthermore, we call all our members and followers to promote the manifesto further!
#yEUrManifesto.
