R2: Hope in challenging times: Let’s make a green future possible in the 2024 European elections

We only have a few years left to take and implement the right decisions to keep our planet livable for humans:, our air breathable, the water drinkable and accessible to all, and biodiversity protected. The terrible heatwaves, forest fires, droughts, and flooding of the last summer are the implacable results of wrong political choices with huge social and economic consequences for our societies and will only worsen in the near future if we do not change course immediately.

AutocratsThe European project and democracy itself are under constant threat. Autocracies are on the rise in Europethe EU and elsewhere in Europe, and with them, attacks on rule of law and fundamental rights, especially onnot only the rights of women and LGBTQIA+ rights,, but equally those of civil society organizations, BIPOC, individual activists, homeless people, asylum seekers and on the European project as suchrefugees. Putin's brutal aggression against Ukraine has led to thousands of innocent people losing their lives and millions of people being forced to the flee the war. Fueled by our economies’ addiction to gas and oil from Russia, it constitutes the biggest threat to the fundamental values of our societies, and to peace in Europe.

Autocrats are on the rise in Europe and with them, attacks on rule of law and fundamental rights, especially on women and LGBTQIA+ rights, and on the European project as such. Putin's brutal aggression against Ukraine has led to thousands of innocent people losing their lives and millions of people being forced to the flee the war. Fueled by our economies’ addiction to gas and oil from Russia, it constitutes the biggest threat to the fundamental values of our societies, and to peace in Europe.

Autocrats are on the rise in Europe and with them, attacks on rule of law and fundamental rights, especially on women and LGBTQIA+ rights, and on the European project as such. Putin's brutal aggression against Ukraine has led to thousands of innocent people losing their lives and millions of people being forced to the flee the war. Fueled by our economies’ addiction to gas and oil from Russia, it constitutes the biggest threat to the fundamental values of our societies, and to peace in Europe.

Autocrats are on the rise in Europe and with them, attacks on rule of law and fundamental rights, especially on women and LGBTQIA+ rights, and on the European project as such.. Putin's brutal aggression against Ukraine has led to thousands of innocent people losing their lives and millions of people being forced to the flee the war. Fueled by our economies’ addiction to gas and oil from Russia, it constitutes the biggest threat to the fundamental values of our societies, and to peace in Europe.

The global energy and food crises are direct results of irresponsible and short-sighted political decisions. They increase the existing social injustices and fuel social anger by makingfrom which the most vulnerable, those who contributed the least to these crises, suffer from them the most, thus fueling social anger. While at the same time, those who are mainly responsible are not paying their share and are even profiting from it.

The global energy and food crises are direct results of irresponsible and short-sighted political decisions. They increase the existing social injustices and fuel social anger by making the most vulnerable, (who are those who contributed the least to these crises,crises), to suffer from them the most. While at the same time, those who are mainly responsible are not paying their share and are even profiting from it.

The global energy and food crises are direct results of irresponsible and short-sighted political decisions. They increase the existing social injustices and fuel social anger by making some of the most vulnerable, those and those, who contributed the least to these crises, suffer from them the most. While at the same time, those who are mainly responsible are not paying their share and are even profiting from it.

Our climate is in crisis, social inequalities are growing, and our democracies are at risk and social inequalities are growing. (+ moving this part forward to the beginning of the text)

Our climate is in crisis, social inequalities are growing, and our democracies are at risk.

This observation reinforces our European commitment: each State is weak in the face of dictatorships, multinationals and climate issues. We need Europe. We need a Europe that brings hope in these challenging times. We need changes in Europe and for Europe and the Europe needs the Green to change”

Only a project that has always understood these dimensions together, only a project based onthat provides the right balance between a rational, science-based and humanist diagnosis of the current crises and an empathic approach to people's feelings and anxieties regarding an uncertain future, can provide the right solutions.

This is exactly what our common green project is.

Greens emerged decades ago because we realized that our growth-based, fossils addicted and unjust model would drive humankind into ruin. We needed to join political forces to counter these developments.

Nobody had predicted the timing of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, because we listen to Scientists, we were not surprised when a zoonose paralyzed our lives. In fact, we had been warning for decades about the global health risks of deforestation and under-financing of essential sectors and public services and were the first one advocating for a common debt instrument to ensure solidarity in investments for recovery.

We have been listening to scientists, we knew that sooner or later we would be hit by a zoonose paralyzing our lives. And then we were confronted by COVID 19.

We have been warning against monopolistic ties with Russian dictatorship and the risk for peace, security and climate that our dependency on Russian gas was posing. And then the Russian army invaded Ukraine.

We have been reading what scientists told us, what the IPCC wrote in every single report, that climate change could be devastating and that numerous environmental damages are already irreversible. And then during the European summers of 2021 and 2022 people lost their lives, their homes and livelihood, in so many places worldwide.

Nobody had predicted the timing of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, because we listen to Scientists, we were not surprised when a zoonose paralyzed our lives. In fact, we had been warning for decades about the global health risks of deforestation and under-financing of essential sectors and public services and were the first ones advocating for a common debt instrument to ensure solidarity in investments for recovery.

Nobody had predicted the timing of the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, because we listen to Scientists, we were not surprised when a zoonose paralyzed our lives. In fact, we had been warning for decades about the global health risks of deforestation and under-financing of essential sectors and public services and were the first one advocating for a common debt instrument to ensure solidarity in investments for recovery.

Nobody had predicted the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, global health risks are increasing in the context of climate change and we are advocating for decades to make Europe more resilient and to support essential public services, including health services”

Nobody knew if, when and how Putin will aggress Ukraine. Yet, as a European family, we always showed clarity in our stance against Putin’s regime. Greens in all European countries had constantly warned against ties with the Russian dictator and the risk for peace, security and climate that our dependency on Russian gaz was posing. And as a matter of fact, we were united as European Greens in condemning Putin’s aggression, calling for effective sanctions and in calling for supporting the Ukrainian resistance.

(see amendment before)

Nobody knew for sure if, when and how Putin will aggress Ukraine. Yet, as a European family, we always showed clarity in our stance against Putin’s regime. Greens in all European countries had constantly warned against ties with the Russian dictator and the risk for peace, security and climate that our dependency on Russian gaz was posing. And as a matter of fact, we were united as European Greens in condemning Putin’s aggression, calling for effective sanctions and in calling for supporting the Ukrainian resistance.

Nobody knew the exact level of catastrophe the 2022 summer will bring. Yet, because the scientists told us, because the IPCC wrote it in every single report, we knew that the summer could be devastating and that numerous environmental damages are already irreversible.

(see amendments before)

Nobody knew the exact level of catastrophey the 2022 summer will bring. Yet, because the scientists told us, because the IPCC wrote it in every single report, we knew that the summer could be devastating and that numerous environmental damages are already irreversible.

Greens emerged decades ago because the certainty that our growth-based, fossils addicted and unjust model would drive humankind to ruin needed a political force to be conveyed.

(see amendments before with alternative proposal)

Greens emerged decades ago because the certainty that our growth-based, fossils addicted and unjust model would drive humankind to ruin needed a political force to be conveyed.

Greens stem from the peace and global justice movement. We are globally committed to human rights, peace and social justice. We need to be aware of our colonial past and take responsibility for justice in this world. And we stand by our international responsibility and the Geneva Refugee Convention. Refugees are eligible for access to proper accommodation, care and legal aid free of discrimination. We say it clear: Refugees are welcome here!

Together, as European Greens, we have a credible, fair, democratic and positive alternative to the devastation created by the deadly duel between the status quo and authoritarianism, a path towards a world where the climate crises is tackled and the planet’s boundaries are respected, towards clean air and healthy soils, towards a society without discrimination, with equal rights and high social protection. We built a European project based on the unwavering conviction that together as Europeans we are stronger in tackling these crises than alone and that only a strong European democracy can protect the general interest.

Together, as European Greens, we have a credible, fair, democratic and positive alternative to the devastation created by the deadly duel between the status quo and authoritarianism, a path towards a world where the climate crises is tackled and the planet’s boundaries are respected, towards clean air and healthy soils, towards a society without discrimination, with equal rights and high social protection.planet's environmental boundaries are respected and where the social foundation is accessible to each and everyone of us. It's a world where the climate crises are tackled, clean air and helathy soils are a given, discrimination has vanished, equal rights and high social protection are ensured. We built a European project based on the unwavering conviction that together as Europeans we are stronger in tackling the crises than alone and that only a strong European democracy can protect the general interest.

Together, as European Greens, we have a credible, fair, democratic and positive alternative to the devastation created by the deadly duel between the status quo and authoritarianism, a path towards a world where the climate crises is tackled and the planet’s boundaries are respected, towards clean air and healthy soils, towards a society without discrimination, with equal rights and high social protection. We built a European project based on the unwavering conviction that together as Europeans we are stronger in tackling the crises than each one alone and that only a strong European democracy can protect the general interest.

Together, as European Greens, we have a credible, fair, democratic and positive alternative to the devastation created by the deadly duel between the status quo and authoritarianism, a path towards a world where the climate crises is tackled and the planet’s boundaries are respected, towards clean air and healthy soils, towards a society without discrimination, with equal rights and high social protection and a sustainable economy. We built a European project based on the unwavering conviction that together as Europeans we are stronger in tackling the crises than alone and that only a strong European democracy can protect the general interest.

Together, as European Greens, we have a credible, fair, democratic and positive alternative to the devastation created by the deadly duel between the status quo and authoritarianism, a path towards a world where the climate crises is tackled and the planet’s boundaries are respected, towards the preservation of biodiversity, clean air and healthy soils, towards a society without discrimination, with equal rights and high social protection. We built a European project based on the unwavering conviction that together as Europeans we are stronger in tackling the crises than alone and that only a strong European democracy can protect the general interest.

The green wave was a demonstration of an ongoing deep cultural change in the society, of a powerful citizens’ will aiming to see change happening and a source of hope, echoed in many following elections at local, regional and national levels in Europe.

The green wave was a demonstration of an ongoing deep cultural change in the society, and particularly within youth, of a powerful citizens’ will to see change happening and a source of hope, echoed in many following elections at local, regional and national levels in Europe.

In the European Parliament, we have been punching above our weight in passing and implementing more ambitious legislation to tackle the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency, to fight corruption, in upholding social rights and wealth redistribution, in giving the EU more tools to protect fundamental rights and freedom of European citizens against autocrats.

Time has come to build robust and long-term policies to fight climate change, to protect biodiversity, to organize the energy, transport and the agricultural transition not only in Europe but also in recognition of Europe’s share of responsibility for tackling these issues globally.

Time has come to create a social Europe where all Europeans have access to properly financed public services, including health care and social protection, where no one is left behind and where redistribution is the driver of European fiscal and tax policy.

Time has come to take the voices of the youth seriously, to bring youth to the decision-making table, and to grant them the right to vote from the age of 16. Young people will be the one's most affected by the decisions we make today, and they must be involved in taking those decisions.

Time has come to create a social Europe where all Europeans have access to properly financed public services, including health care and social protection, where no one is left behind and where redistribution is the driver of European fiscal and tax policy. The current socioeconomic system has developed an enormous working class. People who are members of this group suffer social oppression, the effects of climate change, and are the most affected by short-term and long-term policies. We need to take the working class into account to create a more sustainable and socially just Europe.

Time has come to create a social Europe where all Europeans have access to properly financed public services, including health care and social protection, where no one is left behind and where redistribution is the driver of European fiscal and tax policy.

Time has come to make way for the transition to a sustainable and fair economic system in Europe, that is independent from fossils and aims at creating a circular economy and good jobs with proper wages.

Time has come to create a social Europe where all Europeans have access to properly financed public services, including health care and social protection, where no one is left behind, where everyone receives proper education as well as affordable housing, where youth unemployment is ending and where redistribution is the driver of European fiscal and tax policy.

Time has come to build a feminist, inclusive and anti-racist Europe, with reforms to protect fundamental rights and freedoms, equal rights for all, and to fight against all types of discrimination in all areas. A federal Europe capable of protecting and sharing its values at the global level, where rule of law is guaranteed, and where no European citizen’s right can be threatened.

Time has come to build a feminist, inclusive and anti-racist Europe, with reforms to protect fundamental rights and freedoms, equal rights for all, and to fight against all types of discrimination in all areas. A federal Europe capable of protecting and sharing its values at the global level, where rule of law isand democracy are guaranteed, and where no European citizen’s right can be threatened.

Time has come to build a feminist, inclusive and anti-racist Europe, with reforms to protect fundamental rights and freedoms, equal rights for all, and to fight against all types of discrimination in all areas. A federal Europe capable of protecting and sharing its values at the global level, where rule of law is guaranteed, and where no European citizen’s right can be threatened.

Time has come for the European Union to stand for global justice as well as to protect human rights and prevent conflicts worldwide. We are committed to the implementation of the Agenda 2030, a feminist foreign policy as well as tackling post-colonial political structures.

Time has come to build a feminist, inclusive and anti-racist Europe, with reforms to protect fundamental rights and freedoms, equal rights for all, and to fight against all types of discrimination in all areas. A federal Europe capable of protecting and sharing its values at the global level, where rule of law is guaranteed, and where no European citizen’s right can be threatened.

While many try to justify climate inaction because of the war in Ukraine, we know now it is the time to double our efforts.

But togetherTogether, we will fight the backlash on the Green transition and the backlash on fundamental rights. Together, our united answer to the insecurities of our time is hope instead of fear and solidarity instead of further division.

And weWe know that those who will be in power in the next yearsyears to come / or years to follow, in the most decisive moment for humanity, will get to decide whether we tackle the climate crisis, fight injustices, strengthen our common democracy, defend our rights and values or whether we let a broken model destroy our social contract, our democratic model and ultimately our planet.

And to do so, we, the EGP, aim to: