Development of a coherent Green political agenda in view of the 2014 elections

The European Green Party, united in Congress in Paris at 11-13 November 2011, in view of the preparations of the 2014 European elections and following the recommendation from its adopted Fit for the Future paper, wishes to prepare itself in the best possible way for the preparation of a common election manifesto.

Much policy development work has been done and is up-to-date and some is on-going at the moment, such as the work on the Social and Agricultural Dimensions of the Green New Deal. More work needs to be done, in the context of the development of a coherent Green European political agenda. The Paris Congress requests that the European Green Party - with the responsibility resting with the Committee - organise development of the political agenda by organising a consultation of the member parties (in the form of working groups, if these prove adequate) to develop a political opinion and/or policy on the following issues. Existing structures can be asked for an update on the specific issue; other issues need a more in depth approach and/or research by a full working group policy development process:

1. The Future of the European Union

a. Through close cooperation with GEF and the Green Group in the European Parliament, develop a vision for the European Union; for an EU that is economically and financially stable, sustainable and attractive, with a reference to what further European integration would mean in Green terms and how the European democratic model should develop further. Included in this vision should be how to embed the participation of citizens in the European Union democratic model. Research is needed on what is the shared Green opinion on the best way for the European Union to proceed as regards its enlargement commitments and perspective on future enlargement.

b.Following the Fit for the Future paper adopted in Budapest, an opinion is needed on individual membership of European political parties; the European Green Party should also organise an internal debate on transnational lists, with a view to establish a common position amongst EU Member Parties and develop a proposal for the possible nomination and selection of a candidate for a top European office. These processes should be concluded in time for the 2014 European elections.

2. Inclusive Society

As Greens we promote a society that is inclusive and open as a model for a lively and thriving democracy. In view of the challenge of increasing populist and sometimes nationalist tendencies all over Europe, Greens should better define which developments they see as necessary to achieve a society that is open and inclusive. The current debates on integration and the multicultural society require more outspoken and clear Green visions and answers.

3. Further develop Green views on Sustainability

Greens have enjoyed significant success in their endless strive for a sustainable climate and energy policy. Ecology is now regularly discussed in the political sphere. However, as our societies develop further, views and policies need to be formulated to give Green answers on what is a sustainable lifestyle and what answers and policies Greens have to create a 100% renewable society that is economically viable.

4. Mediterranean Strategy

In view of a rapidly changing political landscape at the southern borders of Europe and as a result of the Arab Spring, a new Green view on Neighbourhood Policy and a Mediterranean strategy should be developed.

5. Asylum and Migration Policy

Migration and asylum policy is by nature a cross-border issue. People move between different countries in the world. Some are forced to flee persecution, while others move for economic and social reasons. The objective is to guarantee a migration policy that is sustainable in the long term and that, within the framework of regulated immigration, safeguards the right of asylum, facilitates cross-border mobility, etc. A large part of the political work in the area of asylum and migration takes place within the context of EU cooperation. The migration issue has come in recent years to play an increasingly prominent role in EU external relations. The EGP has to develop a coherent vision on Intra-EU- Migration, social and economic migration and the different aspect concerning the Asylum-question.

6.Foreign and Security Policy

The EU has created its own foreign and security policy. Since the treaty of Lisbon, the High Representative Catherine Ashton, is the EU's spokesperson on foreign policy. In view of the Arab Spring, Europe has demonstrated a deficit in speaking promptly with a common voice and acting in a coordinated fashion on the international scene on security questions, especially within the UN, but also in NATO. This is also true in part for the European Green family. We should therefore enhance our internal policy development regarding the challenges of fulfilling our responsibility to protect people on the one side and highlighting the dangers of military action on the other. This would not only include an in-depth debate about our ideas of a European Security and Defence strategy, but also more in general, a discussion about the role the EU has to play at the world level.

7. Digital Rights in a digital world

Given developments regarding democracy and civil liberties at the current time, and the lack of common policies of relative new domains of digital rights, policy development is needed for the protection of civil liberties and digital rights in a digital world.

The development of the elements described above, should contribute to the development of a coherent Green political agenda and should be regularly reported to the Council. In between Councils, it should be reported to the Council delegates. The work should be finalised by Spring 2013 and should, if not as a separate policy, serve as input for the Committee that will prepare a common Green election manifesto.

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