On 3-5 June, at the 35th European Green Party Council, the Greens will gather in Riga, Latvia, to discuss our security strategy, the just transition, energy for all, and much more.
Since the invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, we have found ourselves in a different world: facing war on the European continent and an unprecedented energy crisis. The Russian attack marks a turning point in our history, shaking the foundations of our energy and security policy as well as our foreign relations.
Putin's war has caused a shift in security and defence policy in Europe. The Euro-Atlantic community came together in unison to support Ukraine and swift decisions were taken to contain Russian aggression. And just recently, Finland and Sweden submitted official applications to become NATO members. The Progressives (Progresīvie), who are applicant members to the European Greens this year alongside the Åland Greens (Hållbart Initiativ), have been fighting against the influence of the Kremlin in Latvia and are working tirelessly on supporting refugees from Ukraine arriving to their country.
At the same time, the war has painfully exposed how dependent European countries are on energy imports and forced us to rethink our energy strategy. We need energy independence, whilst also maintaining our long-term goal of securing a just transition that puts people first. At this historical juncture, it is critical to ensure that our response to this crisis not only ensures our sovereignty and energy security, but also continues to tackle the climate crisis. That's why Greens leaders at different levels of governance are gathering at the Council to discuss the Green transition to make sure that it is fair and just, prioritising people's wellbeing.
Energy Policy is Security Policy. pic.twitter.com/DbxOuaI6ge
— Hannah Neumann (@HNeumannMEP) May 10, 2022
Read more about our plenary sessions and join us in Riga to or follow the discussion online through our livestream on Facebook, YouTube or our website to take part in discussions that will shape our future political trajectory.
Plenary Sessions at the 35th European Green Party Council
The future of European security and defence policy in light of Putin's war against Ukraine
In the early hours of Thursday, 24 February 2022 the security reality was suddenly upended in Europe. As Putin's war against Ukraine unfolded, political priorities shifted. As the Council is going to take place in the capital city of Latvia, a country sharing a land border with the Russian Federation, and as the war in Ukraine is taking a toll on lives and livelihoods, we, as a Green family are addressing the question of how we imagine the future of security and defence policy in Europe in the face of this new reality.
During this session, we will discuss our Green response to this crisis. What are the consequences of the war from a human rights perspective? What does the future hold for the common security and defence policy of Europe? What are the steps ahead the Greens are putting on the table? These are the questions this panel discussion seeks to answer.
Speakers and Moderators
- Hannah Neumann, Member of the European Parliament
- Alexandra Marksteiner, Researcher, Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme
- Andris Sprūds, Chairman of the Board, Latvian Institute of International Affairs
- Thomas Waitz, member of the European Parliament, co-chair of the European Green Party
- Maria Kurinna, International Advocacy Officer of ZMINA
Find out more about the session.
Building a Green Future: A Just Transition in a Time of Crisis
As Greens, we are adamant that there is no climate justice without social justice. At a time when we face crisis after crisis – geopolitical, health and climate – it has never been more critical to transition to a sustainable, resilient and fair future built on solidarity. The COVID-19 and energy crisis have highlighted the inequality and injustice upon which our socio-economic systems are built. Now more than ever is the time to act – across all policy fields and at all political levels, and with environmental, social, business, youth and workers movements, towards a Green transition. A green and just transition for all, built on solidarity, will create good jobs, clean cities, healthy homes, and a better future for current and future generations is possible.
In this plenary session, we will tackle the implications of the current rise of energy prices and the direct impact that it has on households, as well as counter the false myth that a green transition means jobs loses and increased costs for daily life. How do we counter the false narrative that pits climate action against social justice? How can we strengthen European solidarity, while tackling high energy prices, energy poverty and driving clean energy? What does it take to create 'green jobs' and what do we really mean? How can we share the story that a good, healthy life for all, means 'people' and 'planet' go hand in hand?
Speakers and Moderators
- Sophie Punte, Managing Director of Policy at the We Mean Business Coalition
- Ricarda Lang, Co-Chair of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen (German Greens)
- Aboubakar Soumahoro, Trade Unionist and Social Activist
- Vula Tsetsi, Committee Member of the European Green Party and Secretary General of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament
- Jean Lambert, Committee Member of the European Green Party
Find out more about the session.
We are looking forward to seeing you in person or online during the livestream of the sessions at the 35th European Green Party Council! You can find out more about the tabled resolutions which will be discussed and voted on. You can also check out The Green Screen, which will feature 'My Favorite War' (2020), an animated documentary recounting the personal story of its director, Ilze, who grew up in Latvia during the Cold-War USSR.
Register now or join the livestream.
Read our official statement on the war in Ukraine.
