Brussels, June 20, 2024 — Leaders of Green parties in Europe met in Brussels on Thursday at the third ever Green Leadership Council of the European Green Party (EGP). They reaffirmed their commitment to the Green Deal and ambitious climate policies, and underscored the unity and determination of the Green family to keep fighting for democracy in Europe.
Since 2019, the Green family has notably expanded its geographical range, especially in Southern and Central and Eastern Europe. This strategic growth has been fruitful, with four new EGP member parties entering the European Parliament for the first time: Možemo! (Croatia), Progresīvie (Latvia), DSVL (Lithuania), Vesna (Slovenia). This expansion makes sure that despite setbacks, the European Greens will maintain significant political weight.
Mélanie Vogel remarked, “Green party leaders are more united than ever, around high ambition on climate, social justice, and the protection of democracy, and our steadfast refusal to cooperate with the far right. The fight against the far-right did not end with the European elections, it has only just begun. Right now in France, after French President Emmanuel Macron took the irrational decision to call a snap election, we are mobilising with civil society and other progressive parties to fend off a far-right government that would be a disaster for human rights and social rights in France. Moreover, a far-right win in France would put the stability of the European Union in danger.“
Thomas Waitz added, “The European election has shown that a majority of Europeans want a European Union that moves forward, protects rights and democracy and tackles climate change. Although the far-right has made gains, pro-democratic parties remain in the majority. In the European Parliament, either there will be a stable pro-European majority including the Greens - or there will be an opening to the far right. One thing is clear: as Greens, we are determined to advocate for the solutions of the Green transition, and to bring positive change. The European Greens are the pro-European and the pro-democratic force that is needed for a stable pro-European majority."
