Beyond Trump: Greens Continue to Fight for Peace, Democracy, Fundamental Rights and a Rules-based World Order
The re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States on 5th November 2024 is a vivid example of what the rise of the simplistic, populistic far-right ideologies do cause to a nation. In light of this event, Europe and the world face massive challenges. Unlike last time, the Republican Party has won a majority of the votes and is preparing for a radical restructuring of the US government apparatus and a comprehensive government programme.
This time, with a majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives, like-minded right-wing judges on the Supreme Court and Trump in the White House, it will be much easier to put these plans into practice.
In the face of these growing challenges, we, as Greens and pro-European forces, commit to the following actions:
Support Ukraine’s fight for democracy and sovereignty
We will continue to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russia’s illegal war of aggression, ensuring that Europe provides not only military and financial assistance but also long-term support for Ukraine’s resilience, economic development, sustainable reconstruction, and the rule of law. We will ensure that any negotiation is acceptable for Ukraine. Where Trump challenges security cooperation, we will continue to build common security, starting with organized EU military procurement and defining the next steps towards the pooling of capabilities by member states. The gradual pooling of capabilities by willing Member States under the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) can increase military capacity with less cost and discourage go-it-alone actions.
Promote peace and stability in the Middle East
Trump’s destabilising policies in the Middle East have fuelled conflicts, undermined human rights, and empowered authoritarianism. In response, we call for an EU foreign policy rooted in justice, equality, and international law. This includes actively supporting civil society and democratic movements, and human rights organizations, while opposing arms exports and policies that destabilize the Middle East and, if necessary, including useful and proportionate sanctions. These policies should be rooted in international law and respect the authority of the United Nations. The EU must prioritize diplomacy, accountability for war crimes, and sustainable solutions that address the root causes of conflict. By fostering peace through mutual respect, resource-sharing, and humanitarian aid, we can provide a progressive alternative to the destructive legacy of Trumpism in the region.
Combat the far right and defending democracy
We will continue to oppose the rise of the far right in Europe, which benefits from and supports Trump’s nationalist and authoritarian agenda. We will defend democratic institutions, promote transparency, and advocate for reforms that strengthen European unity and solidarity, ensuring that the EU remains a beacon of hope for democracy around the world. We will also work for more effective instruments to protect the rule of law at the EU level. For example, we advocate for a stricter application of budget conditionality and would like to lower the thresholds for the use of the Article 7 mechanism. We make sure that no EU funds are paid to autocrats and criminals. To do this, the EU Commission must use the conditionality regulation, which involves the Council and the EU values conditionality, which it can trigger itself. If member states do not apply EU law, the Commission must sue them and ask the court to impose fines on those who do not apply rulings.
Reject protectionism and economic nationalism
We oppose Trump’s protectionist and nationalist trade policies and advocate for fair, rules-based international cooperation. We will continue to work for fair trade policies which keep global justice in mind. We do not need Trump’s tariffs again, we need trade deals which protect social rights, environment and climate. We must acknowledge that while free trade has played a pivotal role in shaping modern Europe, its unchecked practices have often prioritized short-term gains over long-term sustainability, leaving many without adequate resources to thrive. Only a clear move away from neoliberalism towards more resilient policies can reduce the intertwining of trade and nationalistic rhetoric. In the face of Trump’s proposals, we will continue to work for a European industry that is resilient and much less dependent on authoritarian regimes. A European industrial policy for the climate-neutral transformation of the European industry is key. Our industrial and commercial policies should enhance and protect local production and environmental and social norms, while ensuring consumers’ rights and health.
Lead the global fight against climate change and mass species extinction
Trump’s climate denial has delayed global progress on climate action. Europe must take the lead in the fight against climate change by setting ambitious carbon reduction targets, investing in green technologies, cutting emissions, and supporting a just transition for workers and communities. We must vigorously implement our nature restoration agenda and fight for a cleaner environment and biodiversity. We will also push for global agreements that address the climate crisis equitably and prevent further environmental degradation. We will change the budgetary rule to allow member states, local governments and the EU to invest in this transition.
Defend the common good against a government takeover by the ultra-rich
Trump funded his campaign by selling out the government to Elon Musk and other ultra-rich people. We fight for the many, not the few, demanding tax cooperation rather than tax competition. We invest in common goods for all Europeans funded with EU taxes on windfall profits, the biggest polluters, and a digital tax on big international digital companies.
Investing in a green, healthy and socially just future
We strongly oppose a society where only the wealthy have influence and power is built on division. We want Europe to be a place of equal opportunities and social cohesion. Events such as the pandemic, Russia’s full-scale invasion in Ukraine, and the resulting cost-of-living crisis have created economic insecurity and increased social inequalities. We will invest in affordable housing and reduce rents. We want to use the money from the Emission Trading System for renovations to reduce energy bills and invest in public transport to make mobility more affordable, including outside cities. We want to stop billions of public money being spent on fossil fuel subsidies and invest it instead in the green transition. We will increase EU resources through greater tax justice to work together for a healthier environment for us and a future worth living for our children.
Standing up to bigotry, hate, and disinformation
We reject the politics of fear, division, and hate perpetuated by far-right ideologies, including those promoted by figures such as Donald Trump. We will advocate for policies that foster tolerance, intercultural dialogue, women’s rights, an inclusive society, and respect for diversity. We will continue to work for a world where the right to safe and legal abortion is a reality and where everyone can be who they are and love who they want to. We are committed to combating all forms of racism, xenophobia, and the alarming resurgence of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and neo-Nazism which threaten social cohesion and democratic values. Furthermore, we will work tirelessly to support a rules-based internet that actively counters hate speech, racism, and disinformation, ensuring that the digital sphere promotes truth, equity, and inclusivity rather than division and harm.
Global solidarity and resistance
We will foster and strengthen international alliances with human rights organizations, non-governmental organizations, and progressive movements—particularly through the Global Greens network—to actively resist authoritarianism, combat systemic discrimination, promote democracy, advance social justice, prevent the further disenfranchisement of marginalized groups, and redress the chronic horrors from white supremacy, colonialism, and imperialist oppression. We will prioritize accountability for human rights violations and breaches of international law while ensuring an intersectional approach to climate justice. Recognizing that effective global climate action relies on trust in agreements, institutions, and a rules-based international order, we are committed to fostering collaboration and upholding these principles as the foundation for meaningful progress.
Against a strong and aggressive American policy, we need a united and federal Europe. As Trump will truly benefit from all means to conduct his aggressive policies, both at home and abroad, we need to prepare the European Union to defend democratic ideals and European interests. That is why we need to push for democratic progress within our institutions, we do not have the luxury to be once again blocked by the unanimity rule when we will need to negotiate or sanction illiberal states. We need to confer more power to the European Parliament to assure legitimacy and coordinated policies.
Trump’s re-election is a call to action: The forces of authoritarianism, nationalism, and climate denial are growing, but Europe has the power and responsibility to lead in defence of democracy, human rights, and a sustainable future. We will fight to ensure that Europe remains united, democratic, and resilient in the face of these challenges, offering a hopeful alternative to Trumpism and the far right across the world.
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