#Bestof49
Our demands for Europe’s future
MORE PROXIMITY TO CITIZENS, SUSTAINABILITY AND FUTURE VIABILITY
For a united, democratic and effective European Union
The Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) was the EU’s largest citizen participation project to date, which was held from May 2021 to May 2022 in Strasbourg, Brussels, Dublin, Florence, Maastricht and Warsaw in other European cities. Randomly selected citizens from all EU countries had the opportunity to contribute their ideas and wishes for the future of Europe.
The conference focused on dialog between people, politicians and institutions. This resulted in 49 concrete proposals covering topics such as climate protection, democracy, digitalization, social justice, education and health. The aim of these 49 proposals is to bring the EU closer to its citizens, make it more sustainable and fit for the future. The results of the conference should help to align EU policy with the needs of the people. In recognition of these results, we at Pulse of Europe have identified some of the most important proposals for us, our personal #Bestof49 (as of 07.01.2025), and support their implementation in concrete European policy.
With this in mind, we demand:
1. Die Abschaffung des Einstimmigkeitsprinzips im Rat der Europäischen Union (#NoVeto)!
(CoFoE Vorschlag 39)
Starting position and goal:
The EU must become more decisive, more resilient and more sovereign – both internally and externally. Only then can it master the challenges of the future and open up credible prospects for further accession candidates.
The principle of unanimity currently weakens the EU due to the so-called right of veto, as many decisions at European level still have to be taken unanimously in the Council, with national egoisms and targeted blockade policies preventing efficient decision-making. The unanimity principle paralyzes the EU in urgently needed legislative projects and reduces the necessary presence of the EU in the world. The de facto right of veto not only leads to a policy of minimal consensus, but also gives individual EU member states the opportunity to prevent decisions throughout the EU, blackmail compromises or even undermine the EU’s ability to act and thus its stability.
Until a fundamental reform of the EU treaties*, the existing EU treaties also allow the EU member states to transition from the principle of unanimity to qualified majority decisions via so-called “passerelle clauses“* (bridging clauses). However, this transition must again be decided unanimously.
* On November 22, 2023, the European Parliament (“EP“) submitted proposals to amend the Treaties in a resolution (P9_TA(2023)0427) (insert link!). In addition to many other fundamental reform proposals, the aim is to make significantly more decisions by qualified majority (“QMV”) and in the ordinary legislative procedure, including decisions on sanctions and intermediate steps in the EU enlargement process, for example. The procedure under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union (“TEU”), the so-called suspension clause, is to be strengthened and reformed with a view to protecting the rule of law by ending unanimity and making the European Court of Justice (“ECJ”) the arbitration body for infringements. Unfortunately, the proposal that direct and indirect taxes should be decided through the ordinary legislative procedure with QMV was removed from the original draft.
** Background: The EU treaties provide for various special passerelle clauses that apply to six specific policy areas (common foreign and security policy, Art. 31 para. 3 TEU; family law with cross-border implications, Art. 81 para. 3 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (“TFEU”); social policy, Art. 153 para. 2 TFEU; environmental policy, Art. 192 para. 2 TFEU; multiannual financial framework, Art. 312 para. 2 TFEU and enhanced cooperation, Art. 333 TFEU). The EU Treaties also provide for two general passerelle clauses in Art. 48 (7) TEU. The first type of general passerelle clause provides that where the treaties require unanimity, decision-making in the Council of the European Union is switched from unanimity to qualified majority voting. However, decisions relating to military and defense policy are excluded here. The second type of general passerelle clause stipulates that legal acts which, according to the treaties, must be adopted under the special legislative procedure can be adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure. If use is to be made of one of the general passerelle clauses, the national parliaments have a right of veto.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens called for the abolition of the unanimity principle in proposal 39.(Page 83 of the CofoE final report)
Other:
Further information on our #NoVeto campaign can be found here!
on the resolution of the European Parliament on proposals to amend the Treaties of November 22, 2023 here this way!
2. the establishment of a European defense capability through a common foreign and security policy! (CoFoE proposal 23)
Starting position and goal:
The EU member states spend a considerable amount of money on defense in a global comparison; however, the defense capacity is alarmingly low. An incredible amount of taxpayers’ money is being wasted because action is being taken on a national rather than a European level. The outcome of the war of aggression in Ukraine is vital for Europe’s survival, as it disregards the territorial integrity of a sovereign state and thus threatens international order and the security of European states, especially in Eastern and Central Europe. Without the support of the USA, Ukraine could not currently defend itself against the Russian aggressor, but it is not certain that this support will continue, especially after the election of Donald Trump as US President.
It is precisely here that it becomes clear that the EU member states must therefore take responsibility for their own security and defense policy and urgently develop common European strategies in foreign and security policy. Military requirements for weapons systems should be jointly determined and defined at EU level from a military perspective. European weapons systems should then be developed and procured in the EU. Operational capabilities must be strengthened in order to implement the so-called “mutual assistance clause” (Art. 42 para. 7 TEU), which grants EU protection to all Member States that are attacked by a third country. We need a European defense as a strong pillar within NATO; a pillar that can also stand alone if necessary. The EU must become capable of effectively countering attacks on the integrity of the EU or other sovereign states in Europe politically and militarily in order to restore and permanently secure peace, democracy and self-determination in Europe.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens called for European armed forces in proposal 23. (Page 65 of the CoFoE final report)
Other:
In the EP resolution of 22 November 2023, it calls for the establishment of a defense union, including permanently stationed joint European military units and a permanent rapid reaction capability under the operational command of the EU. The joint procurement and development of armaments should be financed by the EU through its own budget, with parliamentary co-decision and scrutiny. It is also proposed that the responsibilities of the European Defense Agency be adapted accordingly.
3. Die Stärkung der europäischen Außengrenzen als Bestandteil einer
gemeinsamen Migrationspolitik und eines gesamteuropäischen Asylsystems!
(CoFoE Vorschlag 42)
Starting position and goal:
The issues of migration and asylum dominate the domestic policy of many EU member states and are jeopardizing our common future with the rise of right-wing populist and far-right parties. A feeling of loss of control is spreading. With the growing crises in the world, more and more people are fleeing their home countries. They are increasingly being brought to Europe by professional smugglers, although only some of these refugees have a future here under current law. Many drown in the Mediterranean while fleeing. Due to a lack of European regulations, Member States repeatedly carry out border controls at the EU’s internal borders in breach of European law.
No member state can solve these problems alone. The more a government relies on national sovereignty, the less likely it is to get to grips with the pressing problems of migration and asylum. The European Treaties already state that a common policy on asylum, immigration and external border controls is needed, based on the solidarity of the Member States (Art. 67 TFEU*).
We therefore call for the further expansion of pan-European regulations, in particular:
- strong external EU borders to better prevent illegal immigration and to ward off internal European border controls;
- a European asylum system with preliminary examination outside the EU, at the latest at the external borders;
- European immigration regulations with application in the home country; and
- the conclusion of migration agreements with third countries.
In order to effectively secure the EU’s external borders, Frontex must become fully European and be expanded, equipped and structured in such a way that it can protect the EU as an area of freedom, security and justice while respecting the right to asylum and human rights.
It is up to all of us to stand up for these goals. Because they require not only the willingness to invest in securing the EU’s external borders, but also the courage to relinquish national sovereignty. In this policy area in particular, only shared sovereignty ultimately creates more sovereignty.
*Art. 67 TFEU
(1) The Union constitutes an area of freedom, security and justice in which the fundamental rights and the different legal systems and traditions of the Member States are respected.
(2. It shall ensure that persons are not subject to controls at internal borders and shall develop a common policy on asylum, immigration and external border controls, based on solidarity between Member States and proportionate towards third-country nationals.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens called in proposal 42 for the EU’s role in combating irregular migration to be strengthened and for the EU’s external borders to be reinforced while respecting human rights. (Page 86 of the CoFoE final report)
Other:
In the EP resolution of 22 November 2023, it calls on the EU as such to strengthen the EU’s common immigration policy by taking appropriate and necessary measures to prevent illegal border crossings and suggests that the EU’s migration policy takes into account the economic and social stability of the Member States, the availability of skilled labor in the internal market and the efficient management of migration, while respecting the fair treatment of third-country nationals.
4. Ambitionierten Klimaschutz durch sozialverträgliche Umsetzung des #EUGreenDeal!
(CoFoE Vorschläge 1, 3, 4, 5)
Starting position and goal:
The climate crisis is progressing faster than many thought. The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and the earth’s temperature continue to rise. Environmental disasters such as forest fires, storms, droughts and floods are becoming more frequent. We urgently need to change course before we reach irreversible tipping points. For Europe, the necessary transformation is an opportunity. If the EU does not act now, there is a risk that it will not only lose its pioneering role, but also its technological edge. By developing climate-friendly technologies and innovations in Europe, however, the EU can become a leader and also secure its economic development in the long term. With the “Green Deal“, the EU has set itself ambitious targets. The EU is to become climate-neutral by 2050. The “Fit for 55” package aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Measures to achieve these targets must be tackled ambitiously.
We call for the necessary transformation of our economy to be implemented in a socially responsible manner and for the unique opportunity to reduce existing systemic inequalities to be seized. The European Green Deal is based on the principle of solidarity, but its concrete implementation is largely the responsibility of the member states. The financing instruments envisaged by the EU, such as the EU recovery plan “Next Generation EU”, the Climate Social Fund, the extended Modernization and Innovation Fund, the expansion of carbon pricing and the auctioning of allowances in emissions trading as well as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (“CBAM”), create additional revenue to ensure a just transition, taking into account the polluter-pays principle. At the same time, environmental standards are spread beyond the borders of the EU.
However, the revenue from the aforementioned CO-2 control instruments must be distributed fairly. Vulnerable population groups must be protected, particularly from energy poverty and mobility problems. The supply of important companies must also be supported. However, the revenue must also be used to promote innovative products and technologies and create sustainable, local and skilled jobs throughout the EU. The pricing of CO-2 must be ambitiously promoted, particularly in the area of freight transport, in order to achieve a more regional economy. The European CO-2 emission limits must be complied with as quickly as possible.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
In CoFoE proposals 1, 3, 4 and 5, EU citizens called for sustainable, fair, climate-friendly and affordable food production, energy independence with a fair supply of sufficient, affordable and sustainable energy for EU citizens, and the development of a circular economy through sustainable products and production in the EU. (pages 43, 45, 46 & 47 of the CoFoE final report)
5. Die Umsetzung der Europäischen Säule sozialer Rechte und eine Wirtschafts-politik, die für alle Menschen funktioniert!
(CoFoE Vorschlag 14)
Starting position and goal:
We demand a Europe that protects. A Europe that takes away people’s fear of the future. We are therefore pushing for more pan-European social policy regulations on harmonization and minimum social requirements to give people security and confidence in the future, even in times of crisis.
The great European Jaques Delors, who died in December 2023, said: “Nobody falls in love with a single market”. A single European market alone will not create a social market economy. We are therefore calling for a European economic and financial policy that does not lead to impoverishment or fears of social decline, but instead provides security and gives people confidence in the future, even in times of crisis. To achieve this, social policy regulations must be harmonized across Europe.
Many EU initiatives, such as the European short-time working allowance (SURE) created for crises, the Posted Workers Directive against wage dumping, European regulations on the minimum wage and the European Social Fund have shown how important it is to think not only about markets, but also about protecting people.
We therefore call for the social pillar provided for in the Treaties on the European Union to be significantly expanded so that the social market economy (Art. 3 (3) TEU), which is also enshrined here, can fulfill its function as a supporting element of European democracies. This includes, in particular, strengthening the role of the social partners at European level, functioning healthcare systems (development of common European indicators, common policy on the supply of medicines, protection against pandemics, etc.) and the prevention of wage and tax dumping. In order to be able to take action against tax dumping and tax havens in the EU, an end to the principle of unanimity (see our demand no. 1) would be essential, especially in tax matters. Economic convergence must be implemented through suitable structural and regulatory policy measures to ensure that social policy does not remain a mere repair operation. In the same spirit, efforts should also be made to implement minimum social and ecological standards in trade policy.
If government investment is necessary for the climate transformation (Green Deal), this must not lead to budget cuts in other important areas.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens called in proposal 14 for the EU’s role in social policy to be strengthened and for the European Pillar of Social Rights and its action plan to be fully implemented. In particular, they called for the establishment of minimum requirements and harmonization of regulations, especially in the area of health. (Page 58 of the CoFoE final report)
6. Wir fordern die Einführung von Europakunde als Pflichtfach an allen Schulen in der EU!
(CoFoE Vorschlag 37.2)
Starting position and goal:
EU decisions permeate all areas of EU citizens’ lives: work, leisure, shopping, health, travel, education, security and much more. As the European integration process continues, its influence will continue to grow. Nevertheless, the benefits of the EU are not seen by all citizens and are even increasingly being questioned.
Only if EU citizens understand the importance of the EU for Europe’s common future can they support the European idea and become politically involved. This requires a basic knowledge of the EU and Europe.
We therefore demand “European Studies” as a compulsory subject at all general and vocational schools in Europe in order to strengthen European awareness and European affiliation and to enable political participation.
The following objectives are associated with this in detail:
- Understanding the EU: rationally and emotionally grasping its history, how it works and its prospects
- Recognize European values*) and their importance for peace and democracy
- To impart knowledge about the often complex decisions of the EU in order to bring about the associated future perspective and increase resilience against populism
- Capturing the European dimension in political decisions in the EU
- Looking at national and regional history in a European context
- Questioning national thought patterns and adopting new perspectives
- Promoting cross-border understanding
- Strengthening trust in a common Europe
- Being able to develop future prospects for Europe
* Art. 2 TEU: The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens have called in proposal 37.2 for ensuring a minimum level of education about the EU and in particular its democratic processes, including the history of European integration and European citizenship. (page 80 of the CoFoE final report)
Other:
In the EP resolution of November 22, 2023, it calls on the EU as such to develop common objectives and standards for education that promotes democratic values and the rule of law as well as digital and economic literacy and to promote cooperation and coherence between education systems while respecting cultural traditions and regional diversity. Common standards for vocational education and training are also to be developed in order to increase the mobility of workers.
7. the Europeanization of the European elections through the creation of transnational lists! (CoFoE proposal 38)
Starting position and goal:
EU citizens elect a common European Parliament, but can only vote for one national party in their respective member state. De facto, the EP is currently elected in 27 national partial elections. As a result, there is no joint European political decision-making by EU citizens. Instead, EU citizens remain in their “national silos” when it comes to forming electoral programs for the European elections. Transnational debates at citizen level are rare. European politics is therefore mostly perceived through the respective national lens. Even the modalities of the electoral process are still largely regulated at national level. We therefore call for a Europeanization of the European elections.
The EP already made a decision on this on May 3, 2022, but it is being blocked by many member states, meaning that the reform could not be implemented for the 2024 European elections. However, as the planned reform is key to strengthening European democracy, the commitment of EU citizens is needed to ensure that the reform can be implemented in the new legislative period.
The EP decision provides in particular for
- that the voting procedure for the European elections is more standardized and
- that a second vote is added to the ballot paper for the European elections.
With this second vote, it should be possible to elect EU-wide electoral lists with pan-European programs, whereby initially only a small proportion of the members of the EP are to be elected via the so-called “transnational lists “*. The long-term goal is the formation of effective European parties, each of which will stand for election to the EP throughout the EU with a pan-European program.
This reform is intended to
- promoted democratic and transnational public debate,
- improve the participation of EU citizens in the EU’s decision-making processes,
- strengthen the link between the European Parliament and its voters, and
- strengthen the role of the European Parliament in relation to the other EU institutions.
*With the first vote, EU citizens would continue to vote for a national list; with the new second vote, they would also have the option of voting for a transnational list. Initially, only a small proportion of the 751 MEPs in a pan-European constituency would be elected via transnational lists, whereby a binding geographical balance would be prescribed.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens addressed this issue in proposal 38. (Page 81 of the CoFoE final report)
Other:
European Parliament resolution on the election of Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage 03 May 2022 (P9_TA(2022)0129). Further information can be found here.
8. Die Einführung einer gemeinsamen (zweiten) Amtssprache in jedem EU-Mitgliedsstaat zur Stärkung der europäischen Identität
(CoFoE Vorschlag 48.2)
Starting position and goal:
Europe is a continent of diversity. This diversity is what makes up the cultural, linguistic and philosophical richness of our continent. It is not without reason that the EU’s political motto is “United in diversity”. Linguistic diversity must be preserved and translation will always remain a part of European life.
In the EU, which currently has 27 member states, there are three so-called 3 working languages and 24 official languages. All important EU texts are translated into all of these 24 official languages. There is still no common official language or official working language that is used in all EU member states. Many EU citizens learn a foreign language, usually English, but many only have a moderate command of it. As the EU integration process progresses, also with a view to EU enlargement, a common second language is necessary to fundamentally improve communication within Europe. Language skills are becoming increasingly important, particularly for public authorities (e.g. security and justice) and in working life. This will also increase the efficiency of cooperation and save translation and administration costs.
We therefore call for the gradual introduction* of a second common official language in all EU member states in order to improve communication within Europe. A common active EU language also strengthens European identity and cohesion in Europe.
As the EU does not have its own regulatory competence in this area, we call on the European Council and the individual Member States to address this issue.
* Introduction process: All EU member states should gradually introduce a common official language as an additional official language. Initially, the second official language should be introduced at the administrative authorities. In addition to the respective national official language, the authorities must then have corresponding application forms and websites in the second language, and each authority must have sufficient civil servants with a good command of this second language. If the technical systems were harmonized, this would enable effective cross-border cooperation. EU citizens and companies would also benefit from increased cooperation between administrations. They would be able to deal with numerous official matters at their place of residence or company headquarters, even if the competent authority is located in another EU member state. Example: A German citizen applies for a passport at a French municipality, which forwards the application to Germany and receives the passport from Germany to hand over to the applicant. A second official language would contribute to language competence and thus also to the international competitiveness of society.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens have called for the promotion of multilingualism as a bridge to other cultures from an early age in proposal 48.2. Learning an active EU language other than one’s mother tongue to the highest possible level is considered necessary. (Page 90 of the CoFoE final report)
Other:
European Parliament resolution on the election of Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage 03 May 2022 (P9_TA(2022)0129). Further information can be found here.
This information is provided for information purposes only in connection with the “Bestof49” project of Pulse of Europe e.V. and makes no claim to correctness or completeness. They are based on the current status (currently: 07.01.2025). We reserve the right to make changes and additions at any time.
Open letter on the 2025 federal election
As part of our #Bestof49 project, we sent an open letter with our demands on Europe’s future to the members of the German Bundestag and to the candidates for election to the German Bundestag in almost all constituencies. Our letter was sent to MPs and candidates from the following parties: CDU/CSU, SPD, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, FDP, Die Linke and VOLT. With this campaign, we want to bring the European dialog to the local level and make it clear to political decision-makers that a strong, united and sustainable European Union is needed.
We are happy to make our open letter available again here on our website:
Statements and reactions to our open letter
We received the following statements from the recipients of our open letter, which we are pleased to publish here:
Annette Granzin, Alliance 90/The Greens
Europe united – for climate protection, democracy and cohesion
While some countries are withdrawing from global responsibility, Europe is setting an example: Together instead of against each other! The USA’s withdrawal from the climate protection agreement under Trump has shown that we Europeans must lead the way. Climate protection knows no borders – and only as a strong unit can the EU implement its ambitious goals and set global standards.
Europe is also proving that solidarity and humanity must go hand in hand when it comes to migration. Isolation and national egoism are no solution – only a common European strategy can offer fair and sustainable answers.
Autocratic forces are trying to weaken democracies – but Europe stands for freedom, the rule of law and human rights. Only a united Europe can preserve and defend these values. Not “Germany First”, but “Europe United” – for a future characterized by cooperation, sustainability and democracy!
Elke Zeeb, Alliance 90/The Greens
The European Union is facing historic challenges due to Russia’s open war of aggression against Ukraine since 2022 and now Trump, who is calling the Western security community into question. In order to become more capable of acting, decisions in the Council of the European Union on foreign policy, the budgetary framework and tax policy, which still require unanimity, must finally be regulated by majority vote. The necessary treaty changes are best achieved in an EU Convention that negotiates a package solution that includes something for everyone and makes use of the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework. Europe must invest enough to be able to defend itself. Even more important than more money is to standardize the 178 weapons systems to date, as the US has done with 30. European investment is also needed in our economy so that it can function on the basis of renewable energies. The EU imports over 250 billion worth of fossil fuels every year, Germany around 70 billion. If we invest now in using wind, solar and geothermal energy instead, we will save ourselves these imports every year and create many new jobs here. We need to return the revenue from the European CO2 tax to the people as energy money instead of giving it to the richest like the CDU/CSU, FDP and AfD. This will make the implementation of the EU Green Deal even more socially responsible. We are calling for a European center for political education to counter fake news and disinformation and to bring the EU to life in school lessons in all member states.
Jan Hellinghausen, SPD
My image of Europe and the EU is characterized by peace, prosperity and social justice. As Europeans, we need a strong, effective EU that protects democracy, ensures fair trade and invests in climate protection and social security.
Together we are stronger – for a better future.
Nyke Slawik, Alliance 90/The Greens
Peace, human rights and climate protection are global tasks. As the European Union, we must take responsibility and work towards a just and democratic world order. Only together can we find solutions to the challenges of the future.
Sebastian Hüller, Alliance 90/The Greens
Europe strengthens rural areas
As Greens, we are committed to a strong, social Europe that particularly benefits rural regions such as Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. European funding enables the expansion of sustainable infrastructure, better public transport connections and the strengthening of regional economic cycles. But Europe is more than just the economy – it protects workers’ rights!
We are fighting for fair wages, social security and good working conditions, especially in sectors such as agriculture, tourism and care, which are essential for MV. The EU-wide minimum wage directive is a success – but we need more: strong collective agreements, better social security and equal opportunities for all. A social Europe is the answer to emigration and a lack of prospects. Let’s not let this opportunity pass us by!
Sylvia Rietenberg, Alliance 90/The Greens
Our answer to Trump’s “America First” is “Europe United”! In a world full of crises, Europe must be more than an economic alliance – it must become a capable, united player that takes its future into its own hands. We are committed to strategic independence: our own renewable energies instead of fossil dependencies, a leading role in hydrogen and battery technologies, a resilient industry and a defense policy that protects Europe. At the same time, we need an EU that acts decisively – without being blocked by individual states. Our goal is a strong Europe that not only reacts, but shapes. Because only together can we secure democracy, peace and prosperity – in Europe and worldwide.
Sascha Wagner, The Left
In times of major global crises and in view of the rise of right-wing authoritarian and nationalist forces worldwide, it is particularly important to strengthen European cooperation. In these times, the EU must focus much more on international cooperation and diplomacy and less on isolationism and military options. I am committed to an EU asylum law that upholds the human rights of refugees. The EU has gained new significance in important social policy issues. In Germany, both the European Minimum Wage Directive and the obligation to establish collective agreements for employment relationships must finally be implemented. The rights of EU migrant workers urgently need to be improved in order to prevent exploitation.
Armand Zorn, SPD
The European Union is one of the greatest achievements of our time. It has brought us peace, stability and prosperity, but it is much more than an economic area. It is a community of values based on democracy, the rule of law and human rights. Of course there is a need for reform, but instead of questioning the EU, we need to develop and strengthen it.Europe lives from our commitment. Anyone who wants to preserve European cohesion and promote the European idea must get involved, be it through political exchange, civil society engagement or at the ballot box. Because Europe is our home, our opportunity and our responsibility. Let’s stand up for it together!
Carmen Wegge, SPD
With 27 member states, 450 million inhabitants and a gross domestic product of 17 trillion euros, the European Union is one of the three largest economic areas in the world. Only a strong Europe will be able to meet the challenges in the world. The EU must be enabled to take on more responsibility for security, the rule of law and cohesion. We should combine future EU enlargements with reforms, such as strengthening the EU Parliament.
Harald Ebner, Alliance 90/The Greens
With the European Union, we are part of the most successful peace project since the end of the Second World War. A strong, united Europe offers us freedom, the rule of law and democracy. Germany must remain a driving force for this. Instead of national solo efforts, we need European unity more than ever – for example in defense, foreign and asylum policy. A pan-European effort is also needed to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis. Together, we are called upon to resolutely implement the Montreal Convention on Biological Diversity and the European Restoration Act. In global competition, whether with Russia, the USA or China, we can only survive as a united Europe. At the same time, we need a European employment and social policy that improves living conditions throughout the EU and strengthens social protection. Germany lies at the heart of Europe and the Bundestag elections will therefore have a decisive influence on the pulse of Europe. The new federal government must be committed to serving Europe for peace in freedom, prosperity and a future worth living.
Johannes Hauenschild, VOLT
Only a strong EU will secure our future, so we must all work to ensure that #Bestof49 is quickly translated into concrete European policy.
Reem Alabali-Radovan, SPD
A strong European Union that speaks with one voice can effectively assert its weight in the world. It is crucial that we as European partners do not allow ourselves to be divided. We must formulate common positions and interests and represent them together. That is why I am committed to preserving and strengthening this unity.
Thorsten Lieb, FDP
The European Union has been facing major challenges as an economic area and as a peace project not only since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, which violated international law. The systemic competition with the People’s Republic of China and the changed priorities of the USA – not just since Donald Trump – also present us with tasks that we can only solve if we are united.
It is precisely for these reasons that we need a European Union whose core tasks – economic and monetary union, free trade, rule of law, etc. – are strengthened and not weakened. This applies in particular to the need for further strengthened cooperation in foreign and security policy.
I want a European Union of the future that forms the largest area of freedom in the world, that makes life easier for people internally and with little bureaucracy, that opens up opportunities for them and that is a reliable and serious partner and ally externally.
The #Bestof49 considerations of Pulse of Europe provide very good impetus for this. In my view, the establishment of a European defense capability through a common foreign and security policy and the strengthening of Europe’s external borders as part of a common migration policy and a pan-European asylum system are particularly important and must be tackled promptly. The words of Hans-Dietrich Genscher remain true: “Our future is Europe – we have no other.” And it must be added: And this Europe will be free, democratic and based on the rule of law – or it will not be Europe
Thomas Jalili Tanha, Alliance 90/The Greens
A strong Europe means a sustainable economy, social justice and a resilient democracy. For example, only together in Europe can we drive forward the circular economy, scale its effects worldwide and ensure social justice in the process. Europe gives us the chance to achieve more together than any one country could ever do alone. To achieve this, we need even more citizen participation formats in the future! Let’s not miss out on Europe – let’s actively shape it together!
Carolin de Marino, Alliance 90/The Greens
As a dual national with a German and Italian passport, the EU is very important to me. It is a successful project for long-term peace and prosperity. As the largest and economically strongest country, we have a special responsibility to make the European Union even stronger, which also means that we cannot continue to block important projects – keyword “German Vote”. Germany should act as a climate protection pioneer and advocate the expansion of the Green Deal to include an industrial component, for example. We should also act as a diplomatic bridge-builder between nations in order to unite the EU against autocratic regimes and Trump’s America First policy: make solidarity a priority again – Europe United. So I can only agree with the citizens. Strong reforms must also be initiated in the EU’s ability to act, also with a view to possible enlargements: Majority decisions, including in common security and foreign policy, a common defense with connectable systems, a right of initiative for the European Parliament, increasing the transparency of European legislation and also of elections. We need a common European public sphere and communication. As a politics teacher, I can only welcome a subject such as European studies or a stronger interdisciplinary approach to the topic.
Julian Grünke, FDP
The European Union enables us to live in freedom, peace and prosperity. As Free Democrats, we defend the European idea and fight for a Europe that is capable of acting, that is based on the principles of freedom and democracy and respects the self-determination of its citizens. In a changing world order, the EU must be able to act as a global player, which is why we must strengthen the EU’s sovereignty. Europe has the energy to overcome the crises and challenges of our time and to develop new opportunities from them.
Sanae Abdi, SPD
Europe is our lesson from the past and our promise for the future. Today, we form the largest single market in the world, can travel to other European countries without any problems and can even pay in the same currency in many of them. In the competition between China and the USA, Europe must stand on the side of democracy and continue to develop so that it can continue to stand up for its interests independently. The SPD has understood that many of the problems of our time can only be solved by Europe: be it migration, the causes and effects of climate change or a strong stance against the despots of the world.
Tim Tugendhat, SPD
The European Union is the greatest peace project of our time. We must develop it further, make it more social and fairer so that all citizens can benefit from its prosperity.
Lina Seitzl, SPD
As the most populous Member State in the EU, Germany has a special role in Europe that comes with great responsibility. Even beyond the coming legislative period, German EU policy must be geared towards using this position of strength to develop joint European solutions for issues that we cannot regulate at national level alone: For example, the relationship with the USA, the climate crisis, migration. I assume that these three topics will also be the most relevant EU policy issues in the Bundestag over the next four years. The most important approach to strengthening Europe over the next four years is to focus more on finding agreements at EU level. The EU does not have to regulate everything, as I consider the principle of subsidiarity to be very important. But the EU should solve more things even more effectively than before, before there are suddenly 27 different national solutions that get in each other’s way. The world needs international solutions to international problems instead of national egoism. I would like to contribute to these impulses in the next Bundestag
Stephan Neumann, Alliance 90/The Greens
The European Union is the biggest and best idea for peace. In the face of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and in the face of America First and the Trump administration’s verbal attacks, the EU is facing challenges it never thought possible. As a European Community, we must respond to this with unity and self-confidence. Even if it may sound paradoxical at first glance, this is precisely why decisions in the Council of the European Union on foreign policy, the budgetary framework and tax policy must finally be made by majority vote and no longer by unanimity. This is the only way to give the EU the ability to act that is necessary in view of the challenges described above.
The global situation also makes it necessary for the EU to be able to defend itself. This requires closer coordination, a genuine common foreign and defense policy and joint procurement of the necessary weapons systems. Standardizing these and making targeted joint investments is the key to not burdening nation states with ever-increasing expenditure in the defence budget. Because we also need more European investment in our economy, which must continue to be built on the basis of renewable energies. The use of wind, sun, biogas and geothermal energy not only reduces the 250 billion euros that the EU spends on fossil fuels every year, but also provides much-needed independence from autocratic and dictatorial regimes. What’s more, renewables are a real job engine in the EU. The European Green Deal is not just a climate and environmental protection program, but an economic and peacekeeping program that guarantees the EU an independent and strong role in the One World.
#Bestof49 – In the context of the CoFoE
The Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) was a series of citizen-led debates that took place from May 2021 to May 2022 in Strasbourg and Brussels as well as in various European cities, including Dublin and Florence. The CoFoE aimed to strengthen European democracy and actively involve citizens in the political processes of the European Union through their direct participation. A total of 800 randomly selected citizens from all EU member states were invited to express their opinions and ideas on shaping a common European future.
In four so-called citizens’ forums, 200 participants discussed important topics such as climate protection, democracy, digitalization, social justice, education and health over three weekends each. They developed a total of 326 European policy measures. These were then presented to the conference plenary, which consisted of almost 500 members, including 80 delegated citizens from the four citizens’ forums as well as representatives of the three EU institutions, national parliaments, social interest groups and finally 27 so-called national citizens’ representatives from all EU member states. Several meetings of the entire conference plenary, accompanied by additional discussions in smaller working groups, ultimately resulted in a total of 49 proposals that reflect the concerns and wishes of citizens in line with the political participants of the CoFoE. These 49 proposals are intended to serve as a basis for future political decisions in the EU. They show how important it is to include citizens’ voices in the political decision-making process. The conference thus represented a significant step towards a more inclusive and participatory European policy.
At the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office, Stephanie Hartung, Deputy Chair of the Board of Pulse of Europe, took part in the CoFoE conference plenary as the National Citizens’ Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany. Her personal impressions of this extraordinary experiment in European civic participation can be found here:
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