In recent years, humankind has come closer to the establishment of a new economy with increased reliance on sophisticated robots and artificial intelligence (AI), which will most likely impact all strata of society. The Green Observatory provides a round-up of perspectives on a current political issue from the Green European Journal’s partners around Europe. First, we ask experts, activists, and politicians active in this field around Europe, in or around the Green Galaxy, about the state of play of this issue in their national contexts – how does public opinion stand, what are the current policies of the government? The second question seeks to discern not only the Greens’ positions but also their propositions and sometimes that of other progressive forces and civil society.
Robotics
In recent years, humankind has come closer to the establishment of a new economy with increased reliance on sophisticated robots and artificial intelligence (AI), which will most likely impact all strata of society. As a European Parliament resolution from February 2017 highlighted, it is “vitally important for the legislature to consider its legal and ethical implications and effects.” For now, however, policy makers are limping behind the advances in research and development. There hasn’t been enough attention paid to the changes that are challenging our existing norms and ethics and that might disrupt the balance between fundamental rights and public interests.
Security
In recent years, security challenges have been arising all around the European Union, from the territorial crises with Russia in the East to the terrorism threat resulting from the turmoil in the Middle East, to the resurgence of instability in the Balkans and in Turkey. Some EU Member States have consequently started to revise their defence and security positions and policies, from restarting conscription to increasing expenditure on the military. Concerns over the role of NATO are also raised in light of the Trump presidency and the European Commission has even made proposals to enhance military cooperation in the EU.
Tax Injustice
The Panama Papers and Lux Leaks have exposed the fact that tax regimes in Europe disproportionately benefit big businesses, with multi-nationals routinely avoiding paying exorbitant amounts in tax revenue to EU governments while the burden falls on ordinary citizens.
Refugee Crisis
The Green Observatory provides a round-up of perspectives on a current political issue from the Green European Journal’s partners around Europe. This edition focuses its lens on the so-called ‘refugee crisis’: how is this crisis perceived and does the perception at all correlate to facts? Are the new EU proposals responding to the situation and are EU member states willing to shoulder each other?
Brexit
The Green Observatory provides a round-up of perspectives on a current political issue from the Green European Journal’s partners around Europe. This first edition focuses its lens on Brexit: how is the referendum on UK membership being discussed in different countries? And what could be the potential consequences on the ground in the case of a vote to leave the EU?