Future of EU

After considerable research and deliberation, the German political foundation Heinrich Boell Stiftung published its report “Strength and Solidarity” which puts forward a series of proposals in areas such as foreign and security; agricultural; energy; economics and monetary and enlargement policy. The report aims to facilitate discussion within the European Green movement. This is an extract of the report.

The reasons for staying in the EU are clear: the Union is good for the environment and good for business, despite what the Tories may claim.

The deal between Serbia and Kosovo, brokered on 19 April by Catherine Ashton, is a sign of hope that the future of the western Balkans lies in the EU – but there is much more work to be done.

The Eurozone crisis is driving further integration and exposing weaknesses in the Union’s structure. However, the need for reform shouldn’t be used as a cloak to introduce further neoliberal measures.

A referendum should be held sooner rather than later – pro-Europeans must not be afraid to make the case for EU membership.

We, young people in Europe, feel it’s time to reclaim Europe. For too long a time, old people have been deciding on our future, and they made the wrong decisions.

Responding to the debate sparked by the publication of ‘For Europe’ by Cohn-Bendit and Verhofstadt, GEF Co-President Pierre Jonckheer argues that the crisis is forcing each Member State to question staying together, each presenting a different response.

Europe’s crisis is being felt at multiple levels, from the future of the Eurozone and divisions between Member States to the rise of populist forces.

If they really want to take up the challenges that they will face in this century, Europeans need to develop a common public sphere where their differences can meet. By helping to build a green European public space, the Green European Journal aims to make a modest green contribution to this broader project.

In advance of a Party meeting on the future of European, Green members of the German Bundestag and European Parliament discuss the future of the European project.