PES Manifesto

European socialists: Fighting for an anti-discrimination directive

rikke — Sat, 17 May 2008 10:42:19 +0200

Today is the International Day against Homophobia – a good day to discuss discrimination and what we can do to fight it.

Michael Cashman (Labour, United Kingdom) is one of many socialist Members of the European Parliament who are working hard for the introduction of a new and more far-reaching anti-discrimination directive:

"Since the Barroso Commission was elected in 2004 socialists in the European Parliament have been calling for a new directive on anti-discrimination, but nothing has happened yet. In its 2008 work programme the Commission mentions discrimination on grounds of sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation (article 13 Treaty Amsterdam). But since then, the Commission has indicated it will proceed only on prohibiting discrimination on disability,” explains Michael Cashman.

According to him the integrity of Barroso and his Commission is at stake with the lack of a new inclusive directive:

“In 2004 the European Parliament was close to rejecting the whole Commission, but we got a commitment from them: Barroso promised to create a cabinet to work for fundamental rights and to introduce a horizontal directive on anti-discrimination on the remaining grounds of Article 13,” says Cashman and continues:

“But since then things have taken a wrong turn. We have called for the directive 10 times and are concerned that the Commission will break a solemn promise to the European Parliament. There is rising intolerance in Europe: Legislation should not endorse one particular form of discrimination, but address it all.”

Right now Michael Cashman and other members of the European Parliament are preparing a report on the need for new and improved legislation. They’re putting pressure on Barroso and his commissioners:

“Barroso says that he cannot go through with the directive, since some Member States will not accept it. Socialists say that Europe should be based on values, not just the free market. Would we ever have achieved women’s suffrage if governments had waited for everyone who was against to change their minds?”

Talking about the 2009 European elections Michael Cashman also brings up the issue of discrimination – this time from a slightly different perspective:

“The next European elections will be very important. With the new treaty the European Parliament will have the power to elect the President of the Commission – it will matter a lot which party will be in majority. Europe needs a President and a Commission which will challenge the rising tide of intolerance.”

What do you think the PES manifesto should suggest with respect to fighting homophobia, racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination?

Corinne Bord: Une jeunesse résolument européenne

corinnebord — Sat, 17 May 2008 10:31:00 +0200

L'Europe a développer des programmes et des actions fortes en direction de la jeunnesse. Le programme ERASMUS est un axe for de cette politique.

Au coeur de l'enjeu, la mobilité... pour se rencontrer, pour découvrir cultures et références européennes pour faire vivre notre diversité qui est une richesse.

Le Service volontaire européen (SVE) est un comlément important de ce travail. Il contribue à la découverte de l'Europe, la réelle afformation d'un sentiment d'appartenance, la volonté de construire un destin commun.

Mais ces dispositif restent encore réservés à une certaines élite, scolarisée et qui socialement et économiquement a les moyens de financer ses engagements.

La reconnaissance comme membre d'une même communauté ne doit pas être subordée aux moyens financiers des familles ! L'universalité de ces dispositifs doit être renforcée par des aides comlémentaires en fonction des revenus des familles, par de réelles campagnes d'incitation dans les écoles.

Pourquoi ne pas imaginer des journées de l'engagement européens où les lycéens pourraient découvrir l'Europe, ses institutions, son rôle et aller à la rencontre d'une autres culture ?

L'engagement des jeunes doit se concevoir dans un cadre européen et international... ce qui est l'ambition internationaliste des socialistes.

Si l'on veut réellement la construction d'une citoyenneté européenne, l'implication des citoyens, y compris des plus jeunes est cruciale.

Gary Titley: Diversity is a strenght

rikke — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:08:00 +0200

Member of the European Parliament Gary Titley (Labour UK) is the Chair of the PES network on diversity and integration. In this video interview he gives his suggestions for the PES manifesto:

PES activists debate New Social Europe in Faro, Portugal

jose reis santos — Fri, 16 May 2008 18:11:00 +0200

Last Saturday, the 10th of May, PES Activists Portugal held their first public initiative regarding the Manifesto 2009 consultation in Algarve. This session was dedicated to the New Social Europe theme and had as Keynote Speaker Fernando Medina (Secretary of State of Work); Maria João Rodrigues (Special Adviser to the European Commission), Zita Gurmai (PES Women Leader and MEP, PES), Jamila Madeira (MEP, PES), Manuela Augusto (PS Women Portugal Leader), and Esmeralda Ramires (MP, PS).

The session was presided by the leader of PS Algarve, Miguel Freitasand there were presented some proposals by PES activists.The session was well attended, as all the invited speakers delivered high quality speeches regarding the future of the welfare state model in Europe. In particular, the questions of women in the workforce, the characteristics of the new labor relations, and the sustainability of the European social welfare model were some of the main topics focused. The idea that only the left could maintain and spread these social conquests was very strong, and from this argument came the concern of delivering a good political programme in 2009 and the importance that the 2009 European elections could have in shaping the near future of Europe. The importance of the PES manifesto2009 consultation, the 2009 European elections and the PES activists initiative were also stressed (the videos of this initiative can be seen here)

The PES activists Portugal sessions will continue Saturday, 17 May, in Setubal, with the EU in the world theme. The keynote speaker will be Manuel Lobo Antunes (Secretary of State of European Affairs), and Ana Gomes (MEP, PES), Joel Hasse Ferreira (MEP, PES) and Ana Pinto (New University of Lisbon) will deliver special intervention. We invite you to see the interventions in our website; and if you have any proposals or remarks, please send them to propostas@euromanifesto2009.com.

We hope to see you in one of our next initiatives.

PES activists Portugal

Corinne Bord: Économie sociale, un secteur essentiel pour construire l’Europe sociale.

corinnebord — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:22:00 +0200

Aujourd’hui, journée de conférences à Bruxelles. Une sur le dialogue civil, une sur l’économie sociale organisée par le PSE.

La militante associative que je suis, aime lorsque à Bruxelles les discours valorisent les associations, reconnaissent leur poids économique, leur rôle dans la société et notamment celle d’un état prévoyant comme on dit…

Le secteur de l’économie sociale représente 10% du PIB en Espagne et en France, 3,9% en Belgique, et bon nombre d’emplois, non délocalisables et pourtant…
Pourtant effectivement lorsque les discussions se portent sur la directive service, sur l’organisation du marché intérieur notamment, on oubli le poids et l’intérêt de ce secteur.

Que deviennent les associations dans le cadre de la transposition de la directive service dans les différents pays d’Europe ?
Comment éviter la marchandisation d’un certain nombre de secteurs face à la double application des règles sur les aides publiques et celle de la directive service ?
Comment préserver les services à la personne dans les différents pays qui sont très souvent gérés sous forme associative ou encore mutualiste ?

C’est tout un pan de nos modèles sociaux qui sont en cause. Les débats avec les associations européennes laissent passer de nombreuses craintes et une revendication forte de reconnaissance de ce secteur non pas comme un palliatif au marché ou à l’Etat, non pas comme un système caritatif, mais réellement comme un modèle économique en soi ou les valeurs sont privilégiées à la rémunération des actionnaires.

Qu’attendre des socialistes ?
A l’évidence, une réelle reconnaissance de l’existence de ce secteur dans les discours et les propositions pour les prochaines élections.

Une défense de ce secteur a minima : défense du statut européen de la mutualité, de l’association mais aussi prise en compte de ces considérations dans le cadre des directives à venir notamment sur les assurances.

Et, bien entendu, un réel engagement pour l’élaboration d’une directive sur les services sociaux d’intérêt général.

European Senior Organization: Solidarity between the generations

rikke — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:32:00 +0200

A New Social Europe calls for solidarity between citizens of all ages.

This was the main message when activists from the European Senior Organization (ESO) visited the PES Secretariat in Brussels on 8 May 2008. The 20 activists met to discuss the PES manifesto and the 2009 election campaign. During their visit the senior activists decided on 10 priorities which ESO will recommend to the PES.

ESO President Karl Blecha presents three of the 10 priorities:

“Among our 10 priorities is the recognition of the value that seniors add to society. Maybe not as employees on the job market, but via volunteer work, research and social work – all this supports younger generations.”

“Another priority for the PES manifesto should be to secure the purchasing power of elderly. Pensions need to match living expenses. Currently long life expectancy is used as an excuse to cut down on pensions. We need to counterweight this development, public pensions are the pillar of the pension system”

“It’s also very important to fight poverty among elderly. Old-age poverty is often a women’s issue and we need to ensure equal opportunities and social security for both men and women.”

See more photos from ESO’s visit to the PES Secretariat here.

Contre la pauvreté des travailleurs, la campagne du PSE doit plus que jamais promouvoir un salaire minimum européen!

amandinecrespy — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:20:00 +0200

Les « travailleurs pauvres » ne sont pas des gens qui gagnent un petit salaire. Les « travailleurs pauvres » sont des gens qui ne peuvent pas vivre de leur travail, c’est-à-dire qu’ils ne peuvent pas se nourrir, payer la cantine scolaire de leurs enfants, ou se loger décemment. Les signes d’une forte poussée de la pauvreté dans la plupart des pays européens sont alarmants. De plus en plus de gens qui travaillent habitent dans des caravanes ou même des bidonvilles nouvelle génération en périphérie des grandes villes, vont faire la queue aux distributions de vivre par des organisations de charité, ou cumulent – de manière illégale – deux jobs et travaillent bien plus de quarante heures semaine pour pouvoir joindre les deux bouts. Dans de nombreux pays européens, le niveau des salaires n’est pas connecté à la réalité du coût de la vie. Il n’est pas tolérable que des gens qui travaillent et payent des impôts soient relégués au rang d’indigents parce que, sous les conditions du capitalisme global d’aujourd’hui, la pression est mise principalement sur le coût du travail.

Face à ces problèmes, le salaire minimum n’est pas « has been ». Pour enrayer la pauvreté des travailleurs, le gouvernement britannique l’a introduit en 1999. En Allemagne, alors que la négociation du salaire (appelé tarif) fut longtemps considéré comme un droit exclusif des partenaires sociaux dans le cadre de la négociation collective, des débats enfiévrés au sujet de l’introduction d’un salaire minimum légal secouent la grande coalition. Un argument classique des adversaires du salaire minimum consiste à dire que celui-ci freine la création d'emplois. Mais quel genre d'emplois voulons-nous créer? ceux qui ne permettent pas aux gens de vivre? Face à la dictature de la croissance (que nos dirigeants attendent comme le messie), il faut rétablir les priorités là où elles sont, et refuser la paupérisation de sociétés qui avaient atteint des niveaux de bien-être relativement satisfaisants, et cela sous prétexte de la "contrainte extérieure".

Le mouvement en faveur d’un salaire minimum existe, il faut le promouvoir au niveau européen ! Les débats conflictuels autour de la directive services, de la question du détachement des travailleurs et de l’élargissement ont montré à quel point ces questions sont sensibles dans l’Europe à 27. Seul un salaire minimum (fixé à un niveau relatif en fonction des réalités dans les différents Etats membres) peut limiter le dumping salarial et ouvrir la voir vers la convergence européenne en matière de standards salariaux et sociaux. De quel droit refuse-t-on aux nouveaux Etats-membres de l'Union la marche vers les acquis sociaux ? Pourquoi les condamnerait-on à avoir pour tout avantage compétitif le bas coût de leur main doeuvre, c'est-à-dire l'exploitation du travail humain?

De plus, face à la flambée d’inflation qui touche l’Europe, le mécanisme d’indexation automatique des salaires sur l’inflation en place (uniquement) en Belgique, doit servir de modèle en matière de lutte contre la pauvreté des travailleurs. La Belgique ne s'en trouve pas appauvrie, et elle est même engagée dans une réduction de sa dette depuis de nombreuses années. A méditer!

Le salaire minimum est un outil collectif concret qui peut redonner du sens à l'Europe sociale tant invoquée et qui a déjà tant déçu. Il doit être promu comme un thème central du Programme du PSE et de sa campagne pour les élections européennes de 2009.

Il s’agit d’une bataille profondément sociale et profondément européenne.

Green cities: Putting people first by improving the environment

rikke — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:59:32 +0200

At the end of the day eco-friendliness is all about improving our living conditions. According to Michael Cohen, Mayor of Kalkara, Malta, this is easily forgotten in everyday talk about bans and restrictions which will help us save our planet – but at the same time force us to fundamentally change our way of living.

Local government is a key factor
Michael Cohen is a member of the Maltese Labour Party and PES Group Coordinator in the Commission for Sustainable Development. Leading up to the ‘Save our Planet’ event of the PES Group of the Committee of the Regions he shares his thoughts on the PES manifesto and what local governments can do to improve the environment:

“I think the most important environmental challenge in Europe right now is the high population density. A lot of forest has been burned and there’s not much land anymore. We need to plant more forest and to ensure more open spaces. This is a particular problem for Malta and other small European countries,” says Michael Cohen and continues: “It’s vital to get local councils and governments involved a lot more in environmental protection. Change at community level is a key factor for tackling environmental issues.”

A point which has certainly been proven by the community projects presented here on Yourspace: From Malmö, Sweden to Gerasdorf, Austria – cities get greener when local social democrats take action.

It’s all about the people
For Michael Cohen a major priority for the PES manifesto should be to let citizens know that all the talk about the environment is, in fact, about them:

“We should make Europeans conscious that the PES puts people first by improving the environment. We care about people and their living conditions – this is why we want to change our environment and climate for the better.”

Green cities
On 15 May 2008 the PES Group in the Committee of the Regions will host a conference on ‘Save our Planet’ in Turin, Italy. Leading up to the event Yourspace invites local and regional politicians to give their view on what the PES manifesto should say about the environment. This article is the fifth in the ‘Green Cities’ series, offering a local perspective on global challenges.

PES activists Romania: A new language for the European left

alias77 — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:39:00 +0200

On the occasion of Europe Day (9 May 2008), over 100 Romanian PES activists, academics, Romanian MEPs and the President of PSD, Mircea Geoana took part in a debate in Brasov, Romania. The Secretary General of PES, Philip Cordery engaged in discussion on the PES manifesto consultation.

The main conclusion was that the European left should come with an alternative solution to the right’s proposals that only split up the society. The left should counter it or adopt a mediating strategy. The activists showed great interest in getting involved in concrete actions to reshape the left and bring it in the forefront of the political stage. The left should better communicate its goals, thus by leaving out the too politically correct speeches and the 'wooden language'. The commitments and actions need to be expressed better, in order to reach the common people. The common language must be recaptured and allow the left to better connect to its electorate.

The full article is available only in Romanian here!

Sp.a: Social democrats should give people hope for a better future

rikke — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:36:00 +0200

Last Wednesday evening around 18h30. In the renovated Brigittines chapel in Brussels Sp.a co-workers are getting nervous. This evening we present our input for the PES manifesto. We have worked hard to provide for an interesting program (attached), but can it compete with the beautiful spring evening?

At 7 o’clock our fears prove to be unfounded. Sp.a International Secretary Saïd El Khadraoui can introduce the evening before approximately 80 people. We kick off with a debate about New Social Europe. Europe has done pioneering work on certain domains, but it turns out that a lot more can be gained at European level. For example, the health services directive that we are still waiting for. There is no discussion about the need for a more social approach of the Lisbon objectives. But ambitious and enforceable European objectives concerning social themes are a logical next step. The conclusions run parallel: Europe has a lot of instruments at his disposal, but lacks ambition and decisiveness when it comes to social themes. Political action pays off, that becomes clear in dossiers such as the adjusted Bolkenstein directive. As socialists and social democrats we have the responsibility to point out the gaps in policies and formulate social adjustments and alternatives.

During a second session, Flemish Member of the European Parliament and Sp.a environmental expert Bart Martens explains our priorities concerning the discussion paper ‘Save our planet’. Environmental policy is an outstanding example of a domain where Europe can be a superpower in standards. If we set high European standards, other players have to adapt to these standards. At European level we can achieve al lot with regard to low energy housing, transport and carbon low energy consumption. Bart stresses that we have to avoid that those who are in need suffer the harmful consequences of the necessary chances. Governments have an important responsibility to prevent that the required transition makes people pay twice (for example because they can not isolate their house and receive a more expensive invoice).

The next debate broaches EU in the world. The foundation of a World Health Fund can contribute to implement the fundamental right on health care. An important pillar in the pursuit of ‘a social world’ is the support of organisations and trade unions in the South. There is a plead for more stringent directives concerning corporate responsibility. And it's clear that we can’t accept that company interests are the driving force behind the European trade policy. More transparency is a conditio sine qua non. The claim for more transparency and democracy goes also for the functioning of international organisations.

An interesting and successful evening is concluded with a speech from Sp.a President Caroline Gennez and PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. The Sp.a. President regrets that most national politicians only refer to European policy when it comes in handy. Useful European initiatives are claimed, unpopular instructions are blamed on ‘Brussels’. Its our responsibility to run counter to this trend. To name things correctly, make the right analysis and submit social proposals. To formulate an approach for the concrete problems where people are confronted with. Draw up initiatives that guarantee the existence and improvement of our welfare states. Socialist and social democrats must have an answer to the insecurity that takes place. We need to present a project that gives people hope for a better future. That gives them the prospective and possibilities to unfold their own talents and lives. To captivate the possibility of change and the alternative for right wing choices. To end with, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen speaks to the audience about the PES priorities and manifesto. A stimulating round off for an inspiring exercise.

A French version of the Sp.a. contribution is attached to this post.

Saskia De Block, Sp.a

Corinne Bord: Crise alimentaire - urgent de comprendre et d'agir

corinnebord — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:35:00 +0200

Toutes les cinq secondes, un enfant de moins de dix ans meurt de faim ou de ses suites immédiates. Qui aurait cru que nous connaîtrions une crise alimentaire de cette nature. La montée des prix est préoccupante, mais la baisse des stocks mondiaux est trop souvent ignorée.Les stocks de denrées de première nécessité (blé, mais, riz) n’ont jamais été aussi bas depuis 20 ans. En 2007 la production a connu une baisse réelle alors que la consommation est été largement en hausse notamment pour un usage industriel. Au cœur du débat la mobilisation de plus en plus importante de la production céréalière pour produire des biocarburants. Cette mobilisation va de pair avec une mobilisation des terres agricoles non plus pour la culture vivrière, mais pour celle de biocarburant, plus lucrative.

Plutôt que de remettre en cause des pratiques de surconsommation de pétrole, le monde occidental s’est plongé immédiatement dans l’exploitation du progrès technique sans se soucier des conséquences humaines. Lucratif certes, mais à quel prix humain et environnemental ? En un an, le prix du blé a augmenté de 130%, le prix du riz de 74%, le prix du soja de 87%, et celui du maïs de 53% »Il devient urgent et nécessaire de rappeler que la lutte contre la faim est le premier des objectifs du Millénaire. Seuls les socialistes en Europe peuvent aborder cette question dans les bons termes : solidarité nord-sud, place de l’homme dans l’économie, respect de l’environnement, aborder le progrès sous un angle social et pas seulement technique ! Une réelle réforme de la politique agricole commune est essentielle, mais aussi une volonté affirmée et des moyens pour remettre à plat les modes de consommation et non plus simplement laisser le marché réguler les questions environnementales. Les socialistes européens doivent être ambitieux et l’Europe exemplaire dans ces politiques, ses objectifs et ses financements.

Blogueur de la semaine: Corinne Bord, France

rikke — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:14:00 +0200

Un grand merci à notre blogueuse de la semaine passée Åsa Westlund!

Cette semaine, Yourspace accueille Corinne Bord, France. Corinne a 38 ans. Elle s’est engagée au Parti socialiste français après la campagne sur le référendum de Maastricht résolument pour construire une Europe sociale. Corinne est vice-présidente de la Fédération Léo Lagrange, membre de la plate-forme SOLIDAR et aussi vice-présidente chargée des questions européennes pour la plate-forme associative française, la CPCA.

Over population

Duncan Anderson — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:42:00 +0200

I don't want to suggest that PES/EU can solve this problem within one term of office. But I do think that the EU should start talking to other countries and organisations about dealing with the consequences of over population.

Over population or having more people on the planet that it can sustain was a topic of discussion during the 1970s and China responded. I'm not saying that we or other countries should follow China's route.

But over population is at the core of many global problems. We need to use artificial fertilisers and G.M. products to feed the world and even then a lot of people starve. There is insufficient water to both grow food for people and for them to drink. We can't provide enough energy for everybody without damaging the planet.

Question, how do we address the twin problems of having a sustainable level of population on this planet? Answer, I don't know, but I'm interested in listening to there people's views.

If it is decided to reduce the population we have to consider the demographics of having more older people who are above a working age - but still need food, water and energy - than younger people who would be generating income and therefore taxes to pay for the water, food and energy of the older people.

But until we start discussing these concepts, both amongst ourselves and with other countries we're not going to fully understand the problems and therefore we won't find the correct answers.

Åsa Westlund: A case for Turkey and Islam in Europe

asa.westlund — Fri, 09 May 2008 19:05:00 +0200

A couple of months ago I visited Verdun in Northern France. It is an important site for all Europeans. For its historical importance and for what it means for our future. Just outside the town, the battle of Verdun took place during the First World War. It was one of the most important, but also deadliest, battles of the war raging from 21 February until 15 December 1916. The losses in the war in the trenches were enormous. In Verdun, the dead were counted in hundreds of thousands.

To understand Europe today, it is important to visit places like Verdun in order to understand why a closer union among the peoples of our continent are so important. Building and enlarging Europe is essentially about peace and security. One of the most important memorials at Verdun is Douaumont Ossuary were the remains of 13.000 soldiers rest. Around the building there is a vast cemetery with line after line of white crosses. But if you take a closer look you will notice that there are not only crosses. Some are stones turned towards Mecca. Here lays the remains of soldiers of a Muslim faith who gave their lives for France. And yet there is some who says that Islam is not a part of European History. Or of European culture. There is some kind of backlash against Islam going on in the West at the moment. In Europe it seams to have focused on trying to block Turkish membership in the European Union.

The membership of Turkey will not happen tomorrow. Like any other country Turkey must fulfill the criteria for membership. It must respect democratic values and human rights, women’s rights and minority rights. It must have a working economy and be able to implement European legislation. Among other things. But like any other country, if Turkey fulfills the criteria: it should be given full membership in EU.

What sort of EU do we want?

rikke — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:36:00 +0200

In a PES statement for Europe Day, PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen said the real debate was not for or against Europe but what sort of European Union do we want. Zita Gurmai, President of PES Women underlined the PES commitment to develop a new agenda for Europe for the next European elections in June 2009 that recognises citizens’ aspirations and concerns for the future.

Read the press release here

Intercultural dialogue in the EU: What does it mean to you?

rikke — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:33:00 +0200

Often we express our political ideas in words and rarely in images. Now the PES Group in the Committee of Regions gives you the chance to express your visions for Europe in a more creative way. Today, on Europe Day, the PES Group launches a photo competition on intercultural dialogue seen through the eyes of young Europeans.

If you are between 18 and 25 years old you are invited to share your vision of the dialogue between cultures in their city and region.

The competition is organized within the framework of the “Europe Works” project, in collaboration with the think tank Notre Europe and the photo agency Agence VU'.

For more information on the photo competition and how to participate, please visit the website of the PES Group in the CoR.

Flemish social democrats have their say

rikke — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:27:00 +0200

Yesterday Flemish social democrats concluded their debate on the PES manifesto. Over the last month Sp.a, the Flemish social democratic party, has hosted four debates on the themes of the PES manifesto consultation – yesterday evening was the closing event, a final discussion of common priorities for the 2009 elections.

Among other things the evening featured testing of ‘carbon footprints’, videos, debates with NGOs, labour unions and politicians, and speeches by Caroline Gennez, leader of the Sp.a, and Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, PES President.

See more pictures from the evening in Brussels here

Åsa Westlund: Think global - act local

asa.westlund — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:07:00 +0200

Almost daily we hear alarming news about one of the biggest challenges of our time – the one about the global warming. As citizens and consumers we have a responsibility to act. A responsibility not always easy to handle. Scientific reports from governments, companies and others are sometimes contradictory, and it’s easy to lose hope and feel powerless. This is where the EU, as a big actor on the world wide market has an important role to play. It is here we see the necessity of political action rather than just letting the free market decide.

But it is not enough- It must also be easier for all European citizens to make environment friendly decisions and thereby taking their own responsibility! The environmental crisis is to enormous and complex to be solved on just one political level. Its first when we act both individually, locally, in larger regions and globally that we can make a change. It does not mean that we can wait for someone else to take responsibility, rather that we all must take action now. We have to act as a united front. Many citizens are trying to take action. With everyday actions, like leaving the car at home and travel by bus, or buying locally produced and bio grown products, everyone can make a difference.

At the same time it has to be easy to make the right choice, and for that it takes more than just a personal responsibility. The consumers need accurate information, easy understandable and trustworthy labelling, and support by laws to put pressure on the local and the global market.

What do you think the PES should do in order to make it easier for people to take responsibility by making environmental-friendly choices?

Lissy Gröner: Getting young people involved in European politics

rikke — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:57:24 +0200

Lissy Gröner is a Member of the European Parliament for the German social democratic party, SPD. Among other things Lissy Gröner has been working a lot with youth issues - in the video interview below she gives her suggestions to what the PES manifesto should say about youth:

Linda McAvan and WWF: The future is in our hands

rikke — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:23:00 +0200

Socialists are pushing for more action on climate change, since it is necessary to act now, leaving aside the disastrous “business as usual approach”. Socialist MEP Linda McAvan (Labour UK) hosted the WWF debate “EU Climate action : Do 30% NOW!” on 6 May 2008. Here are a few conclusions from the meeting:

EU has proven to be on the right path in fighting against climate change but more has to be done. Achieving deep emission reductions in Europe by 2020 is not only a question of available technologies but rather one of taking right political decisions. At national level, governments have to create the right incentives to support energy efficiency and promote investments in low carbon technologies and renewables, while at the European level, the European Emissions Trading Scheme should form the central part of the overall European strategy.

If Europe is quite confident that they will move all together in the same direction, what about the others? We have to bear in mind that even if climate change is a global issue, developed countries have an historical responsibility towards developing ones. Therefore OECD countries have to help developing countries to decouple economic growth from greenhouse emissions and adapt to climate change phenomena. There are different possible approaches to prevent carbon leakage coming from other countries such as a “carbon tax” on imports or conditional allocations to industries. However, the better approach seems to be sectoral agreements, cooperation with other countries in specific sectors.

In your view what are the most effective means to fight climate change?