Active citizens and their democratic involvement is fundamental for both the European Union and it regions, cities and municipalities in view of shaping our common future.
Only a European Green Deal, in which all policy areas are consistently integrated - agriculture as well as industry, transport, housing, education and social inclusion - will become a sustainable growth strategy for Europe. The more time we lose on the way to 100% renewable energy, the higher the economic costs will be. The just transition has to happen now - this is the only way we can secure our well-being, have decent jobs and retain mobility. Therefore, we need binding targets in the EU for the upcoming years in order to achieve the climate and energy objectives.
Regions, cities and municipalities need sustainable investment opportunities, as EU policies are largely implemented on regional and local levels. The EU has to provide for the appropriate financial support, and EU funding must significantly contribute to achieving the Paris climate targets while strengthening social justice. The European Committee of the Regions can play a key role in putting the Green Deal into practice.
The Greens wants to see Europe ensuring equal opportunities to all its citizens. We want to offer our children quality education no matter where they grow up and guarantee them a future with hope and opportunities. We want to ensure the biodiversity in our forests and seas and we want climate change to be stopped.
We strive for inclusive communities where people can trust their voices to be heard and their civil rights to be respected. We strive for creating jobs that take into account not only people's needs but also the environment's vulnerability.
We see humanity as a universal human right, which is non-negotiable and forms the value basis for all our actions. Therefore, we urge for just and human treatment for those in vulnerable situations, such as refugees and asylum seekers. The European Union must find means to help developing countries in developing democracy, fighting climate change and fulfilling their obligations on human rights.