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We Need Systemic Change: SOLIDAR’s proposals to deliver a green transition that benefits people and our planet

Ahead of the 2024 European Elections, SOLIDAR, a movement of over 50 progressive civil society organizations across Europe and beyond, is calling for systemic change that accelerates the transition towards a sustainable future to deliver a Europe for all and with all, based on common and human security, human rights, and social justice.

by Mikael Leyi | 29 January 2024

The 2024 European Parliament elections come at a historic moment. For this reason, SOLIDAR has officially launched its manifesto and campaign to push for systemic change and to deliver a green transition that benefits people and our planet.

We are standing at a crossroads, and while the stakes are very high, they offer a way forward. We are convinced that we can turn the multiple crises we are currently living into an opportunity to reimagine our common future. We believe this moment in history gives us a chance to fundamentally change our societies and economies so that they work for both people and the planet.

SOLIDAR wants to see a Europe that continues to lead the green transition, an incoming European Parliament and Commission that build on what has been achieved and that push for a faster and more ambitious shift in line with what science tells us is necessary. We need to move towards a sustainable future, towards a Europe for all and with all, a Europe based on common and human security, human rights, and social justice. A Europe that transforms our societies by placing peace, people, and planet at the heart of our development.

SOLIDAR, a movement of more than 50 progressive civil society organizations across Europe and beyond, is calling for systemic change that deepens the transition through six main demands: a socially just transition, a redistributive and wellbeing centred economy, a rights and solidarity driven approach to migration, an inclusive and just digital revolution, a Europe united against racism, fascism, and totalitarian forces, and in favour of a thriving civic space in which civil society has a seat at the table through civil dialogue.

As representatives of civil society, alongside trade unions and other progressive forces, we have a crucial role to play in the development, negotiation, and implementation of these changes.

Read our six demands:

1. A socially just transition to carbon neutrality at the heart of all policies

   A Just Transition is a holistic and proactive concept that should encompass all of society and all policies. A Just Transition guarantees that we all have a place in the transition and that the most vulnerable, poor, and marginalized are not sacrificed in the process.

2. End the growing inequalities breaking our social contract

   We want a Europe that is defined by a wellbeing economy and a socio-ecological welfare state, and that uses its voice and place in global politics to reach this goal. We need massive private and public investments, progressive and redistributive taxation, ambitious and transformative welfare policies, social protection, affordable housing, strengthened education and lifelong learning. We must promote social economy cooperatives and non-profits as models for our shared future.

3. A rights and Solidarity driven European Response to Migration

   Europe’s welcoming response to the refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine should serve as an inspiration for migration policy and for rearticulating our proposals in the ongoing discussions and negotiations for a shared European approach.

   We demand a common and comprehensive European migration policy based on human rights that seeks mutually beneficial solutions with third countries based on solidarity, expands safe and regular pathways, supports migrants in need at Europe’s borders, supports their long-term inclusion and participation, and promotes a positive narrative on migration and diversity.

4. A digital revolution that guarantees freedom, rights and equality

   We need regulation and taxation that bring the developments in the digital sphere in line with public interest and needs, and redistribution policies that guarantee that profits are reinvested in the citizens they should be serving.

   We need a digital transformation that works for people and the planet, improves our societies and our democracies, and bridges existing and new inequalities.

5. We want a Europe for all and with all

   Conservative, radical right-wing and racist forces are gaining momentum in Europe. This leads to democratic, environmental and social backsliding.

   We need Europe to stand firmly in defence of the rights and liberties we have fought hard to win over the past century. We call for an anti-fascist response and for a united civil society in defence of human rights and democratic freedoms.

6. We need to protect civic space and guarantee civil dialogue

   As a network of progressive civil society organizations, our members empower citizenry individually and collectively at the local and national level. The essential role that they play to promote social inclusion and cohesion daily as a vital part of our democratic fabric must be reflected in their involvement in policymaking processes. We urge the EU to develop a European civil society strategy to address the democratic deficit. We will work together with all political forces that are ready to stand with us for a vibrant civil society and for strong trade unions.

Together with our members all across Europe, we will push for these asks to become a reality in the mandate of the next European Parliament and Commission.

Check our Manifesto and European Campaign

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