Rallies are expected in Rome this weekend as heads of European governments meet, and hundreds of organisations call for vision and courage to set Europe on the path to a just, sustainable, democratic and inclusive future.
This weekend marks 60 years since the foundation of what is now the European Union, and offers an important crossroads for European leaders. Friends of the Earth Europe, alongside over 200 civil society organisations, is calling for a new vision for Europe that ensures economic, social and environmental justice.
Magda Stoczkiewicz, director of Friends of the Earth Europe said: “While Europe has brought unprecedented peace and prosperity, unity and solidarity are still crucial in order to tackle the many social, environmental and economic challenges increasingly facing the world.”
Leaders from the EU 27 member states are expected to set out a vision for the future of Europe. According to Friends of the Earth Europe, the five scenarios set out by Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, are inadequate, and alternative scenario focusing on genuine sustainability is necessary.
Magda Stoczkiewicz continued: “It’s time to put Europe on track towards the just, sustainable and democratic community that people and planet need. If European leaders continue to put corporate interests above the public interest, they will push people into the hands of divisive, racist, sexist and xenophobic right wing groups.”
