It comes ahead of a summit of EU leaders this week with the key issues for Europe’s future on the agenda, including migration, security, jobs and Brexit. This week also marks the one year anniversary of the UK’s vote to leave the European Union (June 23) which propelled questions about the future of Europe up the political agenda.
The vision describes a future for Europe in which “sustainability sits firmly at the heart of the European project,” and the EU focuses on “democracy and participation, social and environmental justice, solidarity and sustainability, respect for the rule of law, and human rights both within Europe and around the globe.”
The organizations are putting this scenario for the future forward as an alternative to proposals from European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, including five ‘Future of Europe’ scenarios which are currently being consulted on with member states with first conclusions due at the end of the year. (The European Commission's White Paper on the Future of Europe is available here)
For SDG Watch Europe and Friends of the Earth Europe, Leida Rijnhout, said: “The five scenarios for the future of Europe put forward by President Juncker are all deeply disappointing and have little connection to the challenges that the European Union faces. Instead we need a bold vision – an alternative sixth scenario – that puts social and environmental wellbeing at the core. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development should be absolutely key for a future that serves people and the planet, not vested interests.”
Executive Secretary of Don Bosco International, Ángel Gudiña, said: “Investing in children and youth are key ingredients for a fairer, more cohesive and sustainable Europe. Providing future generations with high-quality public healthcare, social services, and formal and non-formal education, ensures the continuity of the European project in view of recent events. As Don Bosco International, we intend that EU focuses more on its citizen, especially on those who, due to their age or personal circumstance, are not usually given a voice.”
For info on the 256 organizations supporting ‘Scenario 6: Sustainable Europe for its Citizens’ – including Don Bosco International, VIA Don Bosco, Don Bosco Network e Jóvenes y Desarrollo – click here.
