Another Road for Europe

19 March 2014
European Parliament • Brussels
Place du Luxembourg
Building Altiero Spinelli, Room ASP 1G-2

On the eve of the European elections in May 2014 Europe is faced with the prospect of economic stagnation, rising inequality and a growing divide between the countries of the centre and the periphery while democratic processes continue to be undermined at all levels.

The dominant rhetoric on the European elections is currently polarised between the neo-liberal argument for austerity on the one hand and an anti-European populism on the other.

We believe there is another road for Europe; a Europe of democracy, of social rights, of ecological sustainability and of employment for all. There are a wide range of social and political initiatives that have been working for a different Europe. Economic policy alternatives have been put forward by the organisations involved in the European Progressive Economists Network and in the context of the forthcoming European elections we want to open a discussion with social movements and trade unions about the policy changes that are necessary for promoting another road for Europe.

These proposals will be presented at a Forum at the European Parliament on 19 March 2014 engaging progressive European political forces in a debate about the future of a democratic Europe. The meeting will be organised around two main sessions, one on Macroeconomic Policies and Finance and the other on Employment and Environmental Policies, and a round table on Democracy. Each session will be introduced by speakers from civil society organisations and experts’ networks who will summarise the proposals that have emerged on each topic, opening up a discussion with activists, representatives of different political forces and Members of the European Parliament.

The aim is to contribute to the emergence of shared proposals for alternative policies at the European and national levels.

Participants will include a wide range of civil society organisations, networks, trade unions, experts and intellectuals, as well as the progressive political forces in the European Parliament.

The event will take place in English. The event is hosted by Gianni Pittella, Vice President of the European Parliament, with the participation of the political groups Socialists & Democrats, European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) and The Greens/European Free Alliance.

For contacts and information:
info@euro-pen.org
www.euro-pen.org
see program