Report from the Summer University opening plenary

Moderator: Daniel Cohn-Bendit (co-president of the Greens/EFA Group in the European parliament)

Panel:
Gesine Schwan (President of the Europa University Viadrina)
Claus Leggewie (German political scientist)
Sylvie Goulard (President of the European Movement France)
Adam Krzeminski (Polish journalist and publicist) 

The Summer University opened with a debate between prominent Europeans Gesine Schwan, Claus Leggewie, Sylvie Goulard und Adam Krzeminski. Facing questions posed by moderator Daniel Cohn-Bendit, they reflected on the past, present and future of Europe.

Gaps in a united Europe

The Irish "No" to the Lisbon Treaty referendum is just the latest in a long chain of events that has seen the purpose and perception of Europe evolve. Has Europe's original meaning as a force for peace been lost on younger generations who have not experienced war?

The future of Europe is unclear, "relations are fragile" in the words of Daniel Cohn-Bendit and there are perceived exceptions to Europe's unity. Claus Leggewie named three groups and countries seen as outsiders: Muslims, Ukraine and the USA, Gesine Schwan added Turkey and Russia to the list. Some see a difference of values, conflicts of interests and power and enlargement fatigue.

Meanwhile a gulf exists within the EU, between so-called "old" and "new" Member States. "Western Europeans have not matched the eastern enlargement in their minds", said Adam Krzeminski.

Gaps must be bridged to build a common future for Europe. The panel raised four crucial points to achieve this: a greater European perspective in national politics, greater democracy and civil society, more self-confident EU on the world political stage and the prospect of a good standard of living for all.

More Europe in politics

The panel highlighted the fact that all too often national politicians come to Brussels to make decisions that they then revile once back home. "Europe-minded politicians are needed both in Brussels and in European capitals", according to Leggewie. Sylvie Goulard added: "Politicians need to accept that Europe is not possible without paying the price of some transfer of sovereignty".

Democracy and civil society

It is not just about the politicians. Citizens are at the heart of the matter. The much sought after European identity depends on the connection between people. Schwan spoke of her experience of German-Polish connection in Frankfurt/Oder, saying that "Europe lives in international projects". Goulard stressed the value of student mobility and how it can provide a sense of "us", especially backed up by language learning. Language, according to Krzeminski, creates an internal interpreter which helps to internalise other values. He also called for a stronger European dimension in education.

The creation of a European civil society must be supported by a more democratic EU, including direct democracy. The panel agreed with calls the Greens have been making for some time: trans-national voting and Europe-wide lists for European elections and debates led at European level.

A confident EU on the world stage

A stronger European dimension in political classes and citizens must be at the basis of the EU in future, said Leggewie. Europe must define and pursue its interests without identifying enemies, he added. Referring to recent events in the Caucasus, he said "We are experiencing a neo-imperial pressure from Russia and we must make a stand against this autocratic system."

The prospect of a good life

What about the ultimate goal? What should Europe's policies lead us towards? Goulard considered it essential to redefine interests, saying that a real discussion on social and economic policy has never taken place with the EU's newer members.

Leggewie suggested the Greens should get back to basics and focus on climate change and energy: "These questions can only be solved at European level". Schwan concluded: "Europe must be associated with the positive image of a good and successful life".

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Report from the plenary session

Chaired by Green MEP Rebecca Harms, Saturday morning’s plenary session was dedicated to the pressing question of climate change.On what basis can Europe and the rest of the world find agreement to take collective action? What are the implications for us as individuals?

Sivan Kartha is coordinator of the climate programme at the US-based Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI). Heemphasised that carbon-based development is no longer an optionfor either the north or south of the globe. While the climate crisis is a global problem, developing countries have the extra burden of securing basic living standards for their populations. The developed North must therefore not only address its own emissions, but also support the developing South with technological and financial assistance.

Dr. Kartha presented the concept of “obligation based on capacity”, which takes those on less than US$20 a day out of the responsibility equation and suggests the significance of China and India’s growing middle classes has been overestimated in some debates. This approach, he argued, “would safeguard all countries’ right to development”.  The EU, with 6.6% of the world’s population, representsa quarter of global “capacity”. Failing to meet our own responsibilities, Dr Kartha stressed, would add to the burden of others.

Read the SEI report “The right to development in a climate constrained world”:
www.ecoequity.org/GDR

Oras Tynkkynen, Green member of the Finnish parliament, saidinternational agreement on climate change must be equitable, flexible and cost effective. He stressed: “The key issue is money”, adding that an estimated US$25-50 billion per year would be needed to tackle climate change in the developing world.He highlighted revenue from the emissions trading system and a Norwegian proposal for an auction system.

Mr Tynkkynen added that the EU should take the lead and show it is serious about current and future commitments. Since not all EU countries show the same level of commitment, the bloc’s position is weakened in international discussions.But individual responsibility is still paramount: “Everyone should do their best to stop climate change.”

Satu Hassi, Green MEPand rapporteur on EU climate package, said that true global action is required. Though not historically at fault for climate change, developing countries also need to be part of the solution.

Europe can set an example. In recent years the EU economy has progressed well, while controlling emissions.Emissions trading is being taken up around the world. Both US Presidential candidates have called for a scheme at federal level.

Claude Turmes is European parliament rapporteur for the renewables directive, which aims to for a 20% renewable share of the energy mix by 2020. While this target is not challenged in parliament, it is difficult to reduce the 10% target for biofuels in transport. Greens propose a 4% target to be reviewed in 2015. A Danish proposal might see electric cars taken into consideration in this regard.

Mr Turmes highlighted that the Green Summer University is held in a global centre of solar photovoltaic cell production. This economic success has given political clout in favour of renewables in the region. And across Europe, big energy companies are now obliged to embrace renewables. The key to the future? “We need to present an agenda that is understandable to European citizens.”

Concluding with happiness

Wrapping up the session, the panel shared the view that fighting climate change might call for some reductions and sacrifices, but not necessarily to our well-being. As Satu Hassi commented, politicians are wrong if they think increased consumption means greater happiness. Devout consumerism - “the religious fundamentalism of free market capitalism” in Sivan Kartha’s words - is no substitute for a positive and sustainable lifestyle.

Report from the plenary session

Moderated by Jean Lambert, Green MEP

Panel:
Tarja Cronberg, Finnish Minister of Labour
T. Sarath Fernando, Monlar (NGO), Sri Lanka
Frank Bsirske, President of the trade union “ver.di”

 
Saturday afternoon’s plenary session at the Summer University addressed key social questions. How can Europe guarantee social standards for its citizens? What is the future of the European social system? And how should Social Europe position itself in a globalised world? 

Tarja Cronberg spoke of her experience in European ministerial negotiations, where the focus is often on weaknesses in social systems such as national inequalities in the job market. She pointed to European inequalities too. The UK had opted out of the working directive, which sets a maximum 48 hour week, meaning 60 hour working weeks are possible. “Social Europe is going in the wrong direction“ she said, adding that “only the lowest common denominator“ was possible in finding agreements to move forward. She said we needed a greater Green presence in politics to change this. 

T. Sarath Fernando, representative of non-government organisation Monlar from Sri Lanka, described the difficult conditions in promoting social protection in the context of a developing country. For many in the southern hemisphere, basic survival is the first objective. He said: “A Europe that is socially responsible must be responsible for the whole world, not just itself.” The fundamental problem, according to Fernando, lies in the capitalistic system itself which enslaves the people. Climate change, pollution and rising food prices pose a huge threat to the survival of poor people and the environment. He concluded by saying: “Social Europe is impossible when you recognise that people are enslaved in the system.” 

Frank Bsirske, chairperson of the German trade union ver.di, drew the debate back to European and national level. He responded to Fernando’s views, agreeing that there was a “culture of excess” and “destructive economies” in Europe. Compared to the concerns in the southern hemisphere, the debate on social standards in Europe might seem an indulgent one. Europe might seem like a model to follow, with its social security, trade unions, etc. But even in Europe the social situation is under threat. He referred to the “Viking” decision at the European Court of Justice, where free market values threaten fundamental rights such as freedom of assembly and freedom of speech.  Europe still, however, upholds strong social values in the world and this, he stressed must be defended.

Report from the closing plenary session

Moderated by Albert Eckert, PR and political adviser, formerly at Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and Speaker and Berlin assembly.

Panel:
Philippe Lamberts, co-spokesman of the European Green Party
Déirdre de Búrca, Green Irish Senator
Monica Frassoni, co-president of the Greens/EFA Group in the European parliament
Pierre Jonckheer, MEP, vice president of the Greens/EFA Group in the European parliament
Reinhard Bütikofer, co-president of the German Greens

The closing plenary session, moderated by political adviser Albert Eckert, reflected on a successful first Green Summer University at European level and looked to the future horizons, in particular European elections in June 2009. Speakers took the opportunity to thank both organisers and participants for a Summer University shaped by extensive and stimulating debates in the previous plenary sessions and numerous workshops.

The "Green Future Team", a group of young people tasked with giving some fresh input to the Summer University debates, suggested that he Greens have strong ideas but need to communicate them better. To reach young audiences in particular, they said, Greens should speak the language of normal people and to avoid a bureaucratic tone or jargon. Messages should also be positive, and one such message is that the Greens can play a leading role in building a new Europe.

Taking the Green ground

Environmental issues now top the agenda across the political spectrum. Are other parties taking the lead from the Greens in climate change and other debates? Not according to Philippe Lamberts, co-spokesman of the European Green Party. Only the Greens, he said, are brave enough to say that improved technology will not solve the climate change problem for us and that we need to change our lifestyle.

Monica Frassoni, co-president of the Greens/EFA Group in the European parliament pointed to the hypocrisy of other parties. "Unfortunately it is not true that other parties have been 'contaminated' with Green ideas", she said. While they may talk Green, they vote otherwise on crucial issues. This should be highlighted for all to see. Reinhard Bütikofer said Greens should first look to themselves, “The problem isn’t that others have taken our lead but that we need to be more confident in how we lead”.

Building blocks

The panel chose words as "building blocks" for a new Europe: “solidarity”, “democracy”, “future”, “confrontation” and “Green”.

How can Greens convince?

Irish Green senator Déirdre de Búrca spoke of the need “to convince the public we are not part of the establishment and not afraid to challenge it”.  She stressed the value of meeting others face-to-face, and of “living the change we believe in”, hailing the example of the many people who had come to the Summer University by bike, bus and train. Pierre Jonckheer agreed, saying that although European elections would be tough, “Greens need to convince others of their own convictions”.

Philippe Lamberts called for the Greens to make the most of the potential of the 30% of the population that actively consider voting for them. Achieving this, said Monica Frassoni, would depend on continuing to build the Greens’s credibility as a political force.

Green partners

Which partnerships should the Greens build with a view to European elections? Philippe Lamberts called for the Greens to open up and “go on the offensive”, citing business as an important partner that should neither be demonised nor ignored. Pierre Jonckheer called for closer ties with trade unions, which share Green goals of social inclusion and social rights. Reinhard Bütikofer called on Greens to mobilise young people, and people aged over 60.

To reach young people, Monica Frassoni suggested that “values of peace, justice and freedom are never out-of-date and can always mobilise”. Philippe Lamberts pointed to the opportunities for mobility in studies. Déirdre de Búrca advised to appeal to young people’s “idealism” and to send a message that the more Greens elected, the more their values would be represented.

Bridging the gaps

The central rationale of the Summer University was to “bridge the gaps”. A Polish speaker from the floor gave an illuminating example. As there is no public transport between Slubice and Frankfurt/Oder, he had taken a taxi.  Even one year after Poland signing up to the Schengen agreement, the driver in this border town had not been sure it would be legal to cross the border. “The divisions exist in our minds as well as on the maps”, concluded the speaker.

In the session’s closing speech, Daniel Cohn-Bendit, co-president of the Greens group in the European parliament, called on the Greens to show they a true European party that can look beyond national electorates. “European elections as a wonderful opportunity to draw political lines and give a clear positive message on Europe“, he said. Since it is already the 11th hour for key issues such as energy crisis and climate change, Greens must show urgency in their European election campaign. They must use the Internet and demonstrate that they are the only movement truly committed to the environment and solidarity. “We need more Green MEPs are needed in the European parliament in 2009”, he added. The Greens, he promised, will seize the opportunity.

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