human rights, democracy and peace

The EU was founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. 

But today, these values are under threat. We see a rise of far right, populist and fascist style politics across many countries, driving a pushback on women's sexual and reproductive rights, limiting the rights of LGBTQ+ people to express their identity or grow their family, a shrinking civil space and limited freedom of the press, as well as discriminatory policies and deplorable treatment of asylum-seekers and migrants. Many politicians, both in Member States and in the European Parliament, are driven by a "us versus them" mentality. Solidarity and cooperation cannot be taken for granted. 

Our Union has also always been a peace project, and never has my generation seen such a threat to peace in Europe as now, since Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Their fight for freedom and security is our fight too. The EU must continue to stand in undivided solidarity with all Ukrainians, through continued financial and military support. Together, we must pave the way for their accession to the European Union. It is also our responsibility to foster peace abroad; the EU can and should support peace building and humanitarian aid efforts. The escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict is a clear example of where we should decisively support an immediate ceasefire, adequate and prompt humanitarian aid, and demanding accountability for violations of international humanitarian law. Ultimately, the EU must play a role in ending the illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories and working towards lasting peace that ensures equal rights for all population groups. 

The challenges we face may be enormous, but the outcomes are not inevitable. Progressive voices must come together everywhere - activism, civil society, politics - to stand up for peace and human rights. There is so much that the EU can do: stop funding countries that do not respect the rule of law, strengthen civil society and free press, fight disinformation and polarizing algorithms online, invest in international development cooperation, and much more.

This Europe for all of us, standing in solidarity and defending human rights, peace and democracy, is what I want to stand up for.