working group
strategy and manifesto for European elections 2004

· We should try and have a short manifesto and not a long election program. We should try to formulate a preamble, which should be used as such in all our green national programs for the election to the European Parliament. And, if possible, three or four green demands, which are campaigned from our national parties, on a European wide basis.

· We should basically try to answer three questions:
(1) What are the benefits of an enlarged political EU for citizens?
(2) What can/will green parties IN PARTICULAR propose/demand to reach this goal. And
(3) What is our power to reform the Union, what have our successes been so far

ad (1) What are the benefits: Peace in Europe (in the light of the rising international instability more important than ever before), Social Security and stability, democratic and ecological standards all over Europe and the European Union as a powerful player in the field of international economic globalisation, whereas national states could not any more influence the decisions.
ad (2) And why vote for greens? Because we stand for solidarity, innovation, independence and openness. Because we are the only force which is really fighting against racism and nationalism, because we are the only force for a conflict prevention policy in time, for demilitarisation, for a sure plan to reduce the greenhouse effect*
ad (3) What is our power? Successes of Greens in Government, what are the most important points we obtained in the EP, we are now present at all political levels in Europe: in national parliaments, in governments, in the EP and the EU commission

· We must then formulate our 3 or 4 green European wide demands/campaigns.

Added to the above, we should also take into consideration some additional practical points.
1. One key issue would be to explore the possibility to anticipate the decision that has to be taken by the different green parties concerning the nomination of their candidates for the next European elections. If this could be decided on time, we would have the possibility to create a kind of European list or team and to look for some common initiatives.

2. Furthermore, taking into account that the 2004 elections will take place in the aftermath of the EU Convention, and that subjects like Enlargement, the financial perspectives, the reform of the CAP and the new WTO-round will be on the agenda as well as the question of the designation of a new President of the Commission, it seems useful to start an attempt to coordinate and to harmonize our positions and maybe some common initiatives on these issues.

3. A further aspect is that it would be useful to tackle in a more focused way the question of an European green Party. Even if for the time being the issue seems to be blocked mainly because of the differences concerning private donors and financial contributions, it is clear that this will be on the table very soon. If Nice is ratified the qualified majority foreseen will allow to go ahead. If this is not the case, it might be possible that after the forthcoming legislative elections in this year, a new attempt will be started to come to an agreement. Anyway and beyond this question of the legal status of the European Party, it might be useful to have an exchange of views about this subject.

AC, JB, FF in February 2002

Draft Manifesto for download

For any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with either one of us:

Arnold Cassola (EFGP): efgp@europarl.eu.int
Juan Behrend (Green Group staff): jbehrend@europarl.eu.int
Franz Floss: franz.floss@gruene.at