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Mar 06 2025
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Citizens’ Assemblies and the European Green Deal: A Perfect (Mis)Match?

Citizens’ Assemblies and the European Green Deal: A Perfect (Mis)Match?

By Featured, Publications

About

The European Green Deal has missed a key chance to tap into the recent deliberative wave across Europe. Yet the green transition is ongoing and must accelerate – with citizens at its core. Its success hinges on meeting people’s needs and embedding social impact in strong environmental policies. Citizens’ assemblies offer a way to ensure voices are heard at all levels, from local communities to EU institutions.

Citizens’ assemblies […] show that citizens coming together propose, more often than governments, bold policies to address the climate crisis while also considering social aspects. This creates a unique opportunity to redesign the Green Deal bottom-up.

This publication is part of the Green European Foundation’s work on Democracy and Participation and is the result of a collaborative  process between partner organisations from Belgium, Croatia, Finland, North Macedonia, and Serbia within the project Green Deal  for  All – Citizen’s Assemblies in Action, organised by the Green European Foundation.  Recognising the huge gap between the top-down implementation of the European Green Deal – reduced merely to a series of technological and financial measures – and the needs of various societies and communities across Europe, the aim was to explore the role citizens’ assemblies can play in ensuring its bottom-up democratisation.

 

This publication is also available in Greek

This publication has been realized by the Green European Foundation with the support of  the Institute of Political Ecology, Oikos, Visio, ASSED  Sunrise, Polekol and Center for Green Politics, as well as with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

 

Feb 19 2025
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Post-growth Future(s): New Voices, Novel Visions

By Publications

Growth is no longer a viable path, yet the idea of a post-growth society is still struggling to enter mainstream politics. Despite mounting ecological and social crises, policy discussions remain locked in outdated economic paradigms. However, recent years have marked a turning point, with post-growth thinking gaining momentum in European institutions, civil society, and academia.

The age of growth is behind us, but hardly anybody dares to admit it. […] In this publication, we say it loud and clear: growth is past tense. We need to engage now, without delay, in reimagining prosperity and wellbeing beyond growth

This publication brings together 20 authors from across Europe to explore what a future beyond growth could look like. Through diverse perspectives, it examines how post-growth ideas can reshape economic structures, social justice frameworks, and environmental policies. It also highlights how new voices (academics, activists, and policymakers) are translating these ideas into concrete political and policy action. By connecting emerging debates with real-world transformations, the publication contributes to strengthening the movement for a just and sustainable post-growth future.

This publication is part of the Green European Foundation’s work on post-growth in the scope of the project Post-Growth Future(s). It builds on discussions from key post-growth events, including the Beyond Growth Conference in Brussels and the International Degrowth Conference in Zagreb. The publication amplifies new ideas and connects them with the broader movement for systemic change.

This publication has been realized by the Green European Foundation with the support of  the Institute of Political Ecology and the Heinrich Böll Stiftung, as well as with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Jan 23 2025
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Yellow Vest and the Green Deal

By Publications

Context

In late 2018, France witnessed a social movement that profoundly impacted public consciousness: the Yellow Vest movement. Week after week, tens of thousands of people gathered at roundabouts and in the streets, sparked by opposition to higher carbon taxes on fuel. This movement has since become a pivotal point in discussions about achieving an ecological transition. But who were the Yellow Vests, and how did they relate to ecological issues?

This report amplifies the voices of those who transformed public spaces into platforms for political expression. Their actions conveyed a strong demand to be seen, heard, and included in decisions shaping their futures. Spanning rural and urban settings, the Yellow Vest movement highlights the urgent need to harmonize ecological objectives with social justice. It calls into question governance structures and pushes for fairer, more inclusive decision-making processes.

The report begins with an essay by Kevin Puisieux, director of the Fondation de l’Écologie Politique, which examines the tensions between social equity and ecological imperatives. Drawing from the Yellow Vest movement, Puisieux explores the contradictions of a just transition while proposing pathways to bridge grassroots demands with institutional policies. This essay is supported by firsthand testimonies, reflective interviews, and in-depth research.

This publication does not offer simple solutions but invites readers to confront the complexities of these intertwined challenges. It encourages us to rethink long-standing assumptions and envision a Europe where social and ecological justice advance hand in hand.

About the authors

Kevin Puisieux – Director of the Fondation de l’Écologie Politique
Pierre Blavier – Research fellow at the CNRS / Clersé
Etienne Walker – Lecturer in geography at the University of Caen Normandy
Chloé Alexandre – Doctoral Candidate in Political Science, Sciences Po Grenoble, UGA
Alix Levain – Research Fellow in Anthropology, AMURE
Simon Persico – Professor of Political Science, Sciences Po Grenoble Université Grenoble-Alpes – PACTE
Magali Della Sudda – Research Fellow in Political Science – Centre Emile Durkheim

Jun 17 2024
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Green Approaches to Security and Defence

By Publications

In a shifting geopolitical landscape, Greens are grappling with the interplay between their traditional pacifist roots and the post-February 2022 security challenges. This report delves into their evolving stances on key defence issues, from EU military cooperation to disarmament, offering insights into the varied approaches adopted by Green parties from eight EU countries. Expert viewpoints featured throughout provide further feedback and inputs as to what a Green defence policy could (or should) look like. As Europe navigates turbulent waters, the report calls for renewed commitment to progressive and principled approaches to security and defence.

The report is structured into five chapters that address important EU military challenges. They portray a nuanced understanding of European security dynamics among Green parties, reflecting varying national contexts, strategic cultures, and historical perspectives. This report thus provides a clear mapping of green defence thinking across Europe, including points of convergence, gaps, and tensions. Complemented by the expert views, it gives a solid basis for further discussion within and beyond the Greens, to strengthen defence and security policy while maintaining a critical and progressive voice, even in uncertain times.

Chapter 1 delves into the complex institutional landscape of security and defence in Europe. It examines the debates surrounding the identity of the EU and looks at the respective roles of the EU and NATO as security providers.

Chapter 2 focuses on military expenditures and budget allocation. It discusses differing perspectives among Green parties on the use of GDP to set defence government budgets and on how these should be allocated.

Chapter 3 explores Green parties’ opinions on defence industrial policies broadly understood. It examines Green positions on grant programs put in place by the EU and shows diverging opinions on the allocation of public funds to industry.

Chapter 4 analyses positions on nuclear deterrence, disarmament, and arms control. Green parties generally continue to oppose the doctrine of nuclear deterrence, but the war in Ukraine has led some to revise their position on its effectiveness.

Chapter 5 delves into the intertwined concepts of civic militarism, civil protection and non-violence; their implications for military involvement in security as well as civilian participation to defence.

 

This report is a call to action for Green parties to embrace their role as catalysts for progressive security policies. By navigating the complexities of modern security with creativity, Greens can contribute to shaping a peace-oriented, sustainable, and common European security architecture.

 

About the authors

Agatha Verdebout is a researcher and deputy director at GRIP. Her main area of expertise is international peace and security law.

Anne Xuan Nguyen is a researcher at GRIP. Working more broadly on security and environmental issues, she specializes in conflict-related pollution and its remediation.

 

This report is also available in:

Greek – German

This study was conducted by the Green European Foundation with the support of Etopia , Cogito , Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe, and Sustainable Development Forum Green Window . The study was commissioned by GEF to the Groupe de recherche et d’information sur la paix et la sécurité (GRIP). It is published with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Parliament or the Green European Foundation.

Apr 18 2024
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Navigating NATO

By Publications

Green and progressive parties across Europe have historically held a sceptical view towards the military industry and defence alliances such as NATO. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine spotlighted existing security vulnerabilities and profoundly shifted the public and political debate. In this context, Greens may have differing attitudes towards NATO, but find themselves in the political reality of not if but how to engage within it. Based on desk research and expert interviews from ten European countries, this report explores different ways that greens and progressives can influence NATO, and the risks and opportunities this entails.

 

It is important to bring alternative thinking into mainstream and conservative security spaces, and with more Greens in parliaments and governments across the continent, there is both the room and need for greater influence and expertise.

 

About the author

Sarah Bitamazire

Sarah Bitamazire is a policy expert on international human rights law and foreign policy work in conflict and high-risk environments. She is currently Chief Policy Officer at Lumiera, a boutique advisory firm with policy, tech, and business expertise that equips organisations with responsible AI strategies. Prior to this she was at the heart of the Swedish policy debate on defence and foreign affairs, developing policy ideas for the Swedish Greens. Sarah is specialised in Public International Law and Human Rights Law, and holds a Law Degree from Uppsala University and Leiden University.

 

This report is also available in:

Greek – German

This study was conducted by the Green European Foundation with the support of Cogito. It is published with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Parliament or the Green European Foundation.

Mar 25 2024
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On the Narrative of Growth: Unlearning Dogmas

By Uncategorized

Context

This study explores how the growth narrative, once seen as the only measure of progress, is now being challenged by alternative viewpoints. It investigates the emergence of new societal narratives emphasizing values beyond mere economic growth. Through qualitative research rooted in the Spanish context, this publication aims to stimulate discussions on Europe’s future. 

 

Objectives

This publication seeks to broaden the discourse surrounding the predominant socio-economic model centered on growth and encourages exploration of alternative visions, particularly through a degrowth perspective. 

 

Project Background

Today, economic growth is still perceived as a sine qua non-condition for development. The hegemonic growth narrative leaves no room to explore alternative paths at the political level. The need to grow is so deeply rooted in this society that a political alternative seeking to limit growth is often outright rejected by the political and media establishment, as it poses a threat to the prevailing economic model. Reaching broader support inevitably involves combating the dominant narrative. This project aims to promote the questioning of faith in economic growth as the only way to prosperity. Encouraging society to reflect on the contrived growth narrative is essential to pave the way for post-crescent economic alternatives and green political thinking. 

 

Available Translations

Spanish

 

 

 

 

This report has been realised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Transicion Verde and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Feb 15 2024
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Women Leaders on the Frontlines

By Uncategorized

Context

Europe’s social economy sector, a highly feminised sector which employs 13.6 million people, representing 6.4% of the workforce, is faced with an increasingly impossible mission: delivering essential services at scale in the face of rising societal challenges, or at least that’s what is currently expected from them. This includes inequality and the climate crisis, to build societal cohesion in a context of increasing polarisation and loneliness, as well as to play a role of initiator and catalyser of the green transition.

“Our big mistake as women leaders in NGOs is the failure to acknowledge that the challenges we are experiencing are not personal, they are systemic.”

 

Objectives

This study, which represents the first-ever study of its kind, aims to take stock of the progress of the last decade, as well as identify remaining barriers and new opportunities for women CSO leaders in achieving systemic change in Europe. The idea for this study grew out of dozens of conversations the authors have had with their peer women leaders over the years. A survey of 148 women leaders was conducted to explore their strategies for managing complex demands, their perspectives on being women in leadership in 2023, their contributions to innovation and cultural transformation in the workplace, and the obstacles they encounter. Through 25 interviews and two focus groups, this study draws out recommendations for donors, organisations, and wider society to support and invest in transformative, feminist women’s leadership.

You can view the authors’ presentation from the study launch here.

This policy study “was commissioned by the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), with the support of GEF, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, and the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union, with the financial support of the European Parliament to GEF and FEPs.

Jan 12 2024
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Geopolitics of a Post-Growth Europe

By Uncategorized

Context

As it stands, degrowth fails to resonate with experts in foreign and security policy. It is easy to see why. In geopolitics, many determinants of power – trade, aid, tech nology, defence – are closely linked to GDP. If they do not ignore planetary boundaries altogether, geopolitical pundits trumpet the ‘green growth’ narrative so as to reconcile ecological and geopolitical security. It is this very narrative that degrowthers aim to refute.

It is better to manage the end of growth through democratic deliberation than to have it imposed on us by ecological breakdown.

 

Objectives

It is unlikely that we will be able to defuse the climate time bomb, let alone other ecological threats, as long as our economy continues to grow. But what would the end of economic growth mean for geopolitics? Could a European Union that is the first to embrace post-growth still be a global actor? Would it be able to defend itself, its allies, democracy, human rights, and the international rule of law at a time when aggressive autocracies are invading or threatening their democratic neighbours? This report addresses uneasy questions that few have dared to ask.

 

Project Background

This report is produced by the Green European Foundation. It is part of the project Geopolitics of a Post-Growth Europe. The project is led by Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks (NL) and supported by BlueLink (BG), Center for Green Politics (RS), Etopia (BE), Fondation de l’Écologie Politique (FR), Green House Think Tank (UK), and Transición Verde (ES). Check out www.geopoliticspostgrowth.eu for more interviews, videos, and other project outputs.

 

Available Translations

Dutch

Spanish

Serbian

French

Bulgarian

Czech

Portuguese

This report has been realised by the Green European Foundation with the support of  Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Jun 19 2023
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The Tilting City

By Uncategorized

Context

Three out of four Europeans live in a city. Therefore, cities are essential to lead the transformation to a socially and ecologically just society. This radical change is more urgent than ever, as IPCC reports remind us: already 3.5 billion people are highly vulnerable to climate impacts. Different cities suffer from diverse ecological impacts and will be differently affected by climate change. And within cities, certain groups are more exposed to the effects of air pollution, noise, and extreme temperatures than others. Without thoughtful politics and policies, the most vulnerable will suffer the consequences. In this context, ecological justice is vital. Taking inequalities into account and repairing the damage to these people’s lives but also holding those most responsible for the climate crisis to account.

‘’When imagining cities, we for instance cannot lose sight of the farmer in rural areas feeding urban mouths, or the homeless person at the city centre bus station.’’

Objectives

This publication aims to draw an image of what the city of the future could look like. The authors show alternatives to the current urban models and how they can be future-proof. This text will hopefully serve as a valuable source of information and bring up new thoughts among citizens activist, policymakers and everyone interested in exploring ethical and ecological ways of living in cities in the 21st century.

 

Project Background

This publication is part of Cities as a Place of Hope project of the Green European Foundation. With this project, we aim to create a strong communication network and solidarity network that will enable access to information and policies by compiling experiences and needs on sustainable and green city governments and related policies together with green associations in different cities in Europe. In this study, making the city’s actors effective and visible in city policies is one of our biggest goals.

 

Dowload

Available in Turkish

Available in Polish

Available in Greek

This report has been realised by the Green European Foundation with the support of  Oikos, Green Though Association and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Jun 19 2023
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Sketches of a New City

By Uncategorized

Context

While no city is the same, one thing all have in common is the challenge of creating a society that is fit for the future. Some of the most present problems citizens living in cities are experiencing are the effects of climate change–such as rising heat or lack of water. On a political level, cities often lack opportunities for citizens to actively engage and be part of decision-making processes on citie’s future.

Far too often, big and ambitious projects end with failures. We want to start in the opposite way – with small sketches; with working material that can in time develop into something durable and resilient’’

Objectives

In this publication, researchers, scholars, practitioners and activists share their insights gained through the direct experience and empirical evidence on the daily struggle of key changemakers at the municipal level aiming to inspire and educate citizens all over the world.

 

Project Background

This publication is one of the results of IPE’s participation in the GEF transnational project “Cities as Places of Hope – Resilient Cities”, where we aimed to vividly illustrate the most recent developments in some European cities and trace the pathways through which they can develop resilience, increase the well-being of citizens, reach ecological sustainability, and achieve more social justice.

Available in

Translations

Available in Macedonian

Available in Greek

 

This report has been realised by the Green European Foundation with the support of the Institute for Political Ecology, and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

May 30 2023
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Diversity and Inclusion (DEI): A Starting Guide

By Uncategorized

Context

There is no quick fix to the dangers democratic systems are facing, but one thing is certain: building an open and inclusive society will take consolidated efforts to restore civic participation and dialogue which goes way beyond election day.

Diversity and inclusion start at the organisational level, by adopting adequate policies that helps attract and retain a diverse set of talent.

 

Objectives

With this short pocket-guide, you are invited to dive into the topic of diversity and inclusion, a mental framework which invites for self- and organisational- reflection. While not pursuing the ambition of an all-encompassing guide, it aims to pose the question: “Are you, your team and your organisation ready to engage in open, respectful, and inclusive dialogue with diverse groups in society?”

 

This publication has been realized with the financial support of the European Parliament and the Robert Bosch Stiftung. The European Parliament and the Robert Bosch Stiftung are not responsible for the content of this publication.

Apr 27 2023
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El Lado Oscuro de lo Digital

By Uncategorized

Context

Currently, digital technology consumes 10% of the world’s electricity and contributes to 3-4% of the global greenhouse gas emissions at the increasing rate of over 9% per year. A country like France dedicates 8% of its electricity to digital consumption. A study of the semiconductor industry (2015) estimate that, at the current rate of growth of computing power, and given the gradual slowdown in gains in energy efficiency, digital technology could consume before 20703 the equivalent of all the world’s energy used in 2010.

 

This report has been realised by the Green European Foundation with the support of Transición Verde, Fondation de l’Écologie Politique, and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Apr 21 2023
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Regional Responses to Climate Change Through Regional Adaptations

By Uncategorized

Context

In its European Adaption to Climate Change, the EU presents the objective suggested to support 150 European regions and communities  working on climate resilience measures until 2023. It particularly takes into account the different ways that regions all over European are affected by Climate Change and how the European Union can support regions and local communities in the process of adjusting to the already existing and predicted effects of climate change on the daily lives of different communities.

The European Union should orient its climate change policy towards a policy mix that includes both Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change. The former implies a more passive and reactive approach to mitigating the effects of Climate Change, while the latter indicates an active mitigation response.

Objectives

Based on the outcomes of the project Regional Responses to Climate Change,  this study offers insights on the implementation and response to the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plans in the context of Greece and proposes a potential regional and local response to the predicted impacts of climate change .

Project Background

The “Regional Responses to Climate Change” project explores what a regional climate adaptation-resilience Plan would look like through a rethinking of policies for a new concept of infrastructure investments.

The creation of the publication has been possible thanks to the input from a large number of contributors, including: Panagiotis Panagos, Stavros Solomos, Demosthenes Sarigiannis, Rigas Tsiakiris, Panagiotis Vouros, Ilias Gianniris,  Elias Gianniris, Mirto Garis, Rigas Tsiakiris, Michael Bakas, Philippos Ganoulis, Nikos Poutsiakas and Costas Papakonstantinou.

 

This Publication is also available in Greek

This report has been realised by the Green European Foundation with the support of the Greek Green Institute, and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Mar 16 2023
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The Future of Eastern Europe and Eco-Democracy

By Uncategorized

Context & Objectives

Democracy in Eastern Europe is hanging by a thread. Authoritarianism is growing and nationalist narratives are reopening old conflicts. The pandemic has exposed governments’ inefficiencies to react to any sort of crisis and contributed to heighten polarisation in an already polarised society. On the other side, hope is on the horizon as progressive movements are gaining relevance locally, and mobilisation around environmental issues is rapidly growing. In this context, this publication aims to explore how to leverage these small steps and use them to strengthen the Green movement in the region. This publication is part of the Transnational Project The Future of Eastern Europe and Eco democracy.

“At least two to three generations of humans have now lived through some of the fastest changes with regards to the climate crisis and species extinction. It is up to us to reinvent politics, disrupt the status quo and create a solid foundation not only for us but also for the continued existence of biodiversity on our planet…”

 

Download

Also available in Greek.

Also available in Turkish.

 

This publication has been published by the Green European Foundation with the support of Cooperation Development Networks Eastern Europe (CDNEE), Green Thought Association (Turkey), Sustainable Development Forum Green Window (Croatia), Green Institute (Greece) and Ecopolis Foundation (Hungary).

Feb 08 2023
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Feminists in the Environmental Movement

By Uncategorized

Context

Through an ecofeminist lense, this publication explores the connection between feminism, youth, and the environmental struggles in Central and Eastern Europe. As part of the Feminists in the Environmental Movement project, we have explored these concepts within urban areas, but the struggle in rural and de-urbanised areas remained under-examined. While green successes and support often concentrate in urban centres, engaging and mobilising rural communities is crucial to achieve a socially just green transition.

 

Objectives

This publication includes an extensive research on the lives of young female activists in rural and de-urbanised areas, the stories of their struggles, victories and hopes for the future. It aims to raise voices of people who are usually unheard in the European landscape. While reading the different articles, you will explore the lives of women in rural areas, their perspectives and tools to cope with the local issues, and the multiple forms of oppression they face.

Let’s stand in solidarity and truly “leave no one behind” in our path towards a just society!

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Turkish (Please note this translation is an abridged version of the original publication).

This publication has been produced by the Green European Foundation with the support of Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Eu-rope (CDN) and with the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.

Feb 01 2023
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Rethinking Heating and Cooling

By Uncategorized

Context

Climate impacts became more apparent within Europe through the record high temperatures in the summer of 2022. This has converged with a cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and consequent shortages of Russian gas and an unprecedented increase in energy prices. Whilst governments in some countries have shown imaginative thinking to deal with the immediate energy crisis, this thinking needs to be extended with a view to long-term changes of behaviour, practices and social norms. Change is essential to limit energy demand in the future as a critical response to the climate crisis.

Ensuring everyone has a living space that they can maintain at temperatures safe for human health should be a government priority.

 

Objectives

This publication argues for a broad rethink of the demand for heating and cooling buildings that goes beyond calls for widespread retrofit. It draws from the earlier ‘Rethinking Energy Demand’ report (October 2022) and the interviews conducted for that report with academics and thought-leaders across Europe. The earlier report considered the need and means to sufficiently reduce energy demand. This policy briefing invites policy makers to extend their thinking beyond the immediate crisis towards a longer-term strategy for delivering the human need for thermal comfort whilst eliminating carbon emissions. The briefing comprises 6 sections and offers 16 policy recommendations, across both efficiency and sufficiency measures.

 

Translations

Available in Spanish

Available in Greek

 

This publication has been realised by the Green European Foundation and Green House Think Tank with the financial support of the European Parliament. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Jan 31 2023
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Nuclear Power

By Uncategorized

Context

The nuclear power lobby is stronger today than ever. The lobbyists have succeeded in creating an enormous disparity in the perception of what to believe and reality. The post-Chernobyl generation is increasingly falling prey to the fairy tale of modern, safe, cheap and CO2 neutral nuclear power. These arguments can be quickly refuted and often only serve to conceal the ulterior motive: to increase the stockpile of nuclear armaments. Nuclear power will most definitely not save the environment.

Objectives

This publications argues that nuclear power is not the solution to climate change including a critical analysis of the main ten misconceptions about “green” nuclear power. It has been written in close cooperation with Martin Litschauer, Member of the Austrian Parliament and Anti-nuclear Spokesman of the Austrian Greens, and Maria Niedertscheider, Expert Assistant, Austrian Federal Environmental Agency. Th purpose of the brochures is to serve as guidance for a broad European discussion and as a concise summary of the narrative on nuclear power as a supposedly bridge technology.

If we want to protect ourselves and save the environment, we have to use solar, wind and geothermal energy, because these are the fastest and safest ways to achieve the energy transition.

Translations

Available in Turkish

Available in Slovenian

This publication, originally published by FREDA, has been realised by the Green European Foundation and FREDA with the financial support of the European Parliament. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Jan 09 2023
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Go, but Slow: Neue Wege des Reisens

By Uncategorized

Context

When we talk about tourism, it’s all about the economy, but at the same time, we are talking about nature. However, these two terms don’t always go together well.  Moreover, the climate crisis and the energy transition will soon shift the tourism industry as we know it. Because travelling will be different in the future, we have collected a few examples from Austria and its border regions that show how this transformation could take place.

The transition to a more sustainable form of tourism is not a distant utopia. It is feasible – with the involvement of all local stakeholders, with the involvement of politics and economy, with consideration of the needs of people and nature.

Objectives

This brochure aims to call readers to rethink all aspects of the tourism sector at a national and European level. More often than not, the consequences of tourism go from a workforce suffering from low wages to working conditions that circumvent national regulations, especially in structurally weak regions of Europe. The damages caused to people and the environment have serious consequences. The same applies to the cost of a rapidly growing ecological footprint in the industry. All these facts are calling for joint European solutions.

This publication has been published by the Green European Foundation with the support of FREDA foundation (Serbia), and the financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Oct 26 2022
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Rethinking Energy Demand

By Uncategorized

Context

Scientists are clear that Europe must significantly reduce its overall energy demand to meet the targets for carbon reduction necessary to limit climate danger. In its latest report on climate mitigation, the IPCC has, for the first time, included a chapter dedicated to reducing demand. This chapter concludes that calling for individual action is insufficient and that a society-wide approach is needed for significant impact, delivering up to 70% decarbonisation.

However, there is a dangerous silence on this matter within the public sphere. Politicians are hesitant to speak on this point, fearing the disruption that this will cause. (2) However, disruption is an inevitable part of any economic change and there is still time to make a choice about the form this disruption takes. Avoiding the topic closes off all options around how to address the impacts.

Objectives

This report explores the need to rethink energy demand in terms of policies, politics and economics. It draws on interviews and round-table discussions with academics researching energy reduction and sufficiency, and post-growth and macroeconomics, and with green politicians.

Energy demand is just a subset of how humanity is exceeding planetary boundaries.

 

The report focuses on the barriers, opportunities and where sufficient changes could be unlocked through new governance, policies and communication, rather than on specific policies for specific sectors.  Whilst this report focuses specifically on reducing direct energy demand, much of the report’s findings could be applied to much wider challenges, including the indirect energy embodied in supply chains, which also need to be reduced if we are to address the interlocking climate and ecological crises. The report is written to inform and provide a resource for policy makers, politicians, climate campaigners and the general public who are motivated to respond to the climate change threat.

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Available in Greek

Available in Catalan

Available in Spanish

This publication has been realised by the Green European Foundation and Green House Think Tank with the financial support of the European Parliament. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.

Oct 19 2022
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City and countryside: so close, so far

By Uncategorized

Context

In an increasingly urban world, building resilient cities has become a challenge. But for this challenge to be successfully addressed, we cannot focus solely on urban areas. We need to develop strategies that consider the territory surrounding cities, as well as their dependence on the resources from rural areas. Establishing a balanced relationship between cities and their rural environment will bring mutual benefits while giving greater autonomy and independence to the city itself in obtaining the basic resources it needs. Based on this premise, this publication explores best practices in managing food, water or energy to make our cities and territories more resilient.

This report is partially based on the outputs of the conference “City and Countryside: So Close, So Far Away” (May 26th 2022), as part of the “Cities as places of hope” project.

 

Resilience is the capacity of a living being to adapt to a disturbing agent or an adverse situation. This term also applies to cities, for which this capacity to adapt is essential to respond to the major crises of our time.

 

Download

Available in Spanish

Available in Polish

 

This publication has been realized by the Green European Foundation and Transición Verde with the financial support of the European Parliament. The European Parliament is not responsible for the content of this publication.