A European Green Caring Society

About

This policy brief examines the interconnections between care for the climate, biodiversity and the environment on the one hand and care for humans on the other. It argues that the related systems are currently in a twin crisis and advocates for integrated political solutions.

As Europe transitions from a legislative term dominated by a pandemic and an escalating ecological emergency, which required significant green and human care policy initiatives, the new mandate presents an opportunity to unify these agendas and strengthen both systems. Adopting a green caring society approach can foster collaboration among decision-makers committed to a sustainable, resilient, and positive European future.

Key proposals to achieve this goal are put forward in the brief, and include extending the Do No Harm principle to encompass both human and environmental care, fostering a green care sector, implementing ecological and progressive tax reforms, establishing a People’s Sovereignty Fund and creating a new Commission Vice-Presidency for Caring Societies. These initiatives aim to bridge policy silos, promote sustainability, and ensure social equity, thus fostering a resilient and inclusive European society.

The concept of a Green Caring Society also has significant international implications. The interconnected nature of both the ecological crisis and public health risks necessitates global cooperation. The EU must minimise the negative impacts of its care systems on the world while maximising positive outcomes through mutually beneficial partnerships. Supporting a global green care strategy and advocating for the rights of future generations and nature are essential components of this effort.

A Green Care Society can bring the EU closer to its citizens and enhance overall well-being while respecting the planet’s boundaries. This unified approach of green and care policy strands has the potential to significantly enhance public support for the European project and ensure a sustainable, resilient future for all.

This policy brief is part of the GEF Knowledge Communities.

Contributors

Céline Charveriat, Core expert of this Knowledge Community, the Founder and Director of Pro(to)topia and Adjunct Professor at PSIA. She is an independent environmentalist and former Executive Director at the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP).

Taube Van Melkebeke, Green European Foundation (GEF)’s Head of Policy and Knowledge Communities lead. For further information, contact her at taube.vanmelkebeke@gef.eu.

This policy brief has been realised by the Green European Foundation 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.