Dear friend,
I hope I find you and your loved ones well and safe.
With this mail you are invited to mark your calendars and save the date for the next 34th EGP Council meeting to be held in Budapest, Hungary.
The democratic backsliding we are witnessing in Hungary and across Europe is harming opportunities for all citizens and has proven to be, so far, a difficult challenge for the European Union. But there is hope! In Hungary, a united opposition is heading towards the 2022 elections with the goal of restoring democratic standards, fighting corruption, and rebuilding the social fabric.
Together, meeting for the first time in person since 2020, we will bring diverse perspectives to bear on the fight against corruption. Citizens across Europe are increasingly standing up to demand an end to corruption, and its devastating consequences for democracy and economic and social wellbeing. Green forces across Europe have always been at the forefront of this fight against corruption and against the misuse of power. Together, we will continue to shape solutions to answer the rightful desire of citizens across the continent for a life free of corruption.
As we look and act in hope for a renewed democratic future for Hungary and the other countries who suffer from illiberal regimes, we will explore, as a political family, the path towards renewed democratic standards and effective rule of law.
As Greens, we rarely walk our path alone but often seek to achieve positive change as part of alliances. Being in power in diverse coalitions is an opportunity for us to deliver for citizens, but it comes with its fair shares of challenges. This Council will be the opportunity to discuss and learn from each other when it comes to achieving the Green agenda in these alliances.
For this 34th EGP Council, we will be gathering in Budapest, a highly symbolic place for the fight for democracy. Its Green mayor, Gergely Karácsony, who will be joining us, has been fighting since his election to restore democratic standards from the ground up.
The Council will be the opportunity to continue forging our solutions for the European Union as well. The EU has been struggling to effectively address the gradual democratic backsliding witnessed in too many European countries. How can Green proposals ensure that democratic standards and the rule of law are protected across the Union? How can we prevent the misuse of EU funds and ensure these funds truly address the needs of citizens? How can we engage citizens and foster their participation to build back vibrant democracies? These questions will further enrich our debates in the upcoming Council.
We look forward to sharing more information with you in the coming weeks. We already encourage all Green party members and delegates to save the date and join the fight to strengthen hope for a more democratic Hungary in Budapest from 3 - 5 December 2021!
Kind regards,
Mar Garcia
EGP Secretary General