What we stand for
We, the Federation of Young European Greens (FYEG), are the movement of the Green youth at the European level. Our individual and organisational backgrounds lie in the social and environmental justice movements, in feminist and queer battles, and in the defence of fundamental rights and democracy. For more than 30 years, our member organisations have joined forces at the European level, to make the green Europe we wish to see become reality.
FYEG advocates for systemic changes that cannot be achieved through a catalogue of single-issue political measures. They require the dismantling of various systems of oppression and the transformation of society as a whole. Therefore, our fight is not limited to institutions. We are also active at the grassroots level, running campaigns together, supporting local struggles, and empowering changemakers through non-formal education projects.
Our work and practices as a movement must be aligned with what we stand for. We must fight against the sexist, racist, ageist, ableist, class-based systems of oppression – also within our own organisations. Only in this way can we build a truly inclusive movement for all.
1.
A DIVERSE AND FEMINIST EUROPE
We fight for intersectional feminism, a feminism that is anti-racist, anti-fascist, and draws from the queer and disability rights movements. Our feminism recognises diversity and the different ways in which privilege and oppression manifest in society.
2.
A DEMOCRATIC EUROPE
We believe in a more integrated and federal Europe and a European Union, which are truly democratic and embrace and encourage the active participation of their inhabitants. For us, this means the protection of the rights of the people, representative democratic systems, lowering the voting age to 16 and protecting the right to organise and to take part in protests freely.
3.
A SUSTAINABLE EUROPE
The current economic system of material growth and environmental exploitation is not only the root cause of climate change, but a cause of injustice. To stop climate change, we need a shift towards a democratic economy able to properly address environmental damage and the use of natural resources. We believe that it is essential to adopt an intersectional approach that recognizes those who are the most responsible for climate change are least likely to be affected by it when analysing the causes and effects of the climate crisis.
4.
A Green and Feminist Economy
We identify the root causes of the social and environmental crises as lying within the current economic system. The green and feminist economy we want to build means the democratisation of the economy, the redistribution of wealth, just transition and a inter and intragenerational equity.
5.
A Social Europe
We need a truly social Europe. This includes fighting inequalities, rethinking the way we work, and taking strong action on housing, health, and education. FYEG stands for the implementation of a minimum income across the EU, set at an amount matching the cost of living in each region.
6.
Europe in the World
We believe that European foreign policy must uphold human rights, democracy, the rule of law and the respect of international law; preserve and build peace; pursue multilateral solutions; and fight for effective action at the global level to fight climate change, the biodiversity crisis, and other global environmental and social challenges.