EU in the world

Strengthening a sovereign EU voice in diplomacy

Proposals by young citizens

Find a selection of the proposals made by young Europeans

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    Jules, 22

    It is necessary to become a third pole independent of both the U.S. and China and Russia

    accord icon78% approval
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    Michal, 32

    The EU needs to make its own decisions about Europe, without pressure from the big powers (USA, China, Russia).

    accord icon83% approval
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    Flavio

    Europe must stop being militarily economically and technologically dependent on the US.

    accord icon75% approval
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    Simona, 24

    The influence of third (the US, Russia, China) should be limited and the sovereignty of the EU should be taken care of.

    accord icon80% approval
Position by JEF Europe.

The EU must become self-reliant and capable of protecting its citizens to reach its potential as a global leader in promoting democracy, human rights and upholding international norms.
Foreign policy must become more democratic by working towards making it an EU exclusive competence through treaty reform, increasing the European Parliament’s oversight and ensuring respect for human rights.
Another key step is unifying European defence industries and integrating EU defence capabilities.
Find the extended version here.

Responsesby European political parties

All European political parties that are represented with ten or more members in the European Parliament (in February 2024) were invited to provide their responses.

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We must speak with one EU voice internationally. All the more so when it comes to violation of human rights, which we cannot tolerate, so we must take a firm stance against human rights violations in third countries. This also applies to migration issues, where EU rules need to be harmonised to enable the Union to speak with one voice. We also want to develop genuine EU military power and support Europe's strategic autonomy, while preserving the transatlantic relationship with NATO. More about this party, their programme & national members

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The EU has shown that it can be and it is a leading global player. But we can achieve much more to make our Union stronger and act as one voice. We believe in institutional reform to transform the Commission into a democratic executive, with one president at the helm of the EU’s executive so the world finally knows whom to call. We should use our power to build partnerships with like-minded countries to strengthen the EU’s global influence in order to promote our values. More about this party, their programme & national members

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Security policy is at the centre of the EU agenda. We must rejuvenate multilateralism & values-based foreign policy. The EU must work closely with democracies & like-minded partners worldwide & create new ties for multilateral cooperation outside the Global North, working with all parties committed to peace, human rights & international law. The green transition has always been a question of security. More control over our energy system, crucial technologies & vital supply chains, is crucial. More about this party, their programme & national members

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The EU must be better equipped in securing its interests and values. We promote a stronger CSDP and “Made in Europe” 2030 strategy to reduce dependencies on the US and China. We believe in the rules-based multilateral order to reduce tensions and international conflicts. We put human rights and democracy at the core of external relations. We want an assessment of what EU architecture reforms are needed, with targeted Treaty changes, and move towards more majority decisions in certain matters. More about this party, their programme & national members

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We understand that an independent and no aligned European diplomacy based on the defense of peace and human rights is necessary. We have to defend the peace and not the war. More about this party, their programme & national members

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EFA believes the EU can become a stronger and more independent actor on the world stage. We should work together with those countries that share our values, but acknowledge when our interests differ. That requires us to work better as a continent with a more powerful and united voice. We support a move towards qualified majority voting in foreign policy, so that the EU can be more decisive and self-sufficient – and so that it can promote peace and democracy worldwide. More about this party, their programme & national members

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This European political party did not provide a response. More about this party, their programme & national members

response

This European political party did not provide a response. More about this party, their programme & national members

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This European political party did not provide a response. More about this party, their programme & national members

The answers by political actors are automatically translated and may contain mistakes.You can find the original, English version here.

Other ideas that might interest you!

Democracy & EU institutions

Increasing citizen participation and their understanding of the EU

Climate change & environment

Strengthening sustainable European industries and recycling

Economy, social justice & employment

Promoting easier access to employment, especially for the youth

Go back to the citizen agenda

About EurHope

EurHope has the goal to activate young Europeans ahead of the European elections. At the core stands the Agenda of Hope, which was established on the basis of a participatory engagement campaign in 2023.

EurHope is co-lead by JEF Europe & Make.org and supported by more than 50 organisations from all over Europe (including European institutions).

About EurHope