Compass has called for a more imaginative, inspiring discussion about Europe with the launch of its new report, Building a Good Europe.
The report, published in partnership with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) London, draws on ideas discussed online and during a participatory event for around 100 people. It explores the questions:
- What is the purpose of the EU in the 21st century?
- What policies do we need for Europe to achieve its purpose?
- How do we make it happen?
“Europe is not just a place, it’s a story we tell each other,{ it says. “By nature it’s a cultural construct and this will shape its evolution. A Good Europe will be a continent-wide expression of what it means to be human in the 21st century. It will be relational, not transactional. Solidarity will transcend borders as we work together to bring about a better world that is underpinned by the original intentions behind the EU (peace, human rights and equality) but more fair, green and democratic, where security and freedom will go hand in hand.”
The report is a response to the mainstream debate around the EU referendum which Compass describe as “unimaginative and full of fear”.
“Recent events throughout the EU, particularly austerity and the solidarity crisis, have thrown the EU’s purpose in the 21st century into question and exposed democratic and institutional failures,” say Compass.
The Good Europe project “takes the opportunity to have a more positive and creative discussion about the Europe we really want”.
Compass chair Neal Lawson played a leading role in the ‘Vote In – Another Europe is Possible’ event on 28 May at which Greek economist Yanis Varoufakis and Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell were headline speakers.
Some 1,000 people attended the day of talks and discussions at London’s Institute of Education, the first event of a national tour to persuade voters to support the In campaign.
Reports and videos of the London event are available here.
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More information about Another Europe is Possible is available here.
