VISIONOF A RESPONSIBLE EUROPE IN THE WORLD

Eurosteps vision The European Union is a community born of a desire for peace.It is based upon the values of democracy, equality, solidarity, social justice, tolerance, the respect of human rights and the international rule of law.

Eurosteps vision The Union is the worlds largest provider of development aid.This gives the EU both the means and the mandate to be a truly effective cooperation partner

Eurosteps vision Europes challenge is to ensure that eradicating poverty is the mainstay of its relations with developing countries.Development cooperation should be placed at the heart of the European Unions foreign policy.

Eurosteps vision Our Vision of a Responsible Europe is a union which upholds our shared values not only between its Member States but with the whole worldWhich recognizes its role as a global partner for developmentAnd which translates its commitments into results.

Our vision is shared by many NGOs, civil society actors and government officials from the South.

They expect a Europe which is more engaged with the problems of the South and the fight against poverty

VISIONS FROM THE SOUTH

A Europe, that cares and inspires. That uses all its energies to enable the poor to win their battles for dignity and self-worth. That endeavors to resolve deeply contentious issues through debate, dialogue and mutual respect Shanta Sinsha, MVF Foundation, INDIA

We have enough faith and determination to create better living conditions for our future generations. But we need the political support of a strong global player willing and able to tackle key environmental challenges affecting the whole world Wangari Maathai 2004 Nobel Peace Laureate, Deputy Environment Minister, KENYA

We expect Europe will play a major role in ensuring that safe food is available to rich and poor alike. We Expect Europe to support small and poor famers and to stop global corporations from producing unsafe food with the introduction of genetically modified crops Rukmini Rao, Executive Director, Centre for World Solidarity, INDIA

I think that the main priority should not be aid per se. The main priority should be working in partnership. Emily Sikazwe, Women for Change, ZAMBIA

We hope that Europe will make a big investment in our countries in the area of education which is fundamental to build up our human resources and also to help our government and non-government actors to build a pluralistic, secular and democratic society Rezaul Karim Chowdury, Secretary National Council Supro, BANGLADESH

A Responsible Europe should play an important role in enhancing the Mediterranean partnership. This partnership should be based on building peace and security in the region, social and economic reform and the mutual respect of cultural diversity Ziad Abdel Zamad, Arab NGO Network for Development, LEBANON

If Europe is not seen as a global political key actor by the rest of the world, it will be very difficult that it plays an important role in other areas Cecilia Alemany, Social Watch, URUGUAY

Eurosteps vision of a Responsible Europe is also shared by Commissioners, Members of the European Parliament and other important decision-makers

VISIONS FROM EUROPE

A Responsible Europe must focus on conflict prevention and the promotion of stability through development There is no nobler objective for us Europeans than to win the fight for social and global justice Glennys Kinnock, Member of the European Parliament

I am convinced that the responsibility which Europe carries is growing and that this must be assumed by the new member states. Countries which struggled hard to be part of the European Union must not forget that by their membership not only have they accepted rights and privileges but also a portion of Europes responsibility Vaclav Havel, Writer and Dramatist, last President of Czechoslovakia and first President of the Czech Republic

Our borders must not become a kind of castle wall separating stable, democratic and prosperous Europe from a surrounding world of instability and poverty. That would be in no-ones interests. Instead, we want to share the benefits of EU enlargement with our neighbours to the East and South. Margot Wallstrm, Commissioner

I think that Europe has the instruments to tackle poverty. The challenge is to translate them into practical action both at European policy level and at programming level in the partner countries. Tom Arnold, Chief Executive, Concern Worldwide, Ireland

As sure as night follows day, unless we address the issue of poverty, we are setting the stage for global confrontation. For selfless and selfish reasons I want to see a Europe which makes these issues its primary external priority. Gay Mitchell, Member of the European Parliament

VISIONERADICATING POVERTY

Why should Europe fight against global poverty?Because the majority of the European citizens expect the Union to apply the values of solidarity and social justice in its relations with developing countries.

Why should Europe fight against global poverty?Because the European Union has a legal obligation established in its treaties to prioritize development objectives

Why should Europe fight against global poverty?Because the European Union has promised to work towards the eradication of poverty and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

How should the European Union pursue the fight against poverty?

By ensuring the inclusion of a Commissioner for development and humanitarian aid

How should the European Union pursue the fight against poverty?

By ending current fragmentation in EU development policies and establishing a SINGLE AID AGENCY

How should the European Union pursue the fight against poverty?

By allowing the European Parliament to fully scrutinize EU development policies

MESSAGE FOR THE ONCOMING EUROPEAN ELECTIONS

We would like to ask future members of the European Parliament to commit themselves to development issues.

We believe that Europe has both the conviction and the capacity to successfully fight against poverty and create a world with opportunities for everyone

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