The EU has the potential to become a force for positive change . With its unique mix of diversity, economic power and an innovative defence industry, it meets all the requirements to become a positive global actor. However, the EU can only become an instrumental player in the world, if and when it acknowledges past mistakes and works towards a self-reflecting and progressive foreign policy culture.
To become the leader we envision, the EU must invest in its resilience against hybrid warfare and welcome new member states into a united Europe. In doing so, the EU will foster stability and peace on our continent and shape a more equitable, effective and legitimate multilateral system for all.
What does it mean to truly advocate for peace in Israel and Palestine? In a rare and eye-opening debate hosted by Volt in Amsterdam, Alon-Lee Green and Rula Daood - directors of the grassroots...
By Reinier van Lanschot
The EU and its member states must step up to protect international law.
To become a bigger and better EU, Volt wants to reform the enlargement methodology. Instead of “all or nothing”, we argue for an innovative gradual approach. A single EU needs a single voice for diplomatic and defence efforts. Volt wants to create two distinct roles for defence and security officials - an EU Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence - under an elected European government.
Volt wants Europe to be a progressive force in the world that supports developing nations and is conscious about its colonial and imperial legacies. To become more effective, coherent and visible, Volt proposes to pool development funds on the European level. Furthermore, we suggest a new, fairer way of giving loans to developing countries to rival what is already offered by the World Bank and Beijing.
Volt wants to establish an EU Ministry of Defence to ensure the security of our union. This will be a centralised institution to oversee all European defence efforts, that should be empowered to identify and remedy its own needs. Volt wants the EU to focus on becoming a global defence innovator for current and future defence technologies, while promoting the prohibition of nuclear weapons and reducing global stocks.
Volt wants the EU to take centre stage in creating a more peaceful and equal world by collaborating with our partners in the UN and NATO. We will work closely with our international associates to promote the restructuring of the global financial system and make the UN more democratic. Furthermore, we aim to improve the cooperation between the EU and NATO by establishing an EU-NATO Strategic Coordination Group.
Volt has defined 5+1 fundamental Challenges that need to be tackled in each European country and in Europe as a whole.
Why 5 + 1 Challenges?
The 5 Challenges are basically the same for every country, but their implementation can be adapted on the national level to take into account local realities.
The +1 Challenge – our proposal to reform and strengthen the EU – is identical across all our national programmes.
Education and digitalisation are key elements of the 21st century
An innovative economy must be the engine of society's progress
No-one should be left behind - no matter their gender, income, religion. or origin
Europe needs to assume responsibility for its role in global challenges
People must be empowered to influence politics beyond elections alone
We love the EU - this doesn't mean there is no room for improvement
