Fragmented and Fragile: LGBTQIA+ Rights across the EU
LGBTQIA+ rights in the EU are fragmented and inconsistent - a true union would give everyone the opportunity to thrive.
Thriving Together
Though equality, fairness and democracy are fundamental European values, they are not a reality for everyone across the continent. Our society is divided by factors such as wealth, race, gender and ability: arbitrary differences that lift some up while excluding others.
Human rights are under threat, with attacks on reproductive rights, a rise in hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people and unacceptable increases in islamophobia and anti-semitism. Meanwhile, new divides are being forged online by rampant disinformation, hate speech and the negative impacts of social media.
Volt aims to harness the resources and wealth that Europe already possesses to provide citizens with the opportunities that we all need to flourish. We will ensure that factors such as geography, socio-economic status, gender, ethnic background and disability no longer act as brakes on a person’s wellbeing. From education and housing, to reproductive and digital rights, Volt will provide the means to create a Union that works for all its citizens, not just those privileged by circumstance.
News News about Thriving Together
International Women’s Day: What is Volt doing for women?
Europe’s prosperity depends on gender equality. Here’s what Volt is doing for women.
Violence against sex workers can be curbed – but not with our current policies
Everyone has a right to be protected against violence. Sex workers, however, not only face appalling levels of violent, but their vulnerability has been actively exacerbated by policymaking.
Promotion of inclusivity and fight against discrimination
Europe prides itself on being a region of openness, equality and freedom, but that cannot be true until our Union is equally fair for all. Millions of Europeans still suffer discrimination based on their race, religion, sexuality and gender. Volt is committed to fighting discrimination and exclusion to build a Europe where we can all be who we are and live as we please.
Lifelong Education for Social Mobility
Volt sees quality education at all stages of life as the driver behind social mobility and societal progress. As well as ensuring a high-quality education system for our youngsters, we need low-tuition universities, (re)training programmes and free daycare to make further education accessible for learners of all ages.
Affordable and accessible housing and vibrant cities
Most of us live in towns or cities. With the number of urban dwellers expected to grow, it’s time we created liveable, affordable and well-connected cities. Volt has a plan to make metropolitan areas better places to live by radically reimagining the housing market, investing in public and low-carbon transportation and advocating for 15-minute cities.
Better digital rights for everyone
We are living in a digital era, but citizens’ rights are far from being fully protected in the digital space. It’s vital that everyone enjoy the same rights online as they do offline, protected from hate speech, tracking or misuse of data. Volt is committed to championing digital rights in Europe and ensuring that no individual or company is above the law when it comes to protecting online freedoms.
Uphold the Declaration on European Digital Rights and Principle for the Digital Decade
Provide dedicated funding to bringing digital rights violators to justice
Ensure that digital rights are considered in the drafting of all new European legislation
Collaborate with existing institutions and Member States to protect digital rights
More themes
The 5+1 Challenges
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.
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01
Smart State
Education and digitalisation are key elements of the 21st century
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02
Economic Renaissance
An innovative economy must be the engine of society's progress
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03
Social Equality
No-one should be left behind - no matter their gender, income, religion. or origin
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04
Global Balance
Europe needs to assume responsibility for its role in global challenges
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05
Citizen Empowerment
People must be empowered to influence politics beyond elections alone
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+1
EU Reform
We love the EU - this doesn't mean there is no room for improvement