The European Left - A Networking Party

The EL is open to everybody who is interested in left policy and actions. We have therefore chosen open structures and the principle of a networking party. A unique feature of the EL structure is the integration of working groups and actors of all kinds. This reflects the intention of the EL to open politics to citizens, and to carry through common demands by coordinated action.

Until now eleven working groups have been established and are cooperating with several movements and interested people. One member of the EL Executive Board is responsible for the respective political issue of each group. Working style and methods may vary. Special attention is given to the fact that as many countries as possible are represented in such a pluralistic body. The working groups organise themselves individually, for example by mailing lists.

On certain issues, the EL also collaborates with the left-wing parliamentary group GUE/NGL in the European Parliament, as well as with European organisations and networks. It wants to initiate cooperation of itself and its member parties with local or regional organisations of other European and international structures.

From the Statute of the EL:

Article 8

1. The work of the EL organs has to be performed openly and transparently, its documents are to be published. The EL documents and materials are supplied to all member parties and political organisations.
2. For the concrete mode of work of all bodies as well as regulations concerning the decision-making process rules of procedures have to be worked out and to be adopted by these organs on proposal of the council of chairpersons.
3. Respecting the values of gender democracy the share of women in all organs (except the Council of Chairpersons) must be 50%.
4. Being a pluralistic association, proceedings of the EL have to be chosen that guarantee the rights of different sensitivities.

Article 9

1. The EL is striving to cooperate closely with parliamentarian groups of the Left in other European bodies and networks.
2. The EL will establish forms of cooperation with youth organisations of the European Left - both representing national or regional organisations as well as European structures and other international networks.

Six tasks of communication:

Internal

• Communication between the Members of the EL-management-body (Executive Board, Council of Chairpersons)
• Communication with the member parties
• Communication between working-groups and structures of the member parties

External

• Communication between EL-Executive Board and GUE/NGL
• Communication with NGOs and the European public
• Communication with other left parties, not only in Europe

Practices and techniques of EL communication:

A genuine and up-to-date web presence is the most important condition for transparency.

The secretariat takes care of the information between the Chairpersons and the members of the Executive Board, as well as between the coordinators of the working groups and the management body of the EL. The secretariat should run a political calendar with the dates of meetings of the EL. The secretariat should publish a monthly newsletter for NGOs, observers and other parties or organisations.