European Parliament – Hearings of Commissioners-Designate
The European Left’s Vision for a Fairer Europe: Critiques of EU Priorities.
During recent European Parliament hearings with the Commissioners-Designate, we, the European Left, presented our vision for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful Europe. At the same time, we expressed strong critiques of the EU’s current direction. Here are the key points:
A Foreign Policy of Peace, Not Power
We are calling for a fundamental shift away from the EU’s current geopolitical strategies, which we believe are driven by imperialist interests. We emphasize the need for de-escalation of conflicts and a reduction in military spending. Europe should lead with diplomacy, not military might. We also point out the EU’s “double standards” in its international stance, particularly in its inconsistent responses to global conflicts.
Standing Against Militarization
We oppose the EU’s increasing focus on defense and NATO expansion. Recent parliamentary hearings highlighted “military readiness” and “full-spectrum capability,” which we see as leading the EU down a dangerous and militaristic path at the expense of diplomacy and social welfare. The creation of a Defense Commissioner, while there is none for Employment and Social Affairs, shows a deeply misplaced set of priorities. Allocating billions to projects like the Skyshield while social needs go underfunded is unacceptable to us.
Housing as a Fundamental Right
Housing must be treated as a basic human right, not a commodity. We are pushing for strict rent caps, an end to forced evictions, and substantial investments in public housing at both national and EU levels. “Everyone deserves a home,” we emphasize, calling for affordable, decent housing as an urgent priority. Reforming state aid rules is crucial if we are to address Europe’s housing crisis, and we stress that public intervention is key.
Building a Green and Just Economy
Our vision for the economy is one that respects both the planet and its workers. We are advocating for robust public investment in green jobs, particularly in transport, healthcare, and energy. We challenge the EU’s market-driven agenda, insisting that competitiveness should not come at the expense of fair wages and social standards. Public ownership in essential sectors is crucial for a fairer economy that serves everyone.
Public Control of Energy
We call for public ownership over energy production and distribution, ensuring that no one is left without essential heat and power. Energy is a basic human right, not a market commodity, and we demand energy sovereignty for municipalities to ensure fair access for all. The dominance of corporate interests in the energy sector must be challenged.
A Cooperative, Fair EU Enlargement
The EU enlargement should focus on strengthening human rights, democracy, and social cohesion—not exploiting cheap labor or resources. The current competitive approach needs to change. We call for a cooperative, inclusive economy that uplifts all member states equally. For us, a united Europe must be built on fair trade and regional cohesion, not economic competition that benefits only a few.
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