Today, on July 1st 2008, the French government takes over the presidency of the European Council from the Slovene government. The media and the general discourse will focus on the symbol represented by a large founding member succeeding a small new member state.

As young Slovene and French socialists, as young European socialist, we can only see a conservative government succeeding another conservative government.

Both act in striking contradiction to the Union’s motto “unity in diversity” by persecuting LGBT people on the one side and migrants on the other side.

For everyone, that smoothesthe transition cost from an economic model based on oil, to a sustainable and environmental friendly model. It is a The Europe we call for is a different one. It’s an inclusive Europe Europe that ensures that migrants are welcomed in decent conditions and that is solidar towards their countries of origin. It is a Europe that guarantees workers’ rights and the preservation of their social and welfare systems in a globalised and changing environment.
We call on the new presidency to exert its mandate with modesty and to be at the service of the European citizens, and not of the French President’s ego.

The current political and democratic crisis that the European institutions are caught in after the Irish “no” only reflect a broader sentiment of lacking confidence towards politics in general.

As young European socialists, we commit to a truly political, democratic and social Europe. We seize the elections towards the European Parliament in June 2009 as a unique opportunity and also as a duty to politise the campaign and to stand up for the aspirations of the European people.

Last weeks deal on the 'Working Time Directive' limits workers to a weekly maximum of 48 hours, but includes a clause under which workers could effectively put in up to 60-65 weekly hours. "With this directive a Social Europe is not possible. It will only increase the race to the bottom on labor standards in the EU." ECOSY Vice-President Nils Hindersman comments. Read more or sign petition.