Addressing around 150 members gathered in Moutfort on Saturday morning, Co-Party President Djuna Bernard highlighted the urgency of the global challenges faced, describing a world “on fire” not just from climate crises but also from threats to multilateralism and peace. Bernard specifically cited the Russian aggression in Ukraine, which “jeopardises European security,” and the war in Gaza.
Asserting the need for the EU to serve as “a bastion of rule of law and freedom,” Bernard, alongside co-party president Meris Šehović, emphasised the importance of a unified European voice.
Highlighting Luxembourg’s potential influence in international politics, Šehović underscored that EU influence is not solely determined by a country’s size but by the strength of its ideas and collaborative efforts. Šehović commended the work of Green Party MEP Tilly Metz over the past five years, citing achievements such as the establishment of a committee to investigate animal transport and advancements in European health and rail transport.
The Green Party reinforced its commitment to climate action while also placing a heightened emphasis on social policies. The party leadership acknowledged past shortcomings in adequately addressing social justice issues, despite them being fundamental principles. MEP and lead candidate Tilly Metz underscored the interconnectedness of ecological transition and social justice. “After the Green Deal, we demand the Social Green Deal,” she declared, adding that her guiding principle going into the elections is to stand up for fairness and against all kinds of abuse of power.
“We will do everything we can to defend our seat in the European Parliament and continue our work,” Šehović assured.
Highlighting an increasingly hostile political landscape, the party leadership underscored their staunch opposition to populist and right-wing agendas, vowing to counter their rhetoric firmly.
Criticisms were also directed towards the European People’s Party (EPP) and current EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Green Party expressed discontent with what they perceived as a lack of significant progress, particularly in areas like agricultural policy, where they accused the EPP of “plunging the EU 20 years back into the past.”
With an unwavering commitment to green policies, the Green Party aims to ensure long-term prosperity in Europe and Luxembourg, prioritising sustainability for future generations. They advocate for a competitive EU economy driven by innovation.
“We have a clear vision of a fair and more sustainable Europe,” Tilly Metz said. Her co-lead candidate, Fabricio Costa, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that he wants to “fight for the soul of Europe.”
The Green Party’s candidate list includes notable figures such as MP François Bausch, Djuna Bernard, former MP Chantal Gary, and Patrick Hurst, formerly President of the Centre for Equal Treatment. The list was adopted on Saturday morning with 147 votes out of 149. The programme for the European elections on 9 June was adopted unanimously.
