Greece: Social Europe hanging in the balance
Dear Heads of State and Government, dear Presidents, dear Managing Director,
The EU is at a crossroads. With the right choices you can pull Greece back from the brink of social and economic collapse and pave the way for socially-just reforms and inclusive growth, within the Eurozone.
The situation in Greece is symptomatic of the failure to put the rights and well-being of all people in Europe at the heart of European policies, placing at risk the Union’s long-term sustainability.
The impact of the programmes of the European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund has caused the social situation and enjoyment of human rights in Greece to deteriorate drastically.
The well-being of people must be central to your negotiations. There is a strong economic case for sustainable debt relief allowing for investment in social protection, social services, education and health care.
The social emergency in Greece must not be left solely in the hands of finance ministers; others such as employment, social affairs, health and equality – including gender equality – ministers should also be involved.
We remind you that civil society has an important role to play in ensuring socially-just reforms. While we respond to the immediate needs of the most vulnerable, we advocate for long-term social change that harnesses the potential of all in our societies.
On Sunday you will take an important decision on the future of Europe. We urge you to set the European Union’s common values of human rights and solidarity as the foundation of your negotiations.
Yours sincerely,
Jana Hainsworth (President)
Pierre Baussand (Director)
Sent to:
EU Heads of State and Government,
Donald Tusk, President of the European Council,
Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission,
Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament,
Jeroen Dijsselbloem, President of the Eurogroup,
Mario Draghi, President of the European Central Bank,
Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.
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