After the elections, the next European Parliament appears more fragmented than ever. The centre-left (S&D) and the centre-right (EPP) have experienced a significant decline in their share of seats and will not be able to command a majority together. In order to provide the EU with a consistent leadership, they will have to agree on a set of principles and common political projects. In addition to all the other “first times” happening in this election, 2019 could be the year of a European “Koalitionsvertrag”.

In this European campaign, something has changed. The conclusions of IPCC and IPBES reports have triggered the attention of a large part of the European political spectrum towards the climate and biodiversity emergencies. They have also raised major concerns for the European citizens’ regarding the viability of our economic and social models. The integration of Greens MEP in the 2019-2024 coalition and the unprecedented ecological commitments made by the EPP, S&D and ALDE groups lead us to think that “Sustainability for all Europeans” could be the very first pillar of this European “Koalitionsvertrag”. Inspired by the spirit of sustainable development, this first chapter could be the cement of the whole political agenda of the future coalition, including democratization efforts, social justice, and transition from linear to circular economy through research and innovation.

This conference will be held with the participation of Herman Van Rompuy, Honorary President of the EU Chapter, Club of Rome.

For more information on the conference, please visit the dedicated webpage on the Club of Rome website.