Some of the Green European MPs and MEPs have started to manage the financial portfolios of their governments. They are looking for a new kind of economics with which to differentiate themselves from the other parties in the eyes of their electorates.
With themes at the conference covering the meaning of work, of flat taxes, and the relationship of growth to welfare, Miriam brought the idea of lower growth economics. This emphasised the necessity of transforming what we do rather than simply carrying on with business as usual. People were pleased to hear of the work being done by the Green Party of England and Wales and its radical edge was applauded.
The main platform speech was The Green Economic Vision: different Green Parties’ Perspectives. Miriam used this to speak of the Green Party’s very radical perspective and explained how economics and ecology are connected. Emphasised here was how social and environmental justice are entwined and this was contrasted with the current economic system that is benefiting the few and the corporations.
The platform was moderated by Philippe Lamberts, European Green Party Co- Spokesperson. Also involved were prominent members from Austria, Finland and Belgium. Other speakers included Alain Lipietz, a prominent MEP from France, who is an academic and well-known figure on the left.
One workshop, which proved to be one of the liveliest events ever, was “Unrestrained growth versus sustainable growth, what should a green economy be and who is it for?” Run by Miriam and European Greens’ General Secretary, Juan Behrend, this had standing room only and about 100 people in attendance. Many contributed to this, many of them in Governments around Europe.
Also reporting back on that platform was Pascal Canfin Les Verts from France, advisor to the French Senate and Editor of Alternatives Economiques. Discussing the need for a social and ecological transformation, he outlined the importance of the various sectors, especially the state sector, in preventing market failure. His important delivery finished with a reminder that the Green Economy is not only more ecological but also more profitable than the ecologically blind economies to date.
This event marked the birth of a new vision for Europe. There is a new mood of excitement among the European Greens, from the farthest east to the farthest west. It’s an especially unified, empowered and inspired feeling to share with their electorates: the new vision of a Green Economics and a lower growth economics for a Green and sustainable Europe.
