As teh European Union transitions to a new mandate, the shift from the European Green deal (EGD) to the Clean Industrial Deal raises critical questions. Will social and environmental justice and sustainability once again be sidelined in favor of competitiveness and growth? And will the EU recognise the vital role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in improving policymaking quality and democratic value by representing diverse societies, including marginalized groups?
Today, the EU stands at a crossroads in addressing the environmental crisis. While the political agenda increasingly prioritizes economic competitiveness, defense, and security, civil society delivers a clear message: a fair transition that neglects social and environmental justice and the well-being of the planet is no transition at all.
The policy brief from the Civil Society Forum for Sustainability, part of the REAL DEAL project, gathered over 70 CSOs to intentional on emerging issues and provide actionable insights. This collective work offers comprehensive recommendations to address global challenges, including the debt crisis and economic and social inequalities, while ensuring the EGD remains aligned with the Lasting Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 agenda.
The Risks of a Narrow Focus on Competitiveness
shifting the EU’s focus toward industrial competitiveness,growth,and defense threatens to sideline key priorities such as social,environmental,and economic equality. This pivot risks deepening inequalities within Europe and undermining the EU’s credibility as a global advocate for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its promise to “leave no one behind.” The policy brief highlights that the fair transition must address systemic disparities, ensuring that people from marginalized groups are active participants, not afterthoughts, in shaping Europe’s green policies.
Advancing Gender and Social Justice
The green transition must be rooted in gender equality and social justice. Women and gender-diverse individuals are disproportionately affected by climate impacts yet remain underrepresented in decision-making. The Civil Society Forum policy brief emphasizes the need for gender-specific objectives and budgets in all policies. From addressing energy poverty to ensuring equitable access to jobs, the fair and just transition must meet the diverse needs of Europe’s population.
The Need for Deliberative Democracy
The EU must embrace deliberative democracy to ensure inclusive and participatory policymaking.Civil society organizations play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, fostering transparency, and holding institutions accountable. By integrating CSOs into the decision-making process, the EU can strengthen its democratic foundations and ensure that the green transition is both equitable and effective.
| Key challenges | Recommendations |
|—————————————-|————————————————————————————-|
| Narrow focus on competitiveness | Prioritize social, environmental, and economic equality in policy decisions. |
| Gender and social justice | implement gender-specific objectives and budgets in all green transition policies. |
| Deliberative democracy | Integrate csos into decision-making to ensure inclusivity and accountability. |
The EU’s transition to a Clean Industrial Deal must not come at the expense of social and environmental justice. By heeding the recommendations of civil society and fostering inclusive policymaking, the EU can ensure a fair and sustainable future for all.
Civil Society Calls for Enhanced Participation in EU Policymaking
Meaningful and effective participation is essential to a triumphant transition,and civil society is leading the charge. Recent calls for the systematic implementation of Article 11 of the Treaty on European Union emphasize the need for clear and structured dialog between EU institutions and organized civil society.This progressive step aims to ensure that civil society organizations (CSOs) are actively involved in the design, implementation, monitoring, and policymaking processes, fostering inclusivity and transparency.
The push for structured dialogue is not just about procedural changes—it’s about amplifying the voices of communities, particularly those with vulnerable backgrounds. As outlined in the civil society policy brief, mechanisms for deliberative democracy empower marginalized groups to shape the policies that directly impact their lives.
Key Recommendations for a Just Transition
The policy brief highlights actionable recommendations to ensure a fair and just transition. These include:
| Recommendation | Key Actions |
|—————————————-|——————————————————————————–|
| Enhance participatory democracy | Establish transparent mechanisms for CSO engagement at all policymaking levels. |
| Integrate gender equality | Implement gender-specific objectives and eco-feminist principles. |
| Support marginalized communities | Develop targeted programs for migrants, low-income households, and racialized groups.|
| Prioritize social justice in economic policies | Replace the Stability and Growth Pact with a Wellbeing and Sustainability Pact. |
1. Enhance Participatory Democracy
Civil society advocates for innovative, structured, and transparent mechanisms to foster democratic engagement. This includes prioritizing post-growth pathways and a care economy to ensure the well-being of people within the planet’s ecological limits.
2. Integrate Gender Equality
The policy brief emphasizes the need to address systemic inequalities by implementing gender-specific objectives and eco-feminist principles. Dedicated funds should be allocated to meet the specific needs of diverse groups in all policies.
3. Support Marginalized Communities
Targeted programs are essential to address the needs of those most affected by the climate crisis, including migrants, low-income households, and racialized groups. These initiatives aim to create a more equitable society.
4. Prioritize Social Justice in Economic Policies
Replacing the Stability and Growth Pact with a Wellbeing and Sustainability Pact is a cornerstone of the recommendations. This shift woudl center economic policies on social and environmental goals, ensuring a just transition for all.
The Path forward
The role of civil society in shaping and implementing future EU policies cannot be overstated. As one of the cornerstones of EU democratic values, CSOs must be meaningfully involved in significant transformations. The policy brief offers a comprehensive roadmap for achieving a socially and environmentally just transition, reflecting a collective vision for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
By fostering structured dialogue and prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities,the EU can ensure that its policies are not only effective but also equitable. The time to act is now—let’s work together to build a future that leaves no one behind.
For more details, explore the full policy brief here.europe’s Fair and just Transition: A Path to Social and Environmental Justice
The European Union is at a pivotal moment in its history, championing a vision that prioritizes social and environmental justice while safeguarding the well-being of both people and the planet. As the urgency of climate action intensifies, the EU’s commitment to a fair and just transition has never been more critical.
“The time to act is now,” declares the EU, emphasizing that this transition must be inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind—including the planet we call home.This bold statement underscores the EU’s resolve to balance environmental sustainability with social equity, creating a blueprint for a future that benefits all.
A Dual Transition: Green and Social
At the heart of this vision lies the dual focus on green and social transitions. The EU recognizes that climate action is not just about reducing emissions but also about fostering economic and social prosperity. By integrating these co-benefits,the EU aims to create a fair and sustainable future for europe.Key to this process is the active participation of citizens and civil society. Their portrayal is essential to legitimize the transition and ensure its successful implementation. This approach not only strengthens democratic processes but also builds public trust in the EU’s enterprising goals.
The Role of Policy and Implementation
The EU’s strategy is rooted in policies that promote social justice and environmental sustainability. Initiatives like the Just Transition Fund and the European Green Deal are pivotal in driving this agenda. These measures aim to support regions and communities most affected by the shift to a green economy, ensuring that the transition is equitable and inclusive.
Key Pillars of Europe’s Transition
| Pillar | Objective |
|————————–|——————————————————————————-|
| social Justice | Ensure no one is left behind in the transition to a green economy. |
| Environmental Justice | Protect the planet while addressing climate change. |
| Citizen Representation | Legitimize the transition through active civil society participation. |
| Economic Prosperity | Leverage climate action to drive social and economic benefits. |
A Call to Action
The EU’s message is clear: “A fair and sustainable future for Europe is only possible through continuing efforts on the green and social transition.” This call to action invites stakeholders at all levels—governments, businesses, and individuals—to collaborate in shaping a future that is both equitable and sustainable.
As Europe navigates this transformative journey, the focus remains on creating a transition for all. By prioritizing social and environmental justice, the EU is not only addressing the challenges of today but also laying the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
The clock is ticking. the time to act is now.
