Building a Europe of Humanity, Resilience and Dignity

As the newly elected European Parliament and European Commission President begin to shape the EU landscape amid growing inequalities, a climate crisis and multiple humanitarian emergencies, the EU finds itself at a turning point for its future. This is a pivotal moment to take decisive measures to ensure that no one is left behind. Promoting humanitarian principles, human dignity and the well-being of all members of society should be at the heart of EU action.

As the Red Cross EU Office, we dedicate a significant part of our work to influencing EU institutions and policies to ensure that they prioritise the needs and the rights of everyone, including those facing heightened risks. This is why we decided to engage with Members of the European Parliament at the beginning of their term to urge them to make the most out of their mandate. We hope that working with EU leaders early on will allow us to participate in shaping policies that align with humanitarian principles.

These are the five key calls we are bringing forward for this legislative term:

The EU is currently grappling with several key societal challenges with profound impacts on the lives of millions of people in Europe and beyond. The effects of the climate crisis and environmental degradation on health, livelihoods and wellbeing, and the constantly increasing global need for humanitarian assistance and protection are placing unprecedented pressures on communities and institutions worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has also left its mark on the quality and availability of healthcare and social services, while the needs of migrants are growing in all phases of the migration process, and evermore people are affected by poverty and violence. Rising living costs are putting greater numbers of people under strain: Eurostat figures show that of the 500 million people living in the EU, a staggering 119 million are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. 

Over the summer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented her political guidelines for the next five years. The mission letters to the Commissioners-designate issued in September provide more details on the priorities and structure of this new Commission. With stronger emphasis overall on competitiveness, investments and security, it is important that the EU does not lose sight of the impact on people and ensures local ownership.    

As a key player in civil protection and disaster response, we welcome the new Commission’s greater focus on EU preparedness. We must be better equipped to prevent and reduce disaster risks in the EU, and effectively respond when disasters strike to reduce their impacts. National Red Cross Societies stand ready to play an essential role in these efforts. Yet, while strengthening our local preparedness, we must ensure that major global humanitarian emergencies, as well as forgotten and protracted crises, receive adequate attention. With millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance around the globe and a growing funding gap, it is paramount that the EU continues to play a leading role in principled humanitarian action and addressing the root causes of vulnerability through a nexus approach, as well as through humanitarian diplomacy.

We are hopeful that the division of key health files across multiple Commission portfolios will provide an opportunity to promote a health-in-all-policies approach and build on the progress made on the health agenda following the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also encouraged to see the mainstreaming of the mental health priority, as well as the promotion of social policy to the Executive Vice President level. Nonetheless, we know how vital it is that the social dimensions of housing are not neglected in favour of a solely technical approach focused on energy efficiency. EU leaders must take decisive action in addressing the growing numbers of people experiencing poverty, homelessness and social exclusion, as well in ensuring that the rights of people in migration are protected throughout the migration process. 

In this decisive moment, the EU must reaffirm its values and commitments to universal fundamental rights, humanitarian law and leaving no one behind. As the current challenges inevitably intensify, decision-makers must lead in safeguarding all people and the planet by building the foundations of more resilient societies. Going forward, we will continue to engage with EU decision-makers to promote humane policies that support a more inclusive and equitable future.