Institutional reform
Enlarging and guaranteeing democracy at European level requires fundamental changes within our institutions. Some of these we can implement in the short term, others require long-term treaty changes.
Volt recognizes the difficulties of reforming the EU institutions. However, we will not let this stop us from pushing for reforms that ensure greater transparency, efficiency and true democracy. This is the only way to bring about far-reaching qualitative changes and ultimately create a federal Europe.
Economic and financial reform
Volt envisions a European economic and financial system that works for all citizens and for European society as a whole. The European economic system should serve all European citizens and enable them to pursue their individual life goals and act as full members of European society.
Volt believes that we can only flourish as individuals if we contribute to a community based on common, binding rules that are respected by all. Solidarity, sustainability, equal opportunities, freedom, justice and human dignity are the values and principles that form the basis of our community and must also apply to our economic and financial systems.
Justice and home affairs policy
Volt wants to create a Europe that recognizes and safeguards the rights of its citizens throughout the Union. Citizens must have the opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process. This includes the right to vote and the right to stand as a candidate in their place of residence - be it in local, regional, national or European elections. Citizens must not be discriminated against on the basis of their nationality, gender, ethnic background, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
Reform of foreign and neighborhood policy as well as security and defense policy
Europe must be an example of how former enemies can become friends and partners in a common project and how democracy can be organized for the benefit of citizens beyond the nation state. The EU should encourage the replication of its success elsewhere by promoting regional integration around the world and supporting multilateral institutions, in particular the United Nations.
The EU's future defense policy must aim to protect the EU and its citizens by building a common defense system that is effective against threats near and far. By pooling financial, human, logistical and intelligence resources, the security of the EU as a whole will be far more efficient and significantly improved in terms of quality.
Volt has defined 5+1 fundamental Challenges that need to be tackled in each European country and in Europe as a whole.
Why 5 + 1 Challenges?
The 5 Challenges are basically the same for every country, but their implementation can be adapted on the national level to take into account local realities.
The +1 Challenge – our proposal to reform and strengthen the EU – is identical across all our national programmes.
Education and digitalisation are key elements of the 21st century
An innovative economy must be the engine of society's progress
No-one should be left behind - no matter their gender, income, religion. or origin
Europe needs to assume responsibility for its role in global challenges
People must be empowered to influence politics beyond elections alone
We love the EU - this doesn't mean there is no room for improvement
