By Susan Warren
Whether or not you agree with the EU, without it we would have much fewer and less stringent environmental laws today within the UK and, I would imagine, throughout Europe. In June, from the 10th -13th, all of Europe will elect its new Members of European Parliament (MEPs) for the next five years. (The UK has a total of 27 MEPs.) This article looks at the upcoming Eurpean Parliament Elections and what you can do to engage in them. While most of my information is centred around the UK, it is equally important that those from other EU Member States participate in the upcoming elections as well! In the last EU parliament election, less than 24% of the UK voted — there are even lower estimates for this summer’s elections. Those of us who feel strongly about the environment for spiritual and ethical reasons need to make sure to get out and vote for that which we hold sacred.
The European Parliament votes and debates on a range of issues, many to do with the environment and encouraging ethical living/business practices. It is estimated by the UK Office of the European Parliament that between 80-90% of all UK environmental legislation begins within the European Parliament. EU directives on landfills, bathing water quality, and air quality all have had large impacts on recent legislation passed within Westminster (UK Parliament) and Holyrood (Scottish Parliament). Additionally, reform of farming subsidies is requiring that farmers throughout Europe are no longer paid for the amount of food they produce — they will be paid as stewards of the land and environment on behalf of the taxpayer. While not perfect, all of the above contribute to a better environment.
MEPs have the opportunity to pass directives that will positively affect the environment and EU trade practices. But for our MEPs to take up this opportunity, you and I need to not only get out and vote, but to make sure each candidate knows that the value we place on the environment greatly influences our vote. In doing this, we contribute to the improvement of public transport, carbon emissions, toxic chemicals, pollution, farming practices and trade issues — the list is endless.
So regardless of how you feel about the EU, I do challenge each of you to do two things. First, challenge the people who wish to stand as your representatives in the European Parliament. What will they do, if elected, for the environment? What will they do for Fair Trade? There are some great websites out there that can provide all levels and subjects of information. Friends of the Earth Europe has just released a report card on all MEPs and how they voted for the environment over the last 5 years. The European Environmental Bureau has an excellent manifesto from which you can find specifics to quiz your MEP candidates on. Write these candidates letters/e-mails and attend hustings if they are being organised in your area. The only way that the candidates will know how much you value their effort towards the environment is if you tell them.
Finally and most of all, on the 10th of June in the UK (and between the 10th and 13th of June throughout the whole of the EU) get out and vote. There is no room or space for apathy here. If we are committed to honouring the land, the air and the sea, then integrity demands that we support this in all ways possible. Voting is one of the easiest and potentially most effective ways to do so.
For more information, check out these links:
General information on the European Parliament
The European Parliament’s Website in multiple languages. Information on current MEPs, upcoming directives, how the parliament works all available here. http://www.europarl.eu.int/
The UK’s EU election website. Information on who your MEP candidates are, news, events, how to register and vote. http://www.europecounts.org.uk/
The UK Office for the European Parliament. Similar information to the election website, but with more information on other EU/UK issues.
http://www.europarl.org.uk/
Environmental EU Election Websites
European Environmental Bureau. From the website: “The EEB is a federation of 143 environmental citizens organisations based in all EU Member States and most Accession countries, as well as a few neighbouring countries. They range from local and national to European and international. The aim of the EEB is to protect and improve the environment of Europe and to enable the citizens of Europe to play their part in achieving that goal.” Great information and the EEB Manifesto for the upcoming elections is well worth a look.
http://www.eeb.org/
Friends of the Earth - Europe See how your present MEPs and parties have ranked on environmental votes over the last 5 years along with other very useful information on the environment and Europe. http://www.foeeurope.org/
The everyone Campaign - 26 Scottish environmental organisations working together to improve the environment and encourage people engaging in the democratic process. 12 environmental topics ranging from transport to biodiversity looking each issue’s importance, how it is influenced by the EU parliament and 3 upcoming important decisions or actions the Maps will have before them in the next five years. While focused on Scotland, it can provide some very good background information for all interested in the environment. Also has letter/e-mail generator for Scottish MEP candidates and dates of hustings. http://www.everyonecan.org
