The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) is the environmental voice of European citizens. Created in 1974, the EEB is now Europe’s largest federation of environmental organisations with 140+ member organisations who gain their membership from the general public. Because of this, they are guided by the voices of 15 million European citizens, and act as the ears and voice of its members towards the EU decision makers and beyond.

The EEB works on a vast array of environmental issues and  its policy officers use experts, scientists, members, and politicians to work towards developing and protecting environmental policies.The EEB office in Brussels closely coordinates EU-oriented activities with EEB Members at national level around Europe. The EEB also works with wider coalitions, one of them being the Spring Alliance.

The Spring Alliance brings together civil society stakeholders from environmental, social and development organizations and trade unions. It aims to present a positive vision for a Europe that puts people and planet first. Despite a prevailing sense of crisis, the Spring Alliance believes that there is still an opportunity to adopt a better way towards solving Europe’s problems.

Together, the Alliance’s members have developed a comprehensive political manifesto that can put Europe back on track in their view.
This manifesto proposes six solutions to six key challenges. Download in full here.

1. Ensure transparency and stronger democratic accountability of the EU institutions towards citizens.
2. Reduce poverty and guarantee universal social protection.
3. Create jobs and ensure quality employment for all.
4. Significantly reduce Europe’s environmental footprint by putting in place effective policies in the Areas of climate, energy efficiency, renewables, biodiversity, air quality, chemicals and waste and product design.
5. Implement a coherent global justice policy: stop resource grabbing, allow other continents to develop themselves and refrain from bilateral trade and investment deals which undermine the protection of public interests.
6. End austerity and launch a recovery plan that places people and planet first.

Jeremy Wates, Secretary General of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), said “Developing bold environmental policies is central to building a greener economy and allowing us to exit the crisis sustainably.”

“Inequality is a global issue, increasingly so in Europe. It’s not just about incomes, GDP and economic development. It is also about dealing with the root causes of inequalities within societies. To make a difference, EU leaders should take a stand against tax dodging and support a financial transaction tax” said Seamus Jeffreson, Director of CONCORD, European Development NGOs.

“With rising poverty, exclusion and inequalities the EU faces a time of distrust and disenchantment” Said Heather Roy, President of Social Platform. “Solidarity between member states is being called into question and we are far from reaching the Europe 2020 targets. We need strong democratic legitimacy and accountability, and economic policies that ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.“