European Elections 2024: With our participation and our vote, we must and can create a progressive Europe

Three visionaries—Altiero Spinelli, Ernesto Rossi, and Eugenio Colorni—were imprisoned by Mussolini's regime on the island of Ventotene for their anti-fascist actions. There, they authored the Manifesto of Ventotene, a foundation for the effort "for a Free and United Europe" (link ).

Born out of the dark experiences of violence, intolerance, wars, the Holocaust, and authoritarian leaders, the Manifesto of Ventotene revealed a different path. It became a call to the people of Europe to create their future, urging them to build a United and Federal Europe with:

• A common defense to establish peace
• Fair economic reforms to combat deep social inequalities
• Protection of all fundamental human rights
• Solidarity among peoples and citizens, developing a common European conscience
• A strong international presence to ensure global peace based on democratic values
• A democratic Europe, with leaders and bodies elected by the people

The manifesto inspired the founders of the European Union—Robert Schuman, Alcide De Gasperi, Konrad Adenauer, and Jean Monnet. It also led to the creation of the Council of Europe in 1949, aimed at establishing Democracy, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law.

Despite significant strides, the vision of the Manifesto of Ventotene has not been fully realized. The Europe of citizens—a democratic, solidarity-based, and fair Europe—remains incomplete. Today, even democratic achievements once taken for granted are under threat.

The future of Europe is at stake in Sunday's elections. The prolonged dominance of conservative forces in the Union has failed to address new crises and has worsened them. This dominance led to the economic crisis, exacerbated by the abuses of a powerful global economic establishment and the mismanagement by Greece's then right-wing government. Instead of establishing justice, right-wing policies increased inequalities, speculation, high prices, and weakened welfare, health, and education systems, resulting in widespread insecurity. They undermined prospects for younger generations and hindered the EU's ability to integrate new populations, refugees, and workers. In facing climate change, conservative forces chose denial and political paralysis.

Conservatism is linked to powerful interests that resist losing privileges, wealth, and power. This inability to offer fair solutions results in arrogance and authoritarianism, seen across Europe and in Greece:

• Control of the media and undermining of press freedom
• Use of new technology for surveillance and shaping public opinion
• Economic practices that exploit and impoverish citizens
• Transfer of public wealth to private interests
• Opaque contracts and corruption

Today, high prices for energy and consumer goods persist as the government caters to financial interests. Tragedies, like the train wreck of Tempi, highlight the abuse of power and lack of transparency. Citizens clamor for deep and just changes—a different Europe.

PASOK has consistently criticized conservative and neo-liberal dogma, advocating for a Europe of the people—solidarity, equality, democratic participation, and a fair green transition. PASOK's contributions include:

• Initiating Mediterranean Integrated Programs
• Implementing major infrastructure projects in Greece
• Facilitating Cyprus's accession to the EU and creating a European Framework for Turkey
• Advancing green environmental policies

Strengthening progressive forces in the European elections is crucial for democracy and socialism. This will build a progressive majority capable of a new social contract for a green, democratic, and progressive Europe.

Generations have fought for a progressive Europe. PASOK has been a leading force in this fight, aiming for a federal, democratic, and participatory Europe. Today, Europe faces "Sirens"—extreme ideologies, misinformation, and divisive politics threatening unity and democracy.

From the fascist prisons of Ventotene, cries for Europe's future rang out. On our journey to Ithaca, we must ignore the "Sirens" of neo-fascism and return to democratic values, creating a united Europe. The future of Europe will be our own creation.