Our posters and claims

A united Europe is the strength we need

Our Moonshot programme includes a lot of proposals which make it clear that a united Europe is a source of strength, capable of addressing internal challenges and exerting significant influence on the global stage. Some examples:

• Democratic Evolution: Through a more democratic EU, we unite the strength of all citizens. We foster a Federal Europe with a new constitution, enhancing citizen engagement and democratic processes.

• Security Enhancement: Only together can we effectively tackle external security risks such as wars, but also internal ones such as higher crime rates. We proposes a federal-level police force and a European Armed Forces for internal and external security, thus increasing the EU's strength.

• Economic Growth: To combat climate change and build a strong economy at the same time, we need the strength of all of us together. We aim for a net-zero economy by 2040, with sustainable practices and green technologies driving economic prosperity to combat climate change.

• Global Influence: In order to be strong on the world stage and be able to keep up with major powers such as the USA, Russia and China, we have to work together. We envision the EU as a major force in multilateral organizations, promoting democracy, peace, and climate justice globally.

Against right-wing populism

With our vision of a united and Federal Europe we aim to address the underlying issues often exploited by right-wing populist movements, such as economic inequality, social exclusion, and concerns over national sovereignty. By promoting inclusivity, transparency, and collective action, Volt seeks to create a more resilient and united Europe. Here are just a few examples to underline this:

• Our call for a federal Europe (Reform the EU Act) shows that we want to go beyond national particular interests and, contrary to right-wing populism, want to agree on common values.

• We strive for more inclusivity, demand more rights for the LGBTQ community, disabled people, sex workers and more in our Thriving Together Act.

• We call for humane migration and put forward a clear plan on how to manage the refugee crisis at our European borders quickly and with respect for human dignity (Asylum Seekers and Refugees Act). We also want to make the migration of skilled workers faster and easier (Labour Migration Act)

More democratic than the democrats. 

This claim is based on the European Democracy Act (Moonshot programme) and the values and programmes of the “Demokratesch Partei” (democratic party).

• Volt specifically proposes measures to prevent democratic backsliding and strengthen protections for journalists and whistleblowers. The DP does not.

• We also propose to create a more democratic union by reforming the structure of European political parties and harmonizing voting systems. Specifically, we want to set the legal voting age to 16 and the minimum age for running for candidacy to 18, proposing an EU-wide single election date, and establishing common campaign rules and voting mechanisms. We also want to expand voting rights to all EU citizens residing in a member state, regardless of their country of origin. The DP does not mention any reforms of the voting system whatsoever.

• While the DP does not address media issues, the European Democracy Act supports the creation of a strong network of European public broadcasters to foster transparency and an informed citizenry. We also propose measures to fight disinformation.

• The DP does not directly address citizen participation in policymaking. However, Volt aims to increase citizen participation by establishing a permanent European Citizens’ Assembly and reforming the European Citizens’ Initiative.

All in all the “democratic party” in Luxembourg is more defined by its liberal market revendications and is not striving for specific democratic reforms, whereas we at Volt have precise goals as to how we want to strengthen democracy even more.

More ecological than the greens.

This claim is based on the Climate Transition Act and the Healthy Ecosystems Act (Moonshot programme) in comparison to the European programme of “déi Gréng” (the Greens).

• As Volt we focus on achieving climate neutrality, emphasizing decarbonization, energy transition, and sustainable development. We aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors. The Greens support the European Green Deal and advocate for climate action. However, their demands do not specifically outline a comprehensive plan for achieving climate neutrality.

• We advocate for a circular economy. We encourage designing products for circularity to prevent waste and promote resource efficiency. The Greens only support the circular economy by being against the planned obsolescence and aiming for the right to repair, but do not talk about fast fashion or recyclable materials in products.

• Volt supports the call for less meat in order to further reduce greenhouse gases. The Greens want to maintain the current level of meat consumption.

• Volt also wants to promote green buildings. We want to set near-zero energy building (nZEB) standards for all new EU buildings by 2030 while also emphasizing energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and whole life carbon assessment in construction. The Greens only want buildings that are “less reliant on fossil fuels” but still require fossil fuels.

• We want to promote research into advanced nuclear fission and nuclear fusion energies, as we see nuclear power as a low-carbon emitting energy and as extremely important for decarbonisation as quickly as possible. The IPCC reports show that nuclear energy is used in most paths that are compatible with the aim of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.[1] Among other things, the IPCC refers to a study conducted by 22 scientists, which states that “a rapid development of nuclear energy production […] limits the Global Mean Surface Temperature (GMST) increase to 1.5°C.”[2] The Greens are vehemently opposed to any form of nuclear power.

The Greens have many environmental demands that Volt also supports. However, in our view, the Greens never go far enough, have no comprehensive, Europe-wide solutions and are too vehemently opposed to nuclear power, while the IPCC also sees it as an important part of reducing emissions.

[1] The IPCC chapter on this can be found here: https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/SR15_Chapter_2_LR.pdf

[2] Berger, A. et al., 2017: https://dx.doi.org/10.1504/ijgei.2017.086622

More social than the socialists.

This claim is based on a lot of policy acts of the Moonshot programme and the Manifesto of the LSAP (Lëtzebuerger Sozialistesch Aarbechterpartei - Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party)

• As Volt we prioritize public engagement in the context of low-carbon energy development. We aim to empower communities, ensuring that they actively participate in decision-making processes related to sustainable energy solutions. By involving citizens, especially those from low-income backgrounds, the programme seeks to create a sense of ownership and shared benefits. The LSAP do not explicitly address public engagement.

• We have extensive demands regarding education: We advocate for free, high-quality daycare and preschool programs for all children. We recognize that early education plays a crucial role in promoting social mobility and equal opportunities. Additionally, we support an inclusive educational system accessible to every child and want to expand and improve the European School system and make it accessible to a wider public. The LSAP mentions education only briefly and only wants public schools to be free and digital education to be promoted.

• Volt also envisions a university system with low or no tuition fees. We aim to provide sufficient financial support to students, ensuring that higher education is accessible to all. The LSAP manifesto does not address the university system at all.

• Volt aims to create a European Basic Income (EBI), modelled after a negative tax system, where people earning below a certain income threshold receive payments instead of paying taxes. The LSAP have publicly spoken out against an unconditional basic income.

• The Moonshot Programme is also a lot more detailed and demands much concreter approaches in strengthening LGBTQ rights than the manifesto of the LSAP. We insist on the recognition of same-sex partnerships and marriages (which the LSAP also wants, but without underlining other possibilities and not mentioning adoption or family rights), rainbow families, legal gender recognition for trans people, and Freedom of Expression. We also propose the creation of EU funding schemes that are directly accessible by civic, social, or political organizations to promote constructive dialogue initiatives between divergent views on LGBTQIA+ issues. The LSAP only asks for consideration of LGBTQ rights but offers no concrete policy on what to do.

• Lastly, our programme demands the introduction of an EU anti-discrimination law that extends the existing protection in the workplace to all areas of life, including education, social security, and access to goods and services. The LSAP only demands an anti-discrimination directive but doesn’t say what exactly it should contain.

More European than all of them.

Honestly, do you really need proof of THAT? All right, all right. In short, here are some ways in which Volt distinguishes itself from other parties:

1. Transnational Approach:

   • Volt operates across multiple European countries, advocating for common policies and solutions.

   • Unlike traditional parties that focus on national interests, Volt prioritizes European-wide collaboration.

2. Common Policies:

   • Volt develops policies that address European challenges, such as climate change, migration, and digitalization.

   • Our platform is based on shared values and aims to create a cohesive European identity.

   • We run across more than 15 countries in Europe with the same European programme (our “Moonshot Programme”)

3. Pro-EU Stance:

   • Volt strongly supports the European Union (EU) and seeks to strengthen its institutions.

   • We believe in a unified Europe that transcends national boundaries and aim for a federal European State.

4. Diverse Representation:

   • Volt’s candidates come from various European countries, reflecting the party’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

   • We prioritize representation from different backgrounds and perspectives. In Luxembourg, our 6 candidates represent a total of 6 different nationalities.