The European elections between 6 - 9 June determine the composition of the EU Parliament. 20 of the 720 MEPs come from Austria. The EU Parliament is the representative body of all EU citizens and the only directly elected EU institution. It is the only parliament in the world whose members come from different countries, working together on various issues. It decides (together with the Council of the EU) on many laws that govern our daily lives. The stakes are therefore high. An EU Parliament that stands for regression, austerity and the dismantling of democracy must be prevented. With the "Voice for Democracy" initiative, ÖGB and AK want to send a strong signal and get as many people as possible to the polls.

The EU Parliament - our voice
In the last EU legislative period, the EU Parliament was a driving force in favour of workers' and consumers' rights. Important directives such as those on minimum wages, platform work and supply chains were successfully negotiated, albeit with many exceptions and weaknesses. The EU Parliament must stand up for a fair, solidary and democratic EU. The “Voice for Democracy” initiative outlines five paths to a more just future. The EU Parliament can make a significant contribution to its realisation.

1. Our voice for an ecological transition for all
Europe is at a crucial point in the fight against the climate crisis. To achieve the goal of climate neutrality by 2050, the EU has launched the European Green Deal. The transition must be just and inclusive, with social safeguards and high-quality jobs.

2. Our voice for a strong welfare state
In the last EU legislative period, the EU Parliament supported important initiatives to strengthen workers' rights. A strong EU Parliament, empowered by a high voter turnout, is crucial in promoting a just society and setting minimum labour and social standards in the EU.

3. Our voice against dirty business in the internal market
The EU internal market is driven by economic interests. Despite some progress, problems such as wage and social dumping in the context of the posting of workers persist. The EU Parliament must create fairer conditions in the internal market. Companies must comply with important rules like those on consumer protection and must not evade them on the pretext of red tape.

4. Our voice for fair global cooperation
EU trade agreements often serve the interests of corporations and are at odds with the EU's climate goals. It is therefore high time for sustainability agreements that prioritise social and ecological goals. In a world of crises, there is a need for answers which are in line with the challenges. The EU Supply Chain Act is an important step, but more action is needed. Critical raw materials from the Global South are indispensable for the structural transformation of the European economy. This requires new partnerships on equal terms in order to promote fair economic and labour relations.

5. Our voice for democracy
The elections to the EU Parliament between 6 - 9 June are crucial for strengthening democracy and promoting workers’ interests. In the long term, the EU Parliament should be given extended powers, in particular the right to initiate legislation. In addition, EU member states should be authorised to decide on important issues such as taxes by majority vote (instead of unanimously). There is an urgent need to reduce the influence of corporate lobbies. In future EU enlargement rounds, a social foundation must be a prerequisite in all candidate countries. Strengthening trade unions plays a central role in this.

The European elections between 6 - 9 June
There is a lot at stake and a lot to do in the upcoming EU legislative period. The "Voice for Democracy" initiative provides information on the EU elections and aims at busting myths.  Let's make our voices heard in the European elections from 6 - 9 June as we embark on the path to a more just and sustainable European future!

Further information:
ÖGB: Voice for democracy (German only)
A&W Blog: Stimme für Demokratie: nachhaltiger Wandel für ein gerechtes Europa (German only)
ETUC: A fair deal for workers
European Parliament: How European elections work