The European Parliament elections are just around the corner and the political parties will soon disclose their electoral lists and programs to start a campaign that will probably provoke mixed reactions. In the midst of growing Euroscepticism among citizens and member states, it is paradoxical that some of the solutions to our problems could come from Europe or through the policies and norms adopted by its institutions or through the opportunities that the European area offers to drive certain agendas. Therefore, we are forced to view Europe with eyes that leave behind indifference, taking part as citizens and civil society in order to ensure that the principles of social cohesion, justice, solidarity, and human rights are truly guiding principles of the European Union and the next European Parliament.
Salud por Derecho has already started to reach out to political parties and so far we have held meetings with CIU, UPyD and Amaiur and we are in the process of establishing and requesting meetings with other political groups. The objective is to learn about their positions and make proposals regarding key issues on the European agenda that have practical implications on the lives of millions of people, not only in Europe but also at the global level, such as access to medicines, development cooperation policies, scientific research programs or the application of the Financial Transaction Tax (FTT).
Although we are developing a specific document regarding the elections, here you can see the recommendations Salud por Derecho and the Working Group on Health, Medicines, and Innovation are making in terms of access to health and health technologies as well as science policy. In addition, the electoral campaign runs parallel to the negotiations on the FTT, so it is a great opportunity for us to reach out to the public about the need for the tax to be broadly applied (to stocks, derivatives, and bonds) so that the revenue-raising and stabilizing capacity is not undermined and so that the revenues cannot be used in any way to fill the holes in banks or reduce the deficit, but must be clearly aimed at fighting poverty within and beyond Spain.
Vanessa López
Executive Director, Salud por Derecho
