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European elections: Vote for the future!

European elections: Vote for the future!

The most important EU-elections in a long time present us, European citizens, with a ground-breaking decision for our future: are we choosing a retreating European Union that is reluctant to face the challenges of the globalised world we live in - or are we resolutely and critically addressing these challenges with strong European values? CoESS calls upon its members to support the elections and commits to fostering a pro-European, democratic, Union, which is prepared for the numerous opportunities and challenges ahead.

The current opinion polls on the elections of the European Parliament, taking place from 23-26 May all over the Union, indicate that the European Union and its politics may change considerably. EU-sceptic and extreme-right parties, who clearly reject the European Union, are gaining ground all over the continent (find current projections here)

Whilst many European citizens and businesses may feel that decisions taken in Brussels and Strasburg are disconnected from their everyday life and concerns, a victory of the above-mentioned anti-EU parties would negatively impact them for at least a decade: from trade, social and security policies to the respect of people’s fundamental rights and other indirect effect we can’t foresee today.

It is therefore time to look at the achievements of the EU: after decades of conflict, the EU has had the longest period of peace in its history. It is also the worlds largest economy with world-leading social standards and per capita income. The framework of the EU is the foundation of the prosperity of its citizens and companies. At the same time, our world is facing profound changes and pressing challenges: instability in global foreign and trade policy; climate change; migration; cybersecurity; international terrorism - the list is long and too big for a single European country to deal with it effectively alone.  Alongside challenges, are also opportunities, for example in the area of renewable energies, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, for which a united Europe stands much better chances of success than each country on its own, competing with each other, rather than cooperating together.

The urgent need to find common answers to these challenges and opportunities is countered by many who call for a retreat to short-term national interests. But only the EU can negotiate with other world powers on these matters and increase cohesion across the continent. A strong Union and European integration are in the interest of all. This is not in contradiction with pointing out weaknesses and aberrations of overregulation and interventions in national competences.

As the voice of the private security industry representing over 45.000 companies with 1.6 million guards in the EU alone, CoESS will remain a strongly committed partner to the EU Institutions in bringing added value to European security policies and fostering a pro-European, democratic, Union which is well-prepared for the numerous opportunities and challenges ahead. We call on our members and their employees to participate in large numbers in the upcoming elections. It is time to engage with Europe – now.

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