Across Europe people’s lives are blighted by the same problems; inequality, precarious work, weakened public services, discrimination, powerlessness over decisions that affect our lives, and environmental destruction and pollution. We believe these problems are best tackled together. And that solidarity, cooperation and democracy are key to transforming our societies for the better. Throughout the month of May as part of our celebrations of Europe day, we are inviting you to ask us questions related to environmental, social and solidarity issues using the form below. These questions will be directed to a selection of MEPs during an online session that we...
Blogs
Have your say on the future of the EU!
The Conference on the Future of Europe aims to promote dialogue between citizens, experts and EU institutions. The recent launch of the Conference on the Future of Europe couldn’t come at a better time – across Europe people’s lives are blighted by the same problems; inequality, hardship, precarious work, weakened public services, discrimination, powerlessness over decisions that affect our lives, and environmental destruction and pollution. What is the Conference on the Future of Europe? The Conference on the Future of Europe is a citizen-led series of debates and discussions that will enable people from across Europe to share their ideas...
How can we have a better food system?
In recent years, EU citizens have become more sensitive to the effects of healthier food, especially from local and organic production chains[1]. It should be noted, though, that in general, healthier food products such as those from organic farming are not accessible to all populations. These products are often sold at a higher price than those from conventional agriculture[2]. The lower social classes of the European population have no choice but to seek minimum costs in their spending. All social classes in Europe should be able to enjoy quality food. It is also necessary to reduce geographical and economic inequalities...
Better care for our Environment for better care of our Health.
It is safe to say that COVID-19 has had an impact on many people’s lives. Our physical and mental health have been affected, our social lives have taken the backseat and we have had to adapt to a new lifestyle in a short amount of time. However, COVID-19 has not only affected our ways of living by threatening our physical well-being, but it has also shed light on the far-reaching consequences that an unhealthy environment has on worsening health outcomes. An association between environmental change and the emergence of COVID-19 is conceivable. The origin of this novel virus is most...
Flower of the month – May – Yellow flowers
May: Yellow flowers of the month As if to remind us of the upcoming sunny days the month of May sees several shrubs dress up in bright yellow – the colour of warmth and joy and also a great favourite amongst pollinators. These small shrubs are typical of garigue areas and some go as far as living on the edge of cliffs. All the species mentioned here are indigenous whilst two of them are endemic (found only in the Maltese Islands). Consult our online library catalogue for more information about plants and visit the beautifully detailed local website http://www.maltawildplants.com/maltawildplants.html Wall...
Everything comes from the soil, and returns to the soil’ Satish Kumar.
‘As humanity hangs at a precipice, we need shifts that can be made by each of us, with far reaching implications for the planet and all people’. Vandana Shiva We are all becoming increasingly aware of how our daily actions are contributing to the destruction of our planet. The younger generation holds a stronger desire for peace, economic and social equality and a clean, sustainable way of life. A collective of eco-warriors are waking up all over the world, full of hope and drive for a greener future. We hope we can achieve this. But the question is – do...
Solidarity – a core value for Friends of the Earth
This illustration is by Alexandra Koleva for Fine Acts. Ike Teuling is our Solidarity Officer for the Friends of the Earth Europe network based in Brussels. We talked to her to find out what the role entails, what it means to act in solidarity, and to get her take on European solidarity during the pandemic. You’re International Solidarity Officer at Friends of the Earth Europe – what exactly does that involve? I make sure that calls for solidarity from FoE member groups, or their allies, receive support from European Friends of the Earth groups. Friends of the Earth groups in...
Flower of the month – April – Wild Orchids of the Maltese Islands
With the wide array of colours, shapes and scents of flowers bursting forth In early springtime it is very difficult to choose just one plant to focus on – so this time round we feature a selection from a group of plants known more for their exotic counterparts (grown on industrial scales to embellish homes and offices) and less for the tiny, curiously shaped orchids encountered locally in the wild. Over 30 species of orchids have been recorded in the Maltese Islands, though only a handful of these can be said to be widespread. Orchids flower for a short period...