On May 15, 2023, as political leaders convened for the European Parliament’s Beyond Growth Conference, Policy Lab proudly added its voice to a transformative initiative—a resounding call for a post-growth Europe. This collective message was conveyed through an Open Letter, featuring signatures from over 400 experts and organizations, including Policy Lab.
A Geopolitical Crisis as an Opportunity for Change
The timing of this open letter publication couldn’t have been more apt. The ongoing geopolitical crisis serves as a pivotal moment to disengage from the detrimental growth competition that has perpetuated social and ecological harm. Instead, the open letter emphasizes the need to embrace a different path, one focused on wellbeing cooperation.
Highlighting the Need for Transition
The open letter underscores the pressing challenges posed by the climate crisis, ecological instability, and social injustice. It advocates for a transition away from an economic model anchored in relentless growth. The pursuit of unceasing economic growth, particularly by high-income nations, has been identified as a significant issue. It has hindered environmental policies, thereby threatening peace, water and food security, and democracy.
A Resounding Call for Change
This open letter was authored by esteemed figures in the field, including Timothée Parrique, Kate Raworth, and Vincent Liegey, alongside organizations such as Friends of the Earth Europe, the European Environmental Bureau, the European Youth Forum, and the Wellbeing Economy Alliance. It was supported by 159 civil society organizations, including Policy Lab, and endorsed by 274 academics and experts, among them Olivier De Schutter, Milena Buchs, Giorgos Kallis, and Eloi Laurent.
Reimagining the Future
Policy Lab’s involvement in this initiative underlines our commitment to reshaping the economic narrative. We believe in fostering a future that values wellbeing, sustainability, and social justice over relentless economic growth. Join us as we navigate towards a more equitable and ecologically responsible future, making this resounding call for change a reality.
This monumental open letter featured in prominent Slovenian mainstream media outlets:
<a href=”https://www.rtvslo.si/evropska-unija/ideje-kriticne-do-gospodarske-rasti-so-vedno-glasnejse/668441?fbclid=IwAR23fVJCzfDmlSeP4QaU7_DDGlEdS7m0OBMWTdnlJNJ_RQoU9YpJN0lmgDI”>MMC RTV SLO</a>
<a href=”https://vecer.com/slovenija/evropa-post-rasti-kljucnega-pomena-za-prezivetje-in-razcvet-poziva-400-civilnodruzbenih-organizacij-in-strokovnjakov-10332771?fbclid=IwAR1-J24madNB_UeEU0HE0QRcL2PbcXUPDbBEGFchL87KKZf9C5dG-bgCmLU”>Večer</a>
<a href=”https://www.mladina.si/224661/apel-voditeljem-eu-nujno-je-pravicno-zmanjsanje-proizvodnje-in-potrosnje/?fbclid=IwAR3EMq0h0L6EUOC53tt-G3xtpW0nHkRG4wKnd86r5ZhKS4vlY4qb3Vp9oPw”>Mladina</a>
