Green Economics Training for European Activists

It is not economists only who should participate in the debate on economic issues on European level. GEF provided basic economic knowledge to young and senior activists from 17 European countries, aiming at increasing knowledge and participation in this crucial policy field.

Dealing with economic policy, many political activists struggle with an abundance of technical terms and a lack of theoretical knowledge. GEF, with support of the Green Economics Institute and the Federation of Young European Greens, conducted a workshop for both young and senior activists alike. The goal of this transnational seminar was to reach a deeper understanding of European economic policy. Participants were not only trained on the content of European and alternative Green economic policy, but also to disseminate the new skills in their home countries after the workshop.

Challenging programme

The seminar provided an overview of economic history and current theory. Instead of remaining within mainstream theories it especially focused on ecological economics' schools of thought. These models explain how to achieve the complex mix between social and environmental justice and  develop new definitions of sustainable growth, abundance and labour. Participants not only followed the lecturers and experts, but also contributed with presentations about the current economic situation in their countries of origin.

More participation in the economic debate

The workshop was designed to convey applicable knowledge. Young and senior activists were encouraged to challenge their political competitors by pointing out economic alternatives that respect both ecological and social requirements.  A total of  26 activists from 17  European countries ranging from Macedonia to Ireland took part in the seminar. As the acquired knowledge was multiplied by the participants afterwards, the workshop was a first step towards broader participation in economic debate across Europe.

External Links:

Green Economics Institute

Federation of Young European Greens