This campaign is now closed.

While the pressure to change the name of Vice President responsible for"Protecting the European Way of Life" mounted, not only from movements like that of WeMove Europe, but from within the European Parliament as well, the name was changed, however not in the direction we advocated for. The new title held by Margaritis Schinas as of 11/13/19 is "Promoting our European Way of Life." While this shift in title does indicate that pressure from the public was effective, the change did not go far enough in the direction we advocated for. More information on the decision of Ursula von der Leyen to change the title can be found here.

Our commitment to issues like this one continues. Other campaigns that may be of interest to you can be found here: www.wemove.eu

42,057 of 50,000 signatures

Members of the European Parliament

Petition

We are people from all walks of life, who call Europe our home – whether we were born in Europe or elsewhere. We are proud to live in a Europe that is a stunning mosaic of cultures, languages, customs and beliefs.

Our way of life does not need protecting from migrants-- it needs equality and respect for human dignity and human rights. No human being is illegal. Migration is not a crime nor a security threat. What does need protecting however, is our planet. What is criminal is the rate at which we continue to deplete the resources of our planet, forcing people around the globe to flee their homes.

We call on you to reject the title of “Vice-President for Protecting our European Way of Life”, remove migration from this portfolio and ensure that human dignity, equality and human rights are upheld in the new European Commission and specifically in the portfolio in charge of Migration Policy in Europe.

Why is this important?

In any mosaic, each piece that makes it up is different from the other. But together, these pieces make something stunning.

The same can be said of our home -- Europe is made great by the wealth of cultures, experiences, and backgrounds of those of us who call Europe home. In fact, ‘Unity in Diversity’ is the motto of the European Union. But this vision is under threat.

European Commission President-elect, Ursula von der Leyen, has nominated a Vice President who will be in charge of "Protecting the European Way of Life". What do they mean by a European Way of Life? We are not sure. But we do know that his main responsibility is migration. [1]

The title of this position suggests that “the European Way of life” is somehow at odds with migration and needs protecting from it. This is an insult, at best. At worst, it takes on the rhetoric of the far-right, and institutionalises it. Marine LePen has called it an ‘ideological victory’. [2]

Meanwhile, pressure has been mounting to reject this title and remove migration from this portfolio. [3] We need to send a message: a massive people-powered petition showing that Europeans won’t stand for this could tip the scales.

In just three days MEPs will question the candidate for this position: the time to act is now.

References:

https://www.euronews.com/2019/09/10/what-s-the-european-way-of-life-eu-chief-s-new-commission-portfolio-draws-criticism
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-commission-life/eu-defends-european-way-of-life-idea-after-le-pen-claims-it-for-far-right-idUSKBN1W1262
https://www.politico.eu/article/jean-claude-juncker-criticizes-ursula-von-der-leyen-over-european-way-of-life-commissioner/
https://www.politico.eu/article/jean-claude-juncker-criticizes-ursula-von-der-leyen-over-european-way-of-life-commissioner/
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/12/world/europe/eu-ursula-von-der-leyen-migration.html
https://www.enar-eu.org/Open-letter-to-Commission-President-Ursula-Von-der-Leyen-1675

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42,057

of 50,000 signatures

Recent comments

Brian

A "European Way of Life' needs very careful definition (1) not to insult people of other origin, nation or culture who share the same values (2) be or appear to be wrongly discriminatory

Europe and the world has always multi cultural, there is no such thing as pure anything.

Anthony

We need diversity. Normal migration is good. The reasons for excess migration should be looked into and fixed.

Nicole

Most of us can’t choose our birth place, it’s pure luck to be born in a well off country. Therefore no one has the right to denie less well off humans to try for their luck somewhere else. Everybody should have the chance to move freely.

Each and every human being has virtues that contribute to the community of humanity

Helen

Europe is diverse and has always welcomed those from other countries and cultures. Our cultures are built on those from the Asian steppes, Africa and the Middle East. They have made us what we are and we should continue to be open and civilised.

Alison

We must help and protect people and families who have to take the risk to flee their own country due to any horrific situations there

Vicky

Unity in Diversity is important and encourages peace and cooperation in place of constant war-mongering.

Iris

The British society has always been diverse. People of different origins, outlooks and religions bring in new ideas and knowledge needed by a society if it is to grow and change with the times. Hence immigrants should be welcomed.

Helen Winifred

We in Europe are for the most part - obviously by no means all - privileged. We need to harness the EU in favour of solidarity sharing with all inside and outside the EU

Catherine

my father and uncles defended Europe against the far right in WW2

penelope

my geneticsare diverse. I am european .

Rosamund

Diversity and tolerance are important to me and, I believe, to our future.

Nikki

We are a part of Europe whether some people like it or not

Alan

The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven. (The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare.) Have we learnt nothing in the past 400+ years?

Christopher

I consider myself European and very happy to be and remain so...

Anne and Graham

Promoting our own traditions, values and way of life is one thing. However, our hearts and minds must remain open to all those who look to us. With so much inequality and suffering in the world, love and compassion must be our highest priority. Those who join us bring their own rich gifts to our Society.

Elizabeth

It makes me desperately sad that the UK might come out of Europe - a big retrograde step.

Dr. Elizabeth

The European way of life should be a celebration of basic human values. Don't ever narrow that focus!

Rosie

We need each other

Alison

If we don't stay in Europe , we'll just be Billy No Mates . All alone , with no friends . Pathetic .

Sister Maura

respect for ALL persons

Gavin

Using the language of the Right to undermine the Right does not work. It just feeds the intolerant. Europe knows this from hard and bitter experience. We say that we will never forget. Yet recently, new borders, physical and cultural, have already appeared in Europe. Another one looks likely. There are too many elected governments sadly tainted by prejudice and racism. The shared lessons we have inherited from our past should be leading us down another path. I don't pretend to have a solution, but pulling up a white drawbridge to cut adrift the continents that neighbour us and to airbrush our people with different heritage is not it. Most of us do recognise that our world is in extreme crisis. Anything less than complete cooperation only hurries us faster to destruction. Stirring up differences and attacking migration is a false path.

Sophia

I'm worried it's not clear what this plan means. Also minority religions might be under threat . The real ' European way of life ' is freedom and tolerance.

Christine

Keeping the phrase 'migration' in the Vice President 's job description could agitation the right wing and cause man problems. It should be re over from his job des ription. In supporting a way of life should not exclude others . Europe should not be enclave, rather we should celebrate diversity within our many different cultures and peoples.That is without doubt is the best way. Forward.

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