Today austerity seems to be the only answer given
to remedy the economic crisis in Europe
yet people are getting poorer and poorer
Automation in manufacturing
and wealth accumulation by financial institutions
are changing our approach to work
More and more is produced
with fewer and fewer people
Unemployment rates have skyrocketed
and paid work is no longer a right for everyone!
The good news is that never before in history
have human societies generated so much wealth
But while this wealth is produced
by the work of all –past and present-
this wealth is unevenly
distributed among citizens
We, as European citizens
propose an alternative !
It's not a new idea
but now is the time to put it into action !
It’s called
Unconditional Basic Income
Have you heard of it?
Not yet?
Article 25 of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights states
Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate
for the health and well-being of himself
and of his family
including food
clothing
housing
and medical care
and necessary social services
and the right to security in the event of unemployment...
There it is!
Basic Income should be
universal
individual
unconditional
and high enough
to ensure a dignified existence
and participation in society
This new fundamental right for humanity
not only would eradicate misery
it is also a way to develop
non-market oriented work
such as
artists
parents
and volunteers
But it's also an economic measure!
A basic income for all
would mean supporting local business
Therefore, it would enable us
to fully exercise our citizenship
How do we finance it?
Easy!
We have several proposals
financial and high-income taxation
a consumption tax on luxury goods and polluting products
and mainly
self-financing
by simplification of a very long list
of current social transfers
and associated public services
which have become obsolete
What we propose
would be much simpler
equal and transparent
everyone gets a basic income
without even asking for it
But then of course it's up to you to work if you want more money !
We, as European citizens
have now launched an official petition
called European Citizen Initiative
to make the European authorities
examine our manifesto
So... What's the deal?
First of all, we have to surpass
a minimum threshold of seven countries
15 countries have already joined the campaign
and are getting ready to collect signatures
Hopefully others will join up soon
The European Commission
must consider our proposals
when we reach the one million signatures required
If accepted
studies of the different models
and amounts of Basic Income will begin
We must mobilize
by organizing events
creating local groups
and creating a buzz
by telling your friends and everyone around you
that a new idea is growing in Europe!
Thank you for visiting
and signing our petition !