In other words, we put people and planet before profits. Economic growth must serve human dignity in the widest sense of the word. We advocate for economic policies which take into account their impact on relationships between peoples, between institutions, between stakeholder groups, and between individuals, and which are tested to produce greater interaction and mutual understanding, fairness to all included parts, and a convergence of purpose and values.

In other words, we put people and planet before profits. Economic growth must serve human dignity in the widest sense of the word. We advocate for economic policies which take into account their impact on relationships between peoples, between institutions, between stakeholder groups, and between individuals, and which are tested to produce greater interaction and mutual understanding, fairness to all included parts, and a convergence of purpose and values.

EU and Member States’ economic policies should:

• be people and family-centred, not driven by short-term profits;

• apply the potential of technology by respecting human dignity and caring for the environment;

• practice transparency;

• cultivate long- term thinking;

• be as inclusive as possible (reject pressure from vested interests at the expense of other stakeholders);

• not erode the rule of law and democracy;

• encourage and support local entrepreneurship and small & medium enterprises (SMEs).

Stakeholder model

Based on this relational thinking, we encourage the development of small and medium-sized companies (counting for two thirds of private sector jobs in the EU) and we advocate for an investment-friendly climate for innovative entrepreneurs. We propose the stakeholder-focused business form (cooperatives, employee-owned business etc.) as a more just and healthier model to build the economy. Concentration of (political and economic) power can lead to corruption, to greedy extraction of resources and lack of accountability. We are critical of the view that privatisation is the answer to any public service that is not functioning optimally, and we recommend a case-by-case approach where fairness, affordability and efficiency are respected.

Trade & Transportation

ECPM is critical of international trade agreements which disempower people (and sometimes even countries) merely for the benefit of multinationals and the world of international finance. The principles of free trade and open market economy are essential to Europe’s economies; however, there need to be checks and balances in the system to keep it sustainable. We are in favour of mutually beneficial agreements, which comply fully with regulation, to which proper taxation is applied and where workers’ rights are upheld and working conditions are humane and compliant. We also believe that the growth a company experiences from trade should translate into growth, stability and well-being for its workers and the community at large.

Regarding infrastructure and transportation which directly affects trade, a better connectivity and seamless transfers are necessary. We call for removal of bottlenecks, clear legal frameworks and enforcement, and fair and safe working conditions. Since transportation is the second-largest source of emissions in Europe, we support efforts to decarbonize it and replace it with clean, sustainable options. The transition needs to be gradual and in places where citizens would be heavily impacted, we call for governments to subsidize and mitigate the impact.

Innovation, Research & Development

ECPM believes that God gave people a mandate to develop and care for His creation (Genesis 2:15), and as such, we need to be aware and involved in the conversation about technology, artificial intelligence (AI), bio-ethics etc. Innovation is not a neutral subject but requires careful and ethical consideration. It should especially foster greater interaction between people and strengthen relationships and communities. We support innovation as long as it does not infringe on human dignity and human rights, as long as it does not violate privacy rights and doesn’t harm the environment. We recognize that innovation is sometimes not a pleasant process for citizens and established companies, therefore we advocate for support and re-training for those who need it.

We support ongoing efforts to make our continent self-sufficient, to reduce supply chains and reliance on countries like Russia and China. Europe needs to continue strengthening its position in the world as a technology hub by investing more in Research & Development. For decades now, the average spending on R&D of EU member states is lower than the OECD(10) average(11), despite sustained efforts by the EU.

We propose striking a balance between government- funded R&D and private efforts. Leaving research and development completely to the market is risky, since large corporations who can afford it are mainly interested in maximising profits, while ethical concerns are secondary. They will also swallow up smaller enterprises which come up with new inventions, further consolidating their power; this is why antitrust laws are essential for preventing monopolies and maintaining healthy competition. On the other hand, government funding can help develop technologies and services which directly benefit consumers but may not generate significant profit. It can directly set up innovation incubators or fund labs and projects via higher education institutes, whether public or private. We also advocate for governments to reduce innovation barriers, such as unnecessary bureaucracy or excessive taxation. Small entrepreneurs should especially benefit from government support and protection. The EU can play a major role in harmonizing rules and regulations for innovative technologies between Member States.

In order to foster innovation, ECPM members highly favour diversifying education on one hand and fighting corruption on the other. Higher education must be encouraged and made accessible/ affordable to anyone who wishes to pursue it, while trades and vocational training should be equally available throughout the European Union. ECPM strongly supports fighting corrupt behaviour, oligarchic tendencies, bribery and nepotism which are detrimental to competitiveness and the countries’ economic health in the long run.

Finance & Services

Here are a few policy recommendations we put forward:

• redirect the cohesion policies in such a way that regional-based companies and inclusive business models can get preference treatment in economic stimulation programs and tendering. We want to end the current practice where large companies & multinationals are automatically the largest beneficiaries of EU economic support policies (both in the CAP12 and cohesion policies);

• shift the burden of proof in EU Merger Control to require not just clear absence of negative outcomes but demonstration of positive social benefits;
• joining the single currency area should be merit-based, and not a politically, ideologically driven process, and it should be clearly based on the sovereign decision of the Member States. ECPM demands that fiscal and cohesion policies prioritize SMEs, regional companies, rural areas and communities.

• use the Human Development Index as measurement of economic progress at EU level as well as other non-GDP measures;
• make integrated reporting the European standard for corporations and introduce metrics that directly measure relationship quality between stakeholders;

• expand the agreement reached over tax avoidance by lowering the turnover ceiling significantly in order to achieve that 90% of multinationals will have to publish a breakdown of the tax they pay in each of the bloc’s Member States and in tax havens (increased country-by- country reporting);

• renounce the idea of eliminating cash;

• European political parties and foundations need to be relieved from the obligation to match-fundraise in order to reduce undue influence by large and multinational business in European politics.

Agriculture and fishery

For the European single market to function properly, there needs to be a level playing field and a set of rules acceptable for all stakeholders involved. The common provisions regulating the structural and investment funds (ESI) for regional development can be found in Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013.(13) We agree with Art. 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)(14) that we should strengthen our cohesion by reducing disparities between levels of development of the various EU regions, and that particular attention should be paid to rural areas.

Agriculture is one of the biggest expenses of the European Union; for the 2021-2027 period, 387 billion in funding has been allocated to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).(15) ECPM calls for serious reform of the CAP, where the principle of subsidiarity is respected. The agricultural conditions vary greatly from country to country and, while food security and quality products should be the EU’s goal in deploying the CAP funds, the specific measures should be set and enforced by national governments. We disagree with blanket policies imposed in a top-down manner from Brussels and which are difficult or impossible to implement by some farmers. We believe agriculture, fishery and nature conservation can go hand in hand.

Regarding fishery, ECPM believes that it should be a priority to value the contribution of fisheries to food security. The 2013 reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) centred around setting sustainable catch limits with the objective to restore stocks, maintain healthy ecosystems and safeguard stable, profitable fisheries for the EU fleet. However, it has also led to many practical problems in the field. The unworkable landing obligation, which bans the discarding of unwanted bycatch, should be repealed and there should be a better balance between the three pillars of sustainability (people, planet, profit). The EU should stimulate green innovations, such as pulse fishing. One of the major challenges will be to keep enough space for fisheries in light of the growing spatial claim of offshore renewable energy and nature protection. Multiple use of these areas can be a solution. The CFP also called for a more regional approach with only a basic framework from Brussels, which ECPM supports.

Sustainability & Environment Protection

ECPM believes that wise stewardship of the environment and its resources is a biblical assignment. Most scientists agree that human actions have a large effect on our planet and climate. ECPM agrees that we need to improve our resilience in the face of climate change and that we have a responsibility towards future generations. We reject any suggestion that family values and having children is harming the environment and that the burden and cost of environmental policies should be shouldered solely by the taxpayer. We also advocate for economic justice and equitable development between Europe and the global south and are against greedy, colonial-minded extraction of the South’s resources and its pollution.

The EU institutions in collaboration with the Member States should continually look for ways to protect the environment in a manner that does not stifle technological innovation. It is not an either/or situation, ECPM argues that technological innovation can be used to protect the environment, offset the negative effects caused by people & industry, and also to provide us with the energy and resources we need to live. The market for clean energy needs to reflect the current technological possibilities as well as to respect the principles of fair market competition. The EU should assist Member States to meet these standards and to invest in innovative economies.

We affirm the European institutions’ role in promoting clean and sustainable industries and business practices, in encouraging innovation and in making sure the polluter pays (however, this principle cannot be abused to mean that a company is free to pollute as long as they pay). We condemn the use of forever chemicals (PFASs) and call on the EU to permanently ban their use.

We also call on the EU to take measures to reduce the harmful effects of (micro) plastics on human beings and the environment, including by significantly reducing their use.

Like the other policies mentioned, and in line with our relational thinking, we believe that caring for the creation needs to take place at all levels. At grassroots level, individuals need to adjust their mindset and habits regarding food waste, use of plastics and chemicals, and travelling. Entrepreneurs and businesses need to build in sustainability in their models. States and governments must educate the population on the effects of their choices, must provide incentives, and legislate to protect the water, land and air for their citizens.