Values, Innovation, Society and Europe: Central Elements of the New Epp Platform

Abstract

On 18 October 2012, the European People's Party (EPP) Congress in Bucharest approved a new programme of basic principles to replace the earlier Athens Programme. The new Bucharest Programme is based on the same principal choices and characteristics that have defined the EPP from its foundation; at the same time, it reflects the party's broadening to include a number of new member parties and adapt to the new challenges faced by European politics, economy and society. Yet the new Platform, the result of two and a half years’ work by an ad hoc committee, should not be the end of our reflections and proposals. On the contrary, it should generate an intensive round of discussions, studies and publications on its four main elements: values, innovation, a strong Europe and vital communities. This article summarises the central elements of the new EPP Platform. Together, these elements can reposition the EPP as the political movement for the future, while at the same time presenting a vision and a solution to the challenges of our time.