Eco-development has to be based on democracy, transparency, gender equality and the right of all people to express themselves and participate fully in decision-making. .
The Greens advocate a comprehensive concept of global security, which cannot be defined solely in military terms. Therefore, Green policies concentrate on the prevention of armed conflicts, on removing the causes of war and on developing ways to peaceful conflict resolution. Efforts to combat racism, for mutual understanding and respect for other cultures and, above all else, to end global poverty, would be Europe's strongest and most effective security plan. .
Nuclear disarmament and a comprehensive Test Ban Treaty are urgent priorities. The Greens want all exports of European military and nuclear technology controlled, reduced and eventually eliminated. The UN should be given extended possibilities to strengthen peace and development, and be more efficient in peacekeeping activities. .
The Greens advocate a new citizenship, where human rights and rights of minorities, the civil rights of immigrants and the individual's right to asylum are fundamental. Basic human rights include the right to healthy and clean environment; to free education, social protection and paid work; to full participation regardless of gender, race, creed, birthplace, parentage, disability or sexuality. There should be greater democratic control and openness in institutions of power. .
Greens on the European Union .
Just before the EU launched its Inter-governmental Conference in March 1996, the Council of the Federation adopted a Green IGC document. The Green concept of a reform of the EU Maastricht Treaty includes the following: .
Any significant changes of the Treaty should be put to a popular vote in each member country. An increased openness and access to public information is needed. The Union must be open to all democratic European States prepared to join.