Quaker Council For European Affairs - Programmes

Programmes

QCEA has six main programme areas:

• Peace

QCEA's peace programme has focused on the basic premise that the Eu and the Council of Europe were conceived as peace projects and that this should remain their guiding principle in all they do. Today, this has particular application in those policies which affect the relationship with other countries and regions in the world.

• Human Rights

Quakers believe that there is that of God in everyone. Human Rights issues have therefore been a core concern for Quakers throughout their history. QCEA's work has focused on a number of distinct issues on which the Council of Europe and the EU have policy development and decision-making roles.

• Economic Justice

Quakers believe in the equality of all people. Arising from this, Quakers have long held a concern about economic justice, reconciliation, and the right sharing of world resources. Details of QCEA's work has varied over time in order to engage with the political agenda of the EU and Council of Europe institutions in order to remain relevant and be heard.

• Democratic Governance

The European Union is often criticized for its so-called lack of democratic legitimacy. Since 2001, at least, the EU has tried to address this. QCEA has engaged with a variety of aspects of the developments in the institutional make-up and decision-making processes of the EU since 2001 because they believe that active engagement with citizens is essential to a functioning democracy.

• Sustainable Energy Security

The Sustainable Energy Security programme seeks to redefine energy security for the 21st century so that it incorporates human security, fair energy distribution and genuine sustainability, and to galvanise action on sustainable energy use at all levels across Europe.

• Palestine & Israel

QCEA recognises the important role the EU has in the ongoing efforts to contribute to a lasting peace in Palestine and Israel. QCEA has therefore decided to focus par of its programme on this. Their work seeks to influence the EU and its Institutions in its approach to this conflict and the parties to this conflict.