Grüne on Europe

The Greens want to make Europe more visible in everyday life in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The European idea is to be strengthened in schools, universities, vocational training and adult education. Partnerships and exchange programs are to grow.

The Greens want people in the state to notice Europe more. Schools and universities should teach more about Europe. There should be more partnerships with places in other countries. Trainees should also find it easier to go abroad.

According to the program, exchange opportunities are not yet within everyone's reach, and Europe remains invisible to many people. The Greens therefore also want to strengthen civil society initiatives that let people experience Europe in rural areas. Partnerships between towns, schools and regions are to be expanded. Taking part in programs such as Erasmus+ is to become easier for trainees and young skilled workers.

The Greens want to develop a strategy for using EU funding so that rural regions in particular benefit more. Applicants are to get more advice and higher co-financing from the state. Regional programs such as LEADER are to be kept in the next EU budget.

The EU gives money for projects in the regions. The Greens want to use this money better. People who apply should get more help. The state should add more of its own money to EU projects. Small funding programs for villages should stay.

According to the program, EU funds are often hard to access. The planned strategy is meant to support rural areas specifically and advance innovation, digitalization and climate protection. Municipalities, associations, companies and research institutions are to be supported through more co-financing and additional regional advice services, such as the Europalots*innen (Europe guides). In the talks on the next multiannual EU budget, the Greens want to push for LEADER and other easily accessible funding for small projects to continue. The state should still be able to award and shape these funds itself.

The Greens want to expand cooperation with Poland and treat the border area more as one shared region. This includes the Euroregion Pomerania, the Szczecin metropolitan region, better transport links and more language and school exchange. The program sees opportunities for the economy and social cohesion, especially in Vorpommern.

The Greens want to work more closely with Poland. The area along the border should grow together. There should be better train links to Poland. More students should be able to learn Polish. Schools should have partners in Poland.

According to the program, transport links are often underdeveloped, and exchange depends too much on the commitment of individuals. The Euroregion Pomerania is to be strengthened, along with cooperation between municipalities, universities and companies. The Szczecin metropolitan region is to be developed further as a shared area for business, work and nature. EU Interreg money is to fund joint projects on nature conservation, democracy and economic development. Cross-border rail and transport links are to be expanded, and Polish lessons and school partnerships will continue to receive support.