Christos Floros

Category: European Union

  • We must Defend our Democracy

    We must Defend our Democracy

    Today, Russians are voting in an event cynically dubbed an “election.” However, this is just a simple charade. The man who has clung to power for more than two decades, Vladimir Putin, has no real challengers. Democracy in Russia has been eroded from within, its institutions gutted and its voice silenced. This is not an isolated case; it is a frightening echo that resonates throughout the world, as the decline of freedoms is a rising tide.

    Europe faces its own existential threat.

    Europe faces its own existential threat. The populist wave, which has eroded democracies elsewhere, is sweeping through the heart of the European Union. The far right, with its divisive rhetoric and xenophobic agendas, poses a real threat to the fragile unity of the Union. The values that underpin the EU – human rights, the rule of law, cooperation – are under attack.

    We are under attack

    It’s not an accident. We are under attack. We are engaged in a silent cyberwar, a relentless campaign to disrupt our governments, disrupt public discourse, and sow discord. Trolls and bots infiltrate our social media, spreading misinformation and manipulating narratives. Hospitals, transportation networks and the very infrastructure of our digital lives are under constant attack. This cyberwar requires vigilance, robust cybersecurity measures and digitally aware citizens.

    We cannot afford to be complacent. The hard-won gains of the past seventy years – peace, prosperity and a rules-based international order – are under threat. These achievements were not built by chance; they were the result of tireless work, compromise and collaboration. They were the product of a shared vision of a better future, and we must defend them in our European Parliament elections in June.

    The European Elections of 2024

    We need to inspire confidence, articulate a compelling vision for the future, and bridge the divides that threaten to tear our societies apart. The cynicism and scapegoating tactics of the far right offer no way forward.

    We, Luxembourgers, Europeans, democrats, must actively participate in the democratic process – recognizing that the future of democracy is not a spectator sport – it requires each of us.

    The stakes in 2024 are high. The choices we make today will determine the world for generations to come.

    Will we succumb to the siren song of autocracy, with its promises of stability based on repression and fear? Or will we rise to the challenge, reaffirming our commitment to the principles that have guided humanity toward a fairer and more prosperous world?

    The answer lies with each of us.

    Christos Floros

    Candidate for Member of the European Parliament with the DP – Demokratesch Partei

  • Strengthening our Democracy

    Strengthening our Democracy

    Democracy stands as the bedrock of citizens’ empowerment and collective decision-making.

    As we works towards a more vibrant EU democracy, our compass must point firmly towards the significance of active citizenship and the power vested in our collective voice.

    Why Voting Matters

    At the heart of any thriving democracy lies the ballot box – a sacred space where citizens cast their votes to shape the future. The EU elections, often overshadowed by national contests, are a crucial arena where the voice of each individual resonates in the halls of power.

    The importance of voting in these elections cannot be overstated; it is the foundation upon which our shared destiny is built. As citizens of the EU, we must recognize that our participation is not just a right but a responsibility that defines the very essence of our democratic values.

    Sending a Pro-EU Signal

    In an era marked by divisive rhetoric and the rise of nationalism, the EU elections become a battleground for shaping the narrative. By casting a pro-EU vote, we send a powerful signal that transcends borders and challenges the forces of fragmentation.

    Our collective endorsement of a united Europe reinforces the idea that, together, we are stronger. It is a declaration that we believe in collaboration, solidarity, and a shared destiny, even in the face of adversity.

    Engagement Beyond the Ballot

    Democracy is not a spectator sport; it requires active participation beyond the act of voting. To fortify the pillars of our democratic system, we must encourage more citizens to engage not only at the polls but also within the intricate web of political parties and civil society.

    It is through these engagements that we shape the narrative, influence policy, and ensure that our democracy remains vibrant and responsive to the needs of the people.

    Communication is Key

    One of the cornerstones of a thriving democracy is transparent and effective communication. To reinforce the European Parliament’s role, it is imperative that the work undertaken within its walls is communicated clearly and comprehensively to the citizens it serves.

    Bridging the gap between policymakers and the public fosters a sense of trust and understanding, laying the groundwork for a more engaged and informed electorate.

    Empowering the EU Parliament

    To bolster EU democracy, we must empower the European Parliament with the ability to take the lead in shaping policies. Granting the EU Parliament greater powers of initiative enhances its role as a true representative of the people.

    This shift not only reinforces the democratic principles upon which the EU was founded but also ensures that the institution is dynamic, responsive, and capable of driving positive change.

    Democracy… More Democratic

    As we aspire to build a more perfect union, EU democracy must be brought closer to its citizens. This involves creating mechanisms for more direct involvement, encouraging citizen-led initiatives, and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

    By making democracy more accessible, representative, intersectional and responsive at the grassroots level, we ensure that the European project remains deeply rooted in the aspirations and realities of its diverse population.

    As we approach the next EU elections, lets seize the opportunity to breathe new life into our democracy and reaffirm our commitment to a united and democratic European Union.

  • We are running together for the European Parliament

    We are running together for the European Parliament

    I am running to represent you at the #EuropeanParliament with the DP – Demokratesch Partei

    I want to thank you for this opportunity – I’m in this position because you’re here, because you’ve responded to this message of coming together and of participation.

    This is not my candidacy, this is our candidacy.

    #Luxembourg shaped me into who I am today, growing up here, a #European with a world of opportunities around me.

    And I want more of you, and our children in the future to have this opportunity too.

    To grow up in our beautiful country, in the heart of Europe, and become in mind Europeans, with a worldview beyond national borders, able to carry out this mission of peace for Europe, for #Europe and the world.

    Luxembourg, with our history of contributing to the European project; must lead that charge.

    I hope you will support us and the entire team Charles Goerens, Amela Skenderovic, Jana Degrott, Nancy Braun, Gusty Graas, the way you have supported me.

    I hope you know, this is the single greatest honour of my life so far; to be able to present myself to represent you, and represent my country, my home – Luxembourg, at the arena where we build our common European future. Our European Parliament.

    I’m ready.

    I’m here for you.

    I am here to campaign for Europe.

    Tell more of your friends they can register to vote before April 15. link: https://christosfloros.com

    And more importantly, thank you.

    Thank you, for this great honour.

    I want to thank you all, and thank every single member of the Democratic Party for trusting me to be in this position.

    I want to especially thank Xavier Bettel, and Charles Goerens, Corinne Cahen, Patrick Goldschmidt, Jana Degrott, Amela Skenderovic, Géraldine WELKENBACH for their support and trust.

    And I want to hugely thank the Presidents of our National Districts, Max Stoffel, Eric Thill, daliah Scholl and Ben Ries, who all supported this candidacy; I am grateful both for your support; and for your openness, advice and guidance.

    There’s so many people I need to thank really, all of you; and our over 8,000 DP members, DP International President Luís Oliveira, our incredible collaborator in Strassen, Lise Merete Joergensen, our Coordinator extraordinaire, Jeff Brausch, Our very own Mediaman, David Wilson, our Campaign manager, Pitt Sietzen, the extraordinary person that is Loris Meyer, and the amazing Yolande Kirsch … So many to name; because this really is, our candidacy.

    Let’s Renew Europe on June 9.

  • Building a European Parliament Fit for the People

    Building a European Parliament Fit for the People

    The European Parliament: a beating heart of democracy, a forum for diverse voices, a guardian of our shared values. Or… an often-distant institution, bogged down in bureaucracy, struggling to connect with the citizens it serves. Let’s be honest, the Parliament sometimes feels more like a museum exhibit than a vibrant marketplace of ideas.

    But here’s the thing: a strong, representative Parliament is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. In a world of rising populism, external threats, and complex challenges, we need our European voice to be loud, clear, and rooted in the will of the people.

    So, how do we bridge the gap between Brussels, Strasbourg and the kitchen table and people’s screens? How do we build a Parliament that truly resonates with the hopes, anxieties, and aspirations of everyday Europeans?

    First, let’s ditch the echo chamber. Right now, the Parliament often feels like a club for career politicians, speaking a language understood only by insiders. We need fresh faces, diverse perspectives, and a focus on issues that matter to real people, not just party dogma. Imagine young entrepreneurs debating the future of the digital economy, young employees discussing employment issues, farmers raising concerns about climate change, architects and urban practictioners debating the future of our cities, students advocating for affordable education – now that’s a Parliament I’d tune in to!

    Second, let’s break down the walls. The Parliament shouldn’t be an ivory tower. We need more direct engagement with citizens, online and offline. Town hall meetings, digital forums, citizen consultations – let’s create spaces where people can actively participate, not just passively observe. Imagine using online platforms to crowdsource solutions to pressing issues, wouldn’t that be an innovative way to harness collective wisdom?

    Third, let’s empower the representatives. Right now, MEPs often feel like cogs in a vast machine, their voices diluted by party loyalties and complex procedures. We need to give them the tools and freedom to truly champion the causes they believe in, to hold the Commission accountable, and to debate with passion and conviction. Imagine a Parliament where fiery speeches ignite genuine debate, wouldn’t that be a spectacle worthy of our democracy?

    Building a more resilient, representative Parliament won’t be easy. It requires challenging the status quo, embracing innovation, and, most importantly, listening to the people. But the stakes are high. A strong Parliament is the bedrock of a strong Europe, a Europe that can navigate the storms of the 21st century and emerge stronger, more united, and more true to its democratic ideals.

    So, let’s roll up our sleeves, get involved, and demand (through our votes) a Parliament that truly reflects the pulse of Europe. The future of our shared project depends on it.

    What are your thoughts? How can we build a stronger, more representative European Parliament? I would love to hear your ideas,

    Christos Floros

  • “2024 is history in the making” interview with Chronicle.lu

    “2024 is history in the making” interview with Chronicle.lu

    Chronicle.lu: In a context of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, plus taking into account Eurosceptic/anti-Europe narratives (talks of EU exits – and this being the first European election since the 1970s without the UK) and the fact that this is a “record” year for elections worldwide, why do you feel it is important that more people (not least potential first-time voters) head to the polls in June 2024?

    Christos Floros: Voting is our civic duty. It’s how we shape the future of our society, at every scale, locally, nationally, internationally. In democratic societies, at least. Here in Luxembourg, citizens are required to vote.

    If we could legally make every resident vote, I believe we would. Because in Luxembourg we really do see it as a duty, if you live and work in this country, we want you to take responsibility for it, too.

    2024 is history in the making. The year they’ll point to in the future and say, “That’s when we stood up for democracy” or the opposite. The latter option, well, let’s just say Trump getting re-elected, makes it scarily possible. Remember, he was elected after the shockwave of Brexit, right?

    This year, Europe should send a different kind of shockwave to the US. A nod to our American allies, a message that says, “Hey, we’re still building that post-WWII world together.” A wake-up call. And guess how we do that? Electing pro-EU leaders across our Union in June.

    We gotta rekindle that commitment in Europe. Our peace, our freedom, our freedom of movement, our Erasmus, our shared prosperity, all these things, we’ve achieved together, we’ve got to remind every single European that this only works, when we work together and when politicians are also willing to take responsibility for what didn’t go as planned, what we didn’t get right. Otherwise, we are going to leave the field free for the far right… And those who scream “no more Europe” are basically condemning us all. We, as individual nations, can’t navigate this new world we are entering, alone. […] We live in a world of giants now, and going it solo for any of us is a recipe for disaster. We can and will continue to love and cherish our homelands, celebrate our traditions, and at the same time we must continue to aspire to build our bigger selves together. We need more Union today, than we needed in the 90’s or the 2000s.

    This is not just an election, it’s a chance to shape history. It’s our opportunity to show the world that Europe is still a beacon of hope, collaboration, and progress […] And that’s why I want everyone to sign up to vote before 15 April, to vote on 9 June.

    Read the full interview: https://chronicle.lu/category/politics/48625-change-for-luxembourg-founder-discusses-importance-of-european-elections

  • Luxembourg: Small Country, Big Vision for Europe.

    Luxembourg: Small Country, Big Vision for Europe.

    In Luxembourg we know our size doesn’t define our impact, especially when it comes to Europe.

    We were there at the start, Schuman’s dream woven into our country’s fabric. Now, on June 9th, it’s time to raise our voices again, not just because it’s our right, but because our vote truly steers the future of a united Europe.

    Anyone still remember the struggles our grandparents and parents faced, divided by borders?

    Today, thanks to the EU, we hop across those same borders for work, study, even love, with barely a blink. Schengen, a cornerstone of that freedom, was signed right here in our backyard.

    That’s our legacy, built brick by brick with our European partners, showing the power of working together.

    We, the generation raised on a united Europe, need to remind ourselves and others what we’ve gained: cleaner air, stronger economies, Erasmus adventures that opened our eyes to the world. These aren’t distant concepts, they’re the realities that shape our lives.

    However, the rising tide of nationalism threatens to wash away these achievements. We see it across Europe, and even here in Luxembourg too, unfortunately. But here’s the thing: Luxembourg, small but fierce, has always stood up to bullies. We did it before, and we can do it again, not with fists, but with our votes, all together, as one diverse, united, European country.

    On June 9th, let’s cast our ballots for a progressive, social-liberal Europe. Let’s honour the vision of our founding fathers and mothers, reject the divisive voices, and weave the future of Europe, stronger than ever before.

    Our vote, like our voice, is powerful. Let’s use it to remind everyone, from Vianden to Differdange, from Luxembourg City to Troisvierges, and from Lisbon to Vilnius, that a united Europe isn’t just possible, it’s essential.

    Letz get voting!

    C