Christos Floros

Tag: Christos Floros DP

  • How to address Political Participation in Luxembourg

    How to address Political Participation in Luxembourg

    One of our biggest challenges in Luxembourg is political participation.

    When we consider the future of our country, we have to ask: Are we all in?

    Because the truth is, the challenges we face need everyone’s input.

    We need your voice, your ideas, your energy.

    Here’s what we’ve got:

    • Only about 10% of non-citizens vote.
    • Nearly half of our residents are non-citizens.

    As of 2023, about 47% of Luxembourg’s population are foreign nationals.

    Back in 2000, it was around 37%.

    Here’s the question:

    • How do we make everyone feel they have a stake in our future?

    In 2015, we had a referendum that could have extended voting rights to foreign residents who’ve lived here for over 10 years.

    We lost that opportunity.

    So now, we need to continue finding and building alternative ways to understand how people want us to lead, and towards where.

    It’s not just about voting (although that’s a great start, so register to vote for the next ones, it takes 2 minutes).

    It’s about participation at every level.

    It’s about caring for our commons—our shared spaces, our communities, our environment.

    We need to find ways to include more people, to convince them that their voice matters.

    Because it does.

    If we want to tackle the big issues—whether it’s housing, climate change, or economic development—we need everyone on board.

    So here’s my call to action:

    Join the dialogue, where it is.

    Join political platforms, parties, debates (online or offline – even better)

    Whether you’re a lifelong Luxembourger or you’ve just moved here, your perspective is valuable. It helps us inform our decisions.

    We need to explore new ways to engage with all residents, to gather their feedback, their hopes, their ideas for our future.

    We can’t afford to have half of our population feel disconnected.

    Your thoughts?

    Christos Floros

  • Boosting Europe’s Industries

    Boosting Europe’s Industries

    Europe’s industrial landscape is still dynamic, diverse, and certainly globally interconnected. To maintain and enhance competitiveness, the European Union must adopt strategic measures that promote innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

    We’ve got to invest in innovation

    The EU should double down on R&D spending. Encouraging both public and private investment in cutting-edge technologies to drive breakthroughs. We’ve also got to foster collaboration between businesses, academia, and research institutions. Joint efforts can lead to technological advancements that benefit all of us, not just our industries. But we’ve got to go beyond throwing money at it. We’ve got to actually implement these relationships.

    We’ve got to bring the price of energy down

    Reducing energy costs is critical for industrial competitiveness. Everyone tells us that. It’s common sense, we’ve got to do it. So we’ve got to diversisy energy sources, at scale, fast and slash prices in the process. Big ask, but we’ve got to deliver. Partners are playing at an advantage we don’t have, and we keep adding disadvantages for our own businesses.

    Get rid of unneeded bureaucracy

    We’ve got to streamline regulations to enhance business agility. The DP proposes a Commissioner with the specific agenda of bringing regulation into the 21st century. Easy to navigate, helping our business grow, instead of employing more people in compliance than the actual business itself. We’ve got to foster a supportive ecosystem for businesses to thrive.

    Europe’s commitment to the ecological transition and sustainability should align with its drive for economic growth and global competitiveness. Europe must strengthen its industries and remain a formidable player on the world stage. There’s a lot more work to be done, more than I’ve covered here. But I want you to know that’s on my mind, not just from a business perspective, from a strategic and geopolitical perspective too.

    We’ve got to work for Europe, all Europeans, in the interest not only of ourselves, but the entire world. An EU that thrives, can inspire and motivate the rest of the world.

  • How the EU Can Help Young People Find a Home

    How the EU Can Help Young People Find a Home

    Let’s talk about housing. Not about soaring penthouses and bidding wars. Let’s talk about the kind young people across Europe are struggling to find: a decent, affordable place to call home.

    Now, housing policy is primarily a national competency. But here’s the thing: a generation stuck in cramped flatshares or priced out of the market altogether isn’t good for national economies, social mobility, or frankly, the future of Europe.

    The EU, as the champion of social progress and economic dynamism, can – and should – play a leading role. We’re not talking about a Housing Commissioner (though that’s a conversation for another day). We’re talking about smart policy frameworks that incentivize member states and empower young Europeans.

    Here’s a couple of ideas; and why I insisted on Housing being in our programme.

    1. Across the continent, red tape and permitting nightmares are strangling new construction. The EU can work with national governments to streamline approvals, especially for projects that prioritize affordability and diverse housing typologies. Think student dorms, co-operative housing models, and mixed-use developments that integrate housing with offices and green spaces.

    2. Financing a first home is a boulder on young shoulders. The EU can encourage national programs that offer loan guarantees, down payment assistance schemes, and tax breaks for first-time buyers. But let’s not forget developers. Here, the EU can create incentives for building diverse housing options, not just luxury condos.

    3. From Vienna’s renowned social housing program to innovative co-operative models in Germany, Europe has a wealth of successful housing policies. The EU can act as a platform for knowledge exchange, facilitating member states to learn from each other and adapt successful approaches to their specific contexts.

    4. The EU should continue to convene panels of architects, urban planners, mobility experts, and social scientists. To advise on best practices for sustainable, inclusive housing development that integrates seamlessly with transportation networks and public services. Their insights can inform national policy decisions and ensure we’re building not just homes, but livable, thriving communities.

    This isn’t about a one-size-fits-all solution. Each member state has its own unique housing challenges. But the EU can be the orchestra conductor, setting the tone and harmonizing national policies towards a shared goal: ensuring young Europeans have a secure and affordable place to build their lives.

    This isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about a generation feeling empowered, rooted in their communities, and ready to contribute their full potential to a brighter European future. Let’s get building.

  • The EU Migration Pact, and Why we need Renew Europe

    The EU Migration Pact, and Why we need Renew Europe

    The European Union recently took a significant step forward on migration with the approval of the New Pact on Migration and Asylum. This complex legislation aims to overhaul the bloc’s approach to migration, balancing security concerns with humanitarian obligations.

    What Does the EU Migration Pact Do?

    The Pact is a comprehensive package designed to create a more fair, efficient, and humane migration system. Here are some of its core goals:

    • Sharing Responsibility: The burden of managing migration will be distributed more evenly among member states. This could include relocation programs for asylum seekers arriving in frontline countries like Greece and Italy.
    • Faster Procedures: Streamlining asylum applications aims to reduce processing times and improve efficiency.
    • Stronger Borders: The Pact strengthens border security with increased use of technology and information sharing between member states.
    • Return and Readmission: Improved mechanisms for returning those whose asylum claims are rejected are included.

    Renew Europe’s Support

    I believe Renew Europe likely saw the Pact as a necessary compromise that addresses several key issues:

    • Unsustainable Pressure: The current system places an unfair burden on southern European countries facing large migrant inflows. The Pact’s relocation mechanisms aim to alleviate this pressure.
    • Inaction is Not an Option: The migration issue has been a source of division in the EU for years. The Pact offers a framework for progress, even if it may not be perfect.
    • Humanitarian Values: Renew Europe supports the Pact’s commitment to upholding human rights while managing migration effectively.

    Why Compromise Matters

    The EU Migration Pact is a prime example of why centrist parties like Renew Europe are crucial. They act as a bridge between opposing viewpoints, facilitating compromise to deliver on the mandates given by the people.

    • Finding Common Ground: The migration issue is complex, with strong opinions on all sides. Renew Europe plays a vital role in finding common ground and creating workable solutions.
    • Delivering Results: Without compromise, the EU risks paralysis on critical issues. Renew Europe’s willingness to compromise helps ensure progress is made.
    • A Stable Future: A well-managed migration system is essential for a stable and prosperous EU. Renew Europe’s support for the Pact contributes to this goal.

    A significant step forward, but just the beginning. The success of the Pact will depend on its implementation and the willingness of member states to cooperate. With continued compromise and a focus on both security and humanity, the EU can create a more effective migration system for the future.

    Journalist? Reporter / Christos Floros

    Are you a journalist?

    Are you a reporter?

    For media inquiries, journalists and reporters can now contact me at cfloros [@] dp lu

    Please avoid DM’s on Instagram, they can get lost. Email is best.

  • 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.