Humanity is facing a pressing climate crisis, as demonstrated by the probable failure to meet the 1.5-degree target. Germany, a significant contributor to this issue, has already used up more than half of its emissions budget set by the 2015 Paris Climate Conference. A radical transformation of our economy is necessary, particularly in the energy sector, which must transition immediately towards emission neutrality through coal phase-out and a complete shift to renewable energy sources. Germany can take on its role as a role model and lead the way in driving this process forward, both in Europe and globally. We are confident that Germany has the potential to inspire other countries to follow its example.

At the heart of the matter, it is important for companies and energy corporations to take responsibility for the consequences of environmental pollution and CO2 emissions. A fair compensation system that effectively factors in the costs and damages of environmental destruction must be universally based on the polluter-pays principle. The costs of the necessary transformation of our economy must be distributed fairly.

Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector continue to rise rapidly, while urban populations suffer from the consequences of poor air quality. Several cities and municipalities have rightly declared a climate emergency since 2019. To promote climate and health protection, as well as the preservation of quality of life, a drastic shift in mobility is needed within the framework of a comprehensive transport transition. Environmentally friendly mobility entails moving away from air and car travel and towards the consistent expansion of rail and public transport. We must reduce the prevalence of individual motorized transportation, especially in rural areas where effective mobility solutions are necessary.

In Germany, the post-war period has seen a steadfast commitment to the motto of producing more at a lower cost in agricultural production. To meet the prevailing dumping prices, today's farmers are both victims and contributors to climate change. Particularly in the production of animal products through factory farming, large amounts of greenhouse gasses are emitted, and animals are kept in the most unworthy conditions. We must counter this with a fundamental transformation of our agriculture. Current agricultural production is at the expense of the environment, animals, climate, and people and is therefore no longer timely. We need a climate-friendly and sustainable agriculture that supports regional and sustainable farmers.

Our education system is outdated and underfunded. The current educational offerings are not tailored to the rapidly changing demands of the modern workforce and neglect the promotion of innovation, analytical and critical thinking, independent work, and communication skills. Educational opportunities often still depend too much on the income of parents and their place of residence. The education of the future includes personality development, respects differences, and fosters potential. It also emphasizes lifelong learning, allowing citizens to continue their development beyond school. Lifting the ban on cooperation would enable educational institutions throughout Germany to learn from and with each other more effectively, and distribute state funds more equitably. It is imperative that this ban be lifted to promote a more efficient and fair distribution of resources.The influences of digitization must always be considered. Educational institutions must not only keep up with the latest technology but also impart competent handling of media, technologies, information, and data. We support school systems where children can learn together for as long as possible to promote educational equity.

Social status should never determine health. The German healthcare and nursing system must finally become fair; the two-tier medical system must be abolished. Profit maximization and economic efficiency should not dictate medical practice at the expense of patients, doctors, and nurses. Prevention and health promotion must be massively expanded to include both physical and mental health. A fundamental reform of the care system and upgrading of nursing professions are necessary to address the challenges of changing care structures. The opportunities of digitization must be consistently utilized to provide easy access to quality medical care. Everyone must have the right to decide for themselves about their body. Everyone must benefit from medical progress.

Despite the prosperity in our country, poverty persists everywhere. Two million children are affected by poverty. For many older people, especially women, pensions are not enough to live on. The current social systems are often characterized more by mistrust towards recipients than by meeting their needs and promoting them. We must combat social isolation in society and strive for more togetherness, community, and neighborliness. We must invest in people's potential and rely on their willingness to contribute their labor for the common good. We support approaches that advocate for solidarity with all citizens and welcome the testing of new models, such as a universal basic income.

Regardless of why people migrate—whether they are fleeing or leaving their homeland for other reasons—human dignity must always be the guiding principle of our migration policy. Migration offers numerous opportunities. It allows us to address labor shortages, an aging society, and promote diversity. Participation and inclusion are crucial factors. Integration can only succeed if immigrants have easy access to the labor market and can quickly learn the German language. Migrants have a right to the opportunity to integrate into our society.

Tax avoidance and evasion cost our state billions every year. These funds are missing for financing social systems and investments. Our tax system should not only generate state revenues but also create social balance and ensure that burdens are fairly distributed. However, it is often the strongest in our society and multinational companies that evade responsibility through tax avoidance and evasion. We, therefore, demand consistent pursuit of tax evaders and reform of the tax system, which relieves low earners more and ensures that loopholes are closed. For more cohesion in our society, public discourse must be actively supported, and people who have turned away from our democratic processes and no longer feel represented must be included. The state must cooperate more actively with civil society—civil society actors are the ones who defend our democracy everyday.

The social debate of recent years has been increasingly characterized by hatred and polarization. Minorities in particular are increasingly exposed to hostility. Democratic discourse is becoming increasingly difficult. We must take measures to counteract this development. Freedom of expression must be upheld, but hate crime and incitement to hatred must be combated more effectively - both online and on the streets. At the same time, we must actively support democracy and diversity of opinion and involve people who have turned their backs on our democratic processes and no longer feel represented. Here too, the state must work more actively with civil society - civil society actors are the ones who defend our democracy on a daily basis.

Our economic system is not sustainable. We are depleting the finite resources of our planet at an ever faster pace, depriving current and future generations of their future. We demand a transition towards a circular economy focused on sustainability. Constant growth at the expense of ecological resources must no longer be the primary goal of our economic policy. The state must play a greater regulatory role in ecological and social matters and ensure that companies are held accountable for the ecological and social costs of their actions. Possible negative impacts on distribution justice must be adequately mitigated. This is the only way to ensure that future generations can live in prosperity.

Ten years after the greatest financial crisis of the 21st century, there is still no fundamental change in our financial system. The roots of the collapse were never eliminated: instead of profound reforms, there was often a 'business as usual' approach—future financial crises are already looming. We need a radical overhaul of the financial system so that not only returns matter but also social benefits and compatibility. Financial transactions must finally be appropriately taxed.

By prioritizing the well-being of employees, we can create a more productive and sustainable work environment. While the digital age offers unique opportunities to improve work, many still cling to traditional work models and hours. The increasing number of mental illnesses caused by overwork in Germany demands a shift towards shorter working hours and more flexibility for employees, along with social security. In the long term, our understanding of work and productivity must evolve. Workers in essential fields, such as nursing, suffer from catastrophic working conditions. We must rethink work instead of fearing the future!

The innovation climate in Germany is stagnant. However, with the dominance of the economy in many areas and outstanding basic research, we have the potential to achieve even greater success. It is time to prioritize the opportunities presented by digitization and invest in future-oriented innovation promotion. Collaboration between the government, businesses, and civil society is crucial in providing sustainable support for startups and innovative business models. Significant investments in the future are required, coupled with regulations that provide freedom while safeguarding consumers. Effective regulation places fundamental rights at the core, encourages sustainable business models, and permits space for innovation. Supporting social entrepreneurship through its own funding structure is crucial.

To overcome the significant crisis facing the European project, it is imperative that Europe urgently develops a common plan for the future. We strongly advocate for the strengthening of European unity and the institutions of the European Union. The EU should receive more powers, not fewer, as together, the European countries are stronger. To enhance the EU's credibility, it is crucial to strengthen a networked European civil society and the regions of individual member states. A realistic membership perspective for the EU's neighboring countries is also necessary. Consistent support must be provided to potential members in their reform efforts.

With a comprehensive and systematically designed investment program, the EU can become the engine of a sustainable and socially compatible global economic policy. The European member states have understood that as a community, they are stronger. The economic and social upswing of the past 70 years proves this. At the same time, the compulsory austerity policies of the last ten years have also highlighted and exacerbated the significant differences between member states. We need more solidarity in Europe with social balance and the protection of the weakest in society. A Green New Deal can be a starting point for ecological innovation and sustainable investments.

With its diversity, culture, and science, Europe is an attractive place to live. The European Union offers unique legal certainty. With our constitutional European values ​​of freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights and human dignity, Europe can set global standards. This can only be done on an equal footing with other states and regions. We want to learn from each other and exchange more—on a European and global level. Europe should be pioneering in the areas of digitization, artificial intelligence, and the green economy. In doing so, we want to set social and ethical standards that prioritize people and nature. This will make Europe the engine of a modern, global society.

The European Union must align its migration and border policy with the values it has committed to. Legal and safe entry to Europe must be provided to those fleeing war, hunger, and poverty. It is important to acknowledge that people do not willingly leave their homes to cross the Mediterranean in overcrowded boats. The suspension of search and rescue operations, which are even criminalized as a deterrent, has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives every year. European states must adhere to international maritime law and rescue all individuals in distress off Europe's coasts. The designation of German cities as 'safe havens' will expedite the distribution of individuals rescued in the Mediterranean.