A bit over a year before the European elections the European Left reaffirms its will for unity of the left and progressive forces in Europe to defeat neoliberal politics. The EU is in a deep crisis: The dogma of the neoliberal austerity policy, a fast developing increase in social injustice between rich and poor, of unfair trade agreement, the at fast pace pushed forward militarization of the EU, returning danger of war in Europe, the continued destruction of the environment, the still unattained gender equality and global policies driving migration through war and economic policy – it is the task of the left and progressive forces to provide proposals for solutions. The left and progressive forces have to put a halt to the development towards the right in Europe, but a democratic and social restart for Europe can only succeed if the left presents itself united. Either we manage our disputes and thus overcome the danger of splitting overcome our dispute and the danger of splitting, or the future of Europe and of the EU will be decided without us. We can become stronger together or we can become meaningless separately. The European Left is seeing itself in responsibility vis-a-vis the peoples of Europe for the unity of the left and progressive forces to defeat neoliberal politics in the spirit of the Marseille Forum and other progressive alliance. We are inviting all left and progressive forces to take advantage of the remaining time in order to prepare the European elections in an intensive dialogue.

Vienna, 24 March 2018