At Volt, we are building a future based on environmental, social, and technological standards with the highest levels of human rights protection, where everyone will have equal opportunities to succeed.

Only together can we address our common challenges and unlock the prospects and possibilities of a united, strong, and democratic Europe.

+1 United Cyprus

The status of division and militarization of Cyprus must come to an end. With our actions and proposals, we aim to stand together with all Cypriots, regardless of their origin or religion, who do not accept division and envision a peaceful and hopeful future: a united Cyprus within a united Europe.

The Cyprus problem can be solved based on a Bizonal Bicommunal Federation with political equality and in line with all the convergences reached in previous negotiation processes.

We support the reestablishment of the bicommunal character of the Republic of Cyprus, the adoption of effective and substantial Confidence-Building Measures, the opening of more crossing points between the two regions, and, in general, social and political cooperation among all the communities of the island.

1. United Europe

Only through cooperation and unity of forces can Europeans defend the values of freedom, dignity, solidarity, free economy, democracy, and the rule of law.

To achieve this strong union, we must dare to take the step towards European integration: the creation of a federal Union with leaders elected by European citizens and federal ministries managing a unified budget.

Reforming and federalizing Europe will enable it to better defend the interests of all citizens and safeguard it against the rise of nationalism and unilateralism.

2. Developmental Innovation

We believe that decisive action is required to secure Europe's economic and technological advantage in the digital age. We call for a doubling of investments in Research and Development across the entire Union, with a particular emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, a field in which the European Union should take a leading role in both development and oversight.

To ensure no one is left behind, economic and business development should start in regions facing the greatest challenges, involving infrastructure development in energy and transportation.

Throughout Europe, ideal conditions for entrepreneurship need to be created, including the establishment of online One-Stop-Shops that allow for rapid business registration. Additionally, providing essential financial support for the training and retraining of workers is vital, in alignment with a revised European Employment Service (EURES).

3. Educational Reconstruction

Public education is failing to adequately prepare young citizens for the complex and demanding world they are entering. We aim to reform the educational system by introducing digital and programming skills from primary school, and expanding opportunities for lifelong learning for citizens in general.

Cyprus and Europe need responsible and informed citizens, and schools should serve as the cornerstone of the balanced and dialectical public sphere we must build.

Another significant goal is the expansion of Erasmus+, including an increasing number of universities, as well as high school and vocational school students.

4. Ecological Crisis

The climate crisis is one of the most serious challenges we face in the 21st century. Drastic actions and substantial investments are needed to mitigate its impacts. We must steer our industries towards sustainable and renewable production. We support the imposition of carbon and plastic taxes, as well as punitive policies against non-recyclable materials and single-use products.

We also aim to end fossil fuel subsidies. The savings can be used to fund smart energy grids and transportation systems throughout the EU. Sustainability starts at home. That's why we will simultaneously promote the development of microagriculture in cities and communities, which will yield a double benefit: strengthening local economies and biodiversity.

5. Justice and Equality

To remain strong, Europe must provide all its citizens with the opportunity to participate meaningfully, without leaving anyone behind. We aim to strengthen the Minimum Guaranteed Income scheme throughout Europe, take decisive measures to reduce child poverty, and develop plans for affordable housing.

Disasters resulting from economic crises, as well as technological revolutions like the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, require our special attention. With our actions, we aim to double the European Globalization Adjustment Fund, supporting the transition to new job positions when traditional industries fail to keep up with developments.

For decades, tax evasion by multinational corporations has undermined public service funding and opportunities. Volt proposes the introduction of a pan-European minimum corporate tax of around 15% to ensure a fair contribution that, in turn, allows for a significant redistribution of wealth.

In general, we want to strengthen policies that aim to provide equal rights for all, and we will work to break down all the "invisible walls" that are erected against our less privileged fellow citizens.

6. Employment and Inclusion

To excel in the emerging world, European countries must maximize their citizens' potential. This means ensuring a forward-thinking approach to vocational training, with long-term workplace requirements in mind.

We want to institutionalize the rights of freelancers and part-time workers in the gig economy and propose flexible labor regulations. With simplified mechanisms for acquiring work visas and temporary permits beneficial to both the EU and the home country, Europe can become a unique destination for people with knowledge, skills, and talents.

In parallel, we must create conditions for refugees and asylum seekers to integrate into the workforce from day one by providing language lessons and improving systems for recognizing their skills.

7. Your Body, Your Choice

We support the legalization of sex work and the establishment of safe working environments. Sex workers should have access to social security, healthcare, and other institutional protections.

Every individual should have the right to decide how to end their life with dignity, provided it does not harm the safety of others. For this reason, alongside medical care, a wide range of support must be available.

Women should have easy access to contraception, including emergency contraception like the morning-after pill, and up to the second trimester for abortion. We aim to legalize altruistic surrogacy arrangements while ensuring that they do not facilitate the operation of black-market networks.

8. Justice and the Judicial System

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, private interests dictating state policy, white-collar crime, and corporate tax avoidance.

With our proposals, we aim to reform and improve the judicial system, organize actions against corporate and economic crime, and promote policies that regulate, protect, and encourage relevant whistleblowing.

To combat tax evasion, we support initiatives that ensure profits are taxed in the region where they are generated. Additionally, multinational online companies must be taxed for their "digital presence" and the value they generate in a country.

We support initiatives to expand corporate social responsibility, ensuring compliance with social and ethical standards.

9. External Relations

Within the framework of European unification, we believe that the foreign policy of the member states should gradually become the exclusive competence of the EU. The European External Action Service (EEAS) needs to be strengthened, and EU delegations worldwide should be transformed into embassies of the Union.

A strong Europe must defend its citizens. Protecting our citizens, territory, and values is one of the primary responsibilities of the European Union. For this purpose, the EU requires a common defense system and an integrated defense force under the control of the European Parliament.

A unified EU policy for refugees is needed to manage refugee flows from countries outside the Union. The Dublin Regulation needs reform, and a system for the optimal resettlement of refugees and migrants must be established, based on factors like population, population density, wealth, age, and development.

This new system for management and resettlement should include sanctions for countries that do not comply. Legal pathways to Europe need to be expanded and improved to effectively manage refugee and asylum seeker flows.