Sustainable policies only succeed with the participation of civil society

On Thursday, 26 March 2026, MEP Irena Joveva addressed the participants of the opening conference From the Field to European Policy in Novo mesto via video link, which is taking place as part of the international SustiBridge project. “Sustainable policies are only truly sustainable if people and civil society actively participate in their co-creation,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of environmental civil initiatives, which are too often overlooked in decision-making processes.

In her introduction, Joveva spoke about the importance of connecting people for a shared green future. As she explained, the project’s slogan – connecting people for a green future – should reflect the very essence of today’s Europe, but this vision is too often pushed to the background in a world increasingly marked by wars, rising populism and the spread of disinformation.

She went on to specifically highlight the symbolic significance of Slovenia as the host of the project: “In a country where the color green is present at every step and where drinking water flows not only from taps, but also from a deep awareness that such goods are rare and worthy of protection.”

She recalled that not long ago, during the previous government, we were in a situation where even a fundamental right such as access to drinking water had to be defended in a referendum. According to her, this experience clearly showed how strong civil society can be when it comes together to defend natural resources and protect the common good.

“It was a historic environmental victory that would not have been possible without volunteers and active citizens, from young people and women to older generations and marginalized groups, united by one goal – to protect something that belongs to everyone.”

For Joveva, the experience revealed one of the key challenges of today’s Europe, which is why she assessed the opening conference in Novo mesto as an important space for connecting and collaborating with everyone who cares about shaping sustainable policies:

“Too often, people feel that they are distant from European decision-making or that their voice does not count. But as we saw in the case of Slovenia, their cooperation can bring about real change.”

In conclusion, she also highlighted the importance of European policies that must be based on people’s participation: “The European Green Deal emphasizes that citizens are the driving force behind the transition to sustainability. By drafting the Green Charter of Rights, you are taking a concrete step towards ensuring that the people’s voice reaches decision-makers in Brussels.”