NEWS

Europe, a social project based on solidarity and respect for human rights

27 May 2024 • NEWS

When the values of Europe and those of Groupe SOS converge

In an age when borders are either disappearing or being reinforced, it is crucial to remember the foundations that drive us. As we approach the European elections on 9 June 2024, let’s remember that Europe is much more than just a political or geographical entity. It is a social project founded on the values of dignity, freedom, equality, solidarity, respect for human rights and protection of the environment. All these values echo those of Groupe SOS and are embodied in concrete actions on a European scale.

Human dignity: A cornerstone of our commitment

At Groupe SOS we are convinced that no one has reached the end of their story. Every individual, whatever their situation or background, deserves to be respected for their uniqueness and dignity. This conviction is reflected in our accommodation initiatives for the homeless, a concrete example of our commitment to dignity, a principle that is also enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and that we defend every day, offering guidance and support to the most vulnerable people.

Freedom: A European value at the heart of our actions

The European Union uncompromisingly defends freedom of thought, conscience and religion, principles that are essential to protecting the rights of all. These are fundamental freedoms that Groupe SOS has always firmly upheld, placing the autonomy and emancipation of individuals at the heart of its philosophy of action, regardless of the nature of its missions.

For instance, the Teame project, co-financed by the European Social Fund, is specifically aimed at empowering young people with few qualifications by helping them to build their own professional future.

Solidarity: cross-border cooperation to promote social cohesion

Solidarity is at the heart of the EU’s cohesion policies, which aim to strengthen the links between Member States. The actions of Groupe SOS follow the same direction: that of building a fairer world, where everyone can live and flourish together. No one should be left behind, no matter how complex their situation or background. At European level, we are fully embracing solidarity through projects such as Together Through Sport, co-funded by Erasmus+, which is working to integrate Ukrainian refugee pupils in Poland and Romania.

Equality between women and men: a non-negotiable principle

For 40 years, Groupe SOS has been welcoming, housing and supporting thousands of vulnerable women in its social and medico-social establishments, who face a multitude of additional inequalities because of their gender. For Groupe SOS, it is unacceptable that exclusion should exist or be reinforced because of gender. Gender equality, which is strongly promoted by the EU, is an integral part of all our activities, particularly through our network of nurseries Crescendo, which uses European mobility to combat gender stereotypes from an early age.

The fight against exclusion and discrimination: the DNA and history of Groupe SOS

Since it was founded 40 years ago during the AIDS crisis, Groupe SOS has always had the courage to confront the exclusion and discrimination that emerge in society, whatever the difficulties. This history resonates with the European strategy against poverty and social exclusion, particularly through European projects such as VIAS+, which campaigns for the recognition and effectiveness of the sexual health rights of people with disabilities.

Environmental protection: a collective responsibility

In light of today’s pressing environmental and social issues, Groupe SOS is committed to finding new solutions that will build a sustainable world, without causing further exclusion. Our ambition in this age of scarcity is to do better with less and preserve our planet for future generations. Our Fermes d’Avenir project, which trains farmers in agro-ecology, is supported by European funds (ESF+ and Erasmus +) and is part of the Green Pact for Europe and the Biodiversity Strategy. This initiative is a tangible example of how the EU’s commitment to a sustainable world can be translated into concrete local action.

We see it on the ground: the challenges we face in France are often the same as those faced by our European neighbours: the fight against inequality, adaptation and the fight against climate change, education, the digital divide, training for young people or jobseekers… The issues are similar, and the expertise of the players involved is complementary. Through European cooperation, we need to join forces to make our European societies fairer, more sustainable and in line with the major challenges of our time.

In these decisive times, it is essential to support a Europe that reinforces the values that bring us together: a Europe that is fairer, shows greater solidarity and is more respectful of our environment.

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