01/2017

THE SOCIAL RIGHTS ISSUE 3 A Message from the Editors 4 Europe's youth needs basic income 5 Why banning emotions is perpetuating oppression 6-9 Social rights? What's that. 10-11 Why copyright matters 12-13 What happens when you send fifty young Greens to a summer camp in Serbia? 14-17 Hiding behind the facade of urban development - gentrification around Europe 18-19 Housing struggles and activism: the Spanish Case 20-21 If only I had the shape of a pyramid 22 Meet the writers 23 The European Court of Human Rights

CONTENTS 24 “Go Home, You’re Wrong!”

Layout Pictures:

Design & Typesetting: Dušan Gligorić, Cover: Serbian Green Youth Jan Schnorrenberg, Page 2: Ecosprinter Editorial Board Logo: Gio Megrelishvili Page 3: Pola Rapatt (CC BY-SA 2.0) Page 6: Tina Rataj-Berard (CC Zero) Page 8: Leroy Skalstad (CC Zero) Printing Page 9: Omar Alnahi (CC Zero) Page 10 & 11: Eli Francis (CC Zero) onlineprinters.be Page 12 & 13: Julian Hauser Printed edition of 500 Published by: Page 16 & 17: John Towner (CC Zero) Page 18: Tama66 (CC Zero) ECOSPRINTER Proportion of non-male authors: Page 19: KarinKarin (CC Zero) Federation of Young European Greens Page 20: Julischka Stengele 31 Rue Wiertz 50% Page 22: private (various) Brussels B-1050 Backcover: Julian Hauser Belgium Licence Disclaimer Editorial Board: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 The articles reflect opinions of their individual writers, not necessarily those Morgan Henley (Editor in Chief), Jakob International License. of the Ecosprinter or the Federation of Hundsbichler, Simo Raittila, Paula Keller Young European Greens.

EUROPEAN YOUTH FOUNDATION SUPPORTED

2 Ecosprinter Editorial Editorial Board If you are reading this, it means we did it! After years of dreaming Morgan Henley left the swamp by many Young Greens and members of the Ecosprinter Editorial of her native Florida in 2010 to Board, we’ve finally produced the EcosPRINTED, a printed edition live in Prague, Czech Republic. of the Ecosprinter. This is the first time in perhaps a decade1 that There she became active with The Ecosprinter has been printed. At its onset, the Ecosprinter was the Czech Young Greens and FYEG, where she joined the primarily a printed publication but then went exclusively online Ecosprinter Editorial Board for years. The Ecosprinter.eu has been a great home of debate and in 2014, later FYEG's Climate storytelling for Young Greens from across Europe and beyond. And by Change Campaign and finally no means does this printed edition mean an end to that, far from it. But was elected as a member of FYEG's Executive Committee we want the voices of Young Greens to reach beyond web browsers in 2015. She currently works for and to be something you can look back to in the future, just as you can the European Green Party and look back at previous editions of the Ecosprinter today and see that lives in Brussels. Her family while the names of the by-lines may have changed, the ideas and the has long worked in newspapers and she is happy to carry on the spirit are much the same. tradition. The articles in this edition come from participants of FYEG’s first Jakob Hundsbichler likes trains. annual summer camp, ‘From Social Wrongs to Social Rights.’ We Although being an avowed atheist, he takes satisfaction in sincerely thank the many contributors, FYEG activists, staff and holding bible study sessions, supporters who made this happen. The Ecosprinter cannot exist especially late at night. He is without you and the time that have dedicated did not go unnoticed active with the Austrian Young and unappreciated. Further, we from the Ecosprinter are also grateful Greens and studies philosophy and political science in Vienna. to be a part of this project and we appreciate the mandate you have given us to do so! Paula Keller has been active with the Young Greens for We’d also love to hear your feedback. If you have something you’d roughly 4 years. Originally from Germany, she moved to like to see in the next printed edition, including your own writing, the UK for her studies and is send me an email, [email protected]. You are also always welcome now mostly active within the to submit ideas for articles to be published on the site, send those to Federation of Young European [email protected]. Greens, the Ecosprinter and Spunk, the publication of the German Grüne Jugend. So, read through this copy of the EcosPRINTED, enjoy, and share with Studying philosophy, she adores friends! late night pseudointellectual conversations, cats and black turtlenecks. Her article is Yours truly, written in that very same spirit. Morgan Aside from Green politics, Paula Ecosprinter Editor-in-Chief defines as an angry feminist, despairs capitalism but has a thing for fashion 1 All FYEG historians are welcome to contact us to let us know Simo Raittila recently left his job as the Editor-in-Chief of when actually was the last printed Ecosprinter the magazine (Rönsy) of the Finnish Green Youth (ViNO) to pursue a PhD in sociology at the University of Helsinki. Healso identifies as part of the digital precariat. Hehad less todo with this printed edition, buthasdone more on the online side of the Ecosprinter.

3 EUROPE'S YOUTH NEEDS BASIC INCOME Teo Comet - Spokesperson of FYEG

aime Rosales' movie Hermosa conditions that were guaranteed “for the next generation juventud (Beautiful Youth, by society are commercialised and this might just be how J2014) tells Natalia's story. people in different parts of Europe Natalia lives in Spain and is one are forced to make dreadful choices things are” of Europe's many NEETs (not in between elementary necessities. employment, education or training). Precarious labour markets and Basic income experiments are Her life lacks meaning and regulation reforms that facilitate gaining traction. Finland will direction. A glimpse of light is her the accumulation of wealth conduct a rather limited experiment boyfriend Carlos, with whom she dramatically deprive employees of in 2017 and 2018. It will not give dreams about being rich and having bargaining power. But one can't live us answers to all our questions a house on the beach. Carlos takes on 10 euros per day in Spain. regarding how basic income works care of his sick mother and works – in practice, but it is a step in the undeclared – on a construction site Europe's youth needs a basic income. right direction. Hopefully it tickles for 10 euros per day. It should be universal, meaning it the imagination of many others. should be paid to everyone, and It is a movie about a generation. Our unconditional, meaning it should Our generation is said to be the first generation. And our generation's not be conditioned by, for example, one that faces grimmer perspectives relation to those who came before employment status. A basic income than the previous one. There is an us. They had different dreams, would bring material security. alarming risk that this is normalised opportunities and experiences than It would allow young people to – for the next generation this might young people have today. demand decent working conditions. just be how things are. The stories And it would simplify complicated that are being told about the life “But one can’t live on 10 and often humiliating bureaucratic experiences of our generation euros per day in Spain” jungles of social benefits. can be very desperate and it is our responsibility not to perpetuate the Things change fast. A student who Moreover, having an increasing precarity we are experiencing for entered a European educational proportion of work carried out by those who come after us. Material institution, say, five years ago, machines can be a threat to the security for everyone is not a far- has in most cases experienced wellbeing of many in case it is not fetched dream. Basic income is our drastical changes in the educational dealt with on policy level. Basic way out. system. Funding is cut, educators income is such a policy. It is possible are overwhelmed, education is to work less, to have our basic needs increasingly a priviledge for those met, and to live a happier life. If there with the means. Basic living is political will, that is.

4 The power of discourse: Why banning emotions is perpetuating oppression

f there is one thing amongst I have never heard two white men But damn it, there has the many things that people in a, let's get it right, discussion Icontinuously tell me when about taxation telling each other been a shitload of people engaging in a discussion with me ''Dude, stop emotionalising the that thanked me later for on how to debate productively it's discourse.'' (Even though people not staying calm. ''Stop emotionalising the discourse'' tend to get pretty emotional about and ''Emotions won't get us any budgetary control.) But the minute Now, I am not saying that political further'' or ''We need to talk about they talk to a certain group of discussions without proper this like grown-ups''. Here are two people (namely those suffering conclusion can't be frustrating main reasons why I think this from systemic oppression) about - I most certainly know what concept is oppressive: certain subjects (namely systemic frustration feels like and have had a oppression), everything is suddenly couple of unpleasant conversations Your ''emotionless'' debate too emotional - the people on topics from institutional racism is a myth to silence us. confronting them with unpleasant to fiscal policy, and especially when topics and naturally the topics noticing that the person opposite themselves. Calling for an end of Honestly, I have been told to not me and myself were talking emotional debating gives us a very become emotional about stuff by past each other, I questioned wrong impression on who acts white people more often than having the purpose of the respective emotional (of course anyone except been supported. And well, there is discussion. But ending without you) and who needs to shut the a reason I have had this particular consensus or any result for that fuck up (obviously people who you experience solely with people who matter doesn't necessarily mean discriminate against). don't suffer from systemic racism. you didn't change someone's state However, this killer argument isn't of mind in the long term and/or Personally, I don't want anyone limited to white people. I hear didn't determine the course for to repress their feelings in a cisgender people silencing trans essential awareness work (which discussion. Especially in terms of activists just as often by saying is incredibly important to create a oppression I demand from those the exact same thing or generally further and deeper awareness for who suffer to be angry about their male* acquaintances using it discrimination). suffering, to never stop being angry against women*. You see my point? and to communicate their anger. Surprisingly, we only seem to Emotional debating has rarely But we'll never come to an end debate emotionally when it comes helped to convert people's opinion then, you say. Continue reading to to our marginalisation and other or to make them my best political understand why I think that doesn't people's discriminatory behaviour: buddy. But damn it, there has been necessarily matter. Emotional debating is a reproach a shitload of people that thanked that is regularly misused by people me later for not staying calm. I What does productivity even mean? with social power. don't need an immediate result While I agree that emotional in order to feel better after every debating doesn't always lead to Allegedly, marginalised people, let's debate we potentially have. Maybe political consensus or anything take for instance people of colour you will think about my words similar to that, I often ask myself, and black people, are not able to eventually, maybe you won't. If you why first of all, every discussions discuss something ''objectively'', do: Congratulations, my friend! Ms. requires a happy ending with the whereas everyone else always stays Diversity-tastes-as-good-as-ice- two sides shaking each other's calm and, well, neutral? No, nope, cream successfully infected you! hands and secondly, why we no, stop thinking that immediately! constantly maintain an efficiency- This obviously ignores the fact that oriented idea of productivity where they, too, are a child of socialisation everything is supposed to generate and will never be able to free a substantial outcome. themselves from their subjective life experience coined by the societal belief that certain groups of people are superior to others.

Miene Waziri - Grüne Jugend

5 Social Rights? What’s that.

6 hat is a social right? An easy context and whether another wording question one might say, and for it might not get us to the desired Wstart to explain. A social right end in a better, quicker way without is the right to housing, to education, to unnecessary theorising about what a health care, to food, to social security, right, an instrumental, a contractualist, to work. A social right is a right, kind a human, a social right is. of like the rights given just now. But that definition seem unsatisfying, in In this piece I will therefore try to give fact being rather an enumeration of a definition of what human rights multiple examples of social rights, not talk, framed by e.g. UN documents, giving a more detailed idea of what a understand when they mention rights social right is. This “definition” from as well as social rights, to then ask examples will not help determining why we use the term social rights and whether the right to individuality is a whether it is appropriate to use this social right, whether it is a right at all. term at all, or if some other narrative This “definition” fails to fulfil its purpose could be adopted making the discussion of being a definition, even though it more clear and inclusive, making its gives us a rough idea of what we are goals more achievable, more pressing looking for. and more relevant.

Another possible response to “what are Rights in this case, I take to refer to an social rights?” might be to say that they entitlement to perform a certain action, are what comes below human rights. to be in a certain state, or an entitlement So, it seems as if a kind of hierarchy that others preform certain actions or or ladder of different types of rights are in certain states (Stanford). Viewing is introduced; putting human rights rights as entitlement leads to questions at the top, and social rights roughly about where these entitlements come somewhere below. However, again, this from. fails to give a definition of what a social right is, it contextualises and therefore Granting however, that rights are helps us to get a better understanding human made rights, human made but no definition of social rights. entitlements, as opposed to some innate, nature- or god-given ability, At this point one might ask, but after does in no way limit their scope or all, if we now have this good, solid force. Assuming it to do so, as it often understanding of what this mysterious seems to be the case, neglects human concept of a “social right” means, why authority over themselves but even on earth would we need a definition? Is more takes us back to a picture in it not just enough to know what social which some humans seem alienated rights are, without having the urge to from their own actions, puppet-like, definitely and ultimately define them? directed by this higher force which also No, it is not enough. Defining what equipped us with rights. Such a picture social rights are helps to group rights might be tempting to adopt as it easily which belong to social rights and explains the presence of rights and which do not; without a definition we guards one from the possible objection are lacking the relevant criterion for that rights, as human made concepts, this grouping business. No, it is also are not binding simply because they not enough to contextualise social are human made. Such a theological rights. Contextualising will only picture, however, is misleading, is give us the surrounding but will not unnecessary for the present debate. ultimately answer the question of There seems to be no plausible reason the - if one is inclined to call it that - for why we cannot declare rights to be ontology, the mere being, of a social binding for us, sacred for us, even though right. Knowing what social rights are, we made them or came up with them. not merely what they contain, is of Rights, as it stands, are a basic form of crucial importance for putting in place order, of security, societies are built on, political demands regarding their and are therefore equally sacred and implementation. Defining social rights even more fundamentally binding than asks new questions as to whether some holy, spiritual ideas coming from framing the contents of social rights as above. Since rights are crucial for our social rights is even useful in a political survival as/in a community, they hold.

7 So, our understanding of rights is They are different not only because that they are binding, universal their reality of implementation is entitlements granted to particular different but because their legal human beings in virtue of them framework is different. In the being these human beings because European Social Charter as well they have been agreed on or as in the International Covenant established by society. It looks as on Economic, Social and Cultural though they can either be common Rights, social rights are referred sense rights, meaning that they to as goals towards which slow are not written down anywhere progress is ideal, human rights are but that they follow from for always referred to as absolutes, as example human dignity, or legal necessary standards. rights, meaning that they are in fact written down in conventions, Additionally, the point seems to chartas, UN documents etc. be that the violation of a social right is not as urgent as the Social rights then seem to exist as violation of a human right, that a different category from human not guaranteeing housing or rights, being not as fundamental education might not be persecuted as human rights but also not as as long as nobody is tortured. arbitrary as state legal legislation Surely, it makes sense that some and resulting legal rights. Social measures of welfare, such as rights are universal but seem to bodily well-being are regarded as rather be goals than reality in being more urgent than others. most if not all countries. They But the interesting question rather are standards that should be but is whether it is smart to do so in hardly are attained. Now, one a political context, whether it is might object, that it would not smart to weigh human and social make human rights any less rights and their importance or important if they were not as priority against each other. respected as they are and that still countless human rights violations As soon as we call for the do exist, so what makes social implementation of social rights in rights different? a political context, as soon as we

Social rights are universal but seem to rather be goals than reality in most if not all countries. use this term to refer to the right social rights being the ideal, far- to housing, education, health care, away goal. One might object that social security, food, work, this such treatment and reference is connotation of “less than …” is what only realistic since the status-quo comes to mind. The term “social is far from implementing social rights” in its usage is synonymous rights, they need to therefore be to “goals in social standards,” regarded as goals and long-term “pretty unachievable ideals,” “not processes. However, it might make as crucial as human rights,” “nice sense to regard them as such, but addition, friendly reminder.” While it does not seem to make sense to is this the implication that comes write social rights down as this across, our demands rather focus thriving towards them as opposed on the “rights”-characteristic of to this necessity to have them social rights, them being universal, established. binding, to be granted to all regardless of their achievements It is crucial to get a clear or abilities. However this understanding of rights, to define characteristic is lost in the usage the term “social rights”, and to of the term social rights. Their acknowledge its use. It is crucial treatment in international legal to question its use, to question the documents proves this point of implications that go along with

8 this use. The implication of “social far-away right of every individual rights” as a term in politics are, to have all these but which treats as established, contra-productive social rights as essentials, which to green, left political demands. calls for action to implement these Going back, one might be inclined very social rights. to mock, so why did we do all this defining then, when in the end we “Social rights” as a term are these reject the term “social rights” and rather unachievable, idealistic simply call for housing, education, goals. “Social rights” as rights health care, social security, work are this passive concept without and food for all. Why do we need an immediate requirement for an overarching term, that in this anyone to do anything, to start case does not contain political changing the status-quo, without force? naming the body in charge and without demanding their I am claiming that we do need responsibility to grant education, an overarching term for all these build houses, provide food, ensure demands, because they belong health care and social security together, they are part of one and to create jobs. political catalogue, one political vision and because we demand I am therefore claiming that one them as a package, we want them needs to emphasise the action and all. I am claiming that we need its immediate political importance an overarching term which is in one’s political narrative in order stronger than social rights, which to be successful. Social rights does not only refer to the abstract, have corresponding duties, and it’s

I am therefore claiming that one needs to emphasise the action and its immediate political importance in one’s political narrative in order to be successful. Social rights have corresponding duties. these duties now that we should to the people ideally bearing focus on when writing our policy these rights when however this papers, when debating, when call should be addressed to those making legislation. guaranteeing and ensuring the existence of that right for these Therefore, using the term social very people. Having a right is rights when we make political something passive, something arguments, when we demand nobody will feel responsible for. political actions seems contra- Calling for rights does not target productive. The only thing we the source of power being able to are then reinforcing is this legal guarantee this right. However, a language of “would be cool if …, language of targeting, of pointing but don’t worry if not.” Reiterating out an agent’s responsibility such a language when what we are seems to be more effective, as demanding is immediate action, it names the actor to blame and will only throw us back, will make specifically calls on them for demands less significant, will action. Rights are corresponding shrink postulations. to duties and it is those duties that matter in political contexts. Rights as a term does furthermore express a possession, a passive Paula Keller notion, a status rather than Ecosprinter Editorial Board an action. Calling for the implementation of social rights, or any rights in general, is directed

9 Why copyright matters Julian Hauser - Executive Committee of CDN

ave you you ever shared something on How does any of this impact our social rights? It's Facebook or Twitter, ending your post quite simple, actually: Imagine, for instance, that Hwith a little © to say that it was a quote? Or you are a researcher who does not have access to a maybe you remember that time in school when well-stocked library and who is not at a university you added this symbol in front of your name on the with subscriptions to a variety of academic poster? But do you know what that symbol means journals. How are you going to do your research and what copyright is? Yes? I don’t believe you. if your country doesn't have the appropriate I’m sure you’re either deceiving yourself or simply exception? Well, you go to Google Scholar, look for lying. You don’t care about copyright, its invisible the articles you need, find out that each of them presence may sometimes annoy you, but largely costs about 30 to 40 dollars, and if you're a law- you just ignore it. You shouldn’t. abiding citizen you stop right there and bury your dream of becoming an academic. Your right to Let's get one thing out of the way first: copyright science and culture has very quickly evaporated law is boring and exceedingly technical, and even into thin air. people who have spent many years working in this field can't claim to understand all the weird Imagine that you are a researcher little details. In the EU, for instance, the Copyright Directive of 2001 professes to harmonise the law who does not have access to a well- of the various Member States – but still there are stocked library and who is not at a no two EU countries that have the same copyright university with subscriptions to a regulation. variety of academic journals What most of you probably know is that copyright protects what authors and artists produce: we This case also shows the falsity of one of the most can't just copy a song and give it to a friend, and insidious arguments put forward by copyright we are not allowed to download the latest film proponents: that copyright isn't problematic from the internet without paying. But copyright because it only protects expressions and not isn't absolute, it doesn't protect all works1 at all ideas. In order to understand this, another short times. So-called exceptions and limitations allow excursion into the field of intellectual property law libraries, teachers, and researchers to use works is necessary: Copyright only protects expressions, without having to ask the authors, and they allow it protects how something is explained, not what is you to take a photo of the Atomium (that's a funny explained. So, if I write an article where I describe looking building in Brussels) even though the a revolutionary new solar cell that is 50% more architecture is copyrighted2. The EU Copyright efficient, copyright will not protect that invention. Directive harmonised the law by specifying a list You can follow my plans, produce such a solar 3 of voluntary exceptions while giving countries cell, and not worry about a thing. However, what free reign to mix and match as they please. This copyright does protect is the article itself, the very is the reason that copyright law is not harmonised specific words and sentences I used to describe in the EU and that there is currently a copyright my idea. You can copy my idea but not my article. reform ongoing. Can you see what's the problem with saying that copyright is alright because it doesn't stop people 1 Work is the term used in copyright law to from using others' ideas? Well... if I can't read designate all the things that are copyrightable: songs, the article because it's copyrighted then I have books, films, computer programs and much much more. Similarly, an author is the person who produces a work absolutely no way of getting to the idea, even if and not limited to people who write texts. it isn't copyrighted. Copyright alone is more than 2 In fact, until about a year ago you were not sufficient to suppress my right to science. allowed publish photos of the Atomium as Belgium had not yet implemented a so-called freedom of panorama 3 That’s a lie. Because I know that patents can exception. And even today you’re not allowed to publish protect ideas and because I’m a greedy capitalist, I photos that show the Eiffel tower at night because the have patented my idea and you will soon get a – very lighting is copyrighted, and France does not have a expensive – visit from my lawyer. freedom of panorama exception.

10 And worst of all, these negative effects of copyright use fragments from songs to create new ones, or affect most severely those who are already use songs to DJ at a party. And others again may disadvantaged. If you study at a good university want to write fan fiction based on the plot ofa or live in a country with high quality libraries – famous film. If we want a cultural sphere that is no problem. If you or your university can’t afford inclusive and shaped from the bottom up, where to pay the licensing fees then your only option minority voices can be heard, and where one does may be to peruse (probably) illegal projects such not need an entire legal department to be on the as Sci-Hub.4 And what makes this even worse is safe side, then copyright needs to change. Whereas that those who need education in order to improve issues regarding education and research could their lot are exactly those who are barred from potentially be mitigated by a more sensible regime freely accessing science. And by the way, this of exceptions and limitation, allowing everyone to doesn't just affect research, it applies just as much take an active part in our culture would require a to other fields of education – many schools simply far more thorough overhaul of copyright. cannot afford to pay for the teaching materials they need to educate their students. The right to Unfortunately, the very human and social rights education is just as strongly affected by copyright that I have used to ground my argument turn as is the right to science and culture. out to be obstacles to a reform of copyright. Both the Convention and the Covenant do not only Copyright obviously doesn't only cover academic guarantee our right to participate in culture, they articles and school books. In fact, you've probably also protect the rights of authors: Article 27 of come across copyright because it applies to all the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the those songs, videos, computer games and novels same one as that I cited above – has a second you consume every day. To some extent the issue paragraph that states that "everyone has the right here is very similar to what I talked about in the to the protection of the [...] interests resulting from previous paragraphs: if you can't afford to pay for any [...] production of which he is the author." The that book you like, bad luck. But this is not all – tension between these two paragraphs has until there's another issue at play here that affects all of now – and with more than a little prodding by us regardless of our socio-economic background. corporate copyright holders – been resolved in While many of us might have the material means favour of more and more copyright protection. to consume whatever cultural goods we desire, we aren't usually – to put it mildly – allowed to share The right to education is just as those poems, change those songs or use some snippets of a video to create our own fabulous strongly affected by copyright as is mash-up art. We are allowed to be consumers and the right to science and culture that's it. But the Universal Declaration of Human Rights speaks of the right "freely to participate in I believe there's a way of overcoming the tension the cultural life" and the International Covenant on – we can have the cake and eat it. In order to do so Economic, Social and Cultural Rights mentions the we need to overcome the widely shared perception right "to take part in cultural life". What's common that copyright is the only way of paying authors. to these definitions is that they protect a far more There are many ways of recognising authors' active role than that of the passive consumer. important contributions to society and paying Current copyright law does not do this justice. them that do not restrict everyone's right to use cultural and scientific works. We need to look at Active participation can take many forms: Some alternatives such as basic income, crowdfunding, people may want to share a piece of art in order patronage systems and government-mandated to engage in public discourse. Others may want to cultural flat-rate systems. We must ensure that authors and artists get paid – something that 4 Wikipedia describes Sci-Hub as “an online most don't, even today – and that everyone gets to search engine with over 58,000,000 academic papers benefit from their productions. and articles available for direct download, bypassing publisher paywalls.”

11 What happens when you send fifty young Greens to a summer camp in Serbia?

An epic adventure! It began at our initial meeting point in the center of Belgrade, we had to search for the right group at the bus station. I was looking for a bunch of international young Green people. One would say they would be easy to spot, and actually, they were. A group of already around 20 vivid youngsters with a great amount of energy were happy to welcome us.

When we were complete, it was time to board the bus, going to the middle of nowhere. I was happy with the great company, as I was skeptical of the location at first. The event location was at the Silver Lake in Serbia, on the border with Romania. On our way, we hardly encountered anything. It was only when we arrived at the venue that I was relieved on how great of a place we found. The venue was lovely and the area amazing, with the Silver Lake looking lovely under the summer sun.

12 It was the beginning of an intensive week with a lot of content, a lot of new friendships and a lot of great parties. The official theme of this camp was ‘From Social Wrongs to Social Rights’. I really enjoyed the variety of all workshops organized: from a training on intersectionality to inclusive methods on specific social rights such as employment, health and education. Content wise, my personal favorite was a debate on the basic income, which really provoked me to be critical of the topic.

What made it all even better, were the volunteers who organized everything. They sacrificed their blood, sweat and tears to organize this awesome camp for us, and they did so marvelously. In the space that they left for our initiative, we hosted a workshop on young refugees and youth rights. The positive feedback made us proud to help so many passionate friends.

And friends they have all become. With no reservations, I can say that the best part of the camp were the people who we did it with. Whether it was within the program or in our spare time, it is always a pleasure spending time with passionate activists for the right cause, and above all lovely people with a big heart. I already truly miss them, and I cannot wait for our paths to cross again!

Sebastiaan Rood - Dutch Young Greens

13 Hiding behind the facade of urban development – gentrification around Europe

Iva Markoivć & Predrag Momčilović - Serbian Green Youth

apid changes in urban environments, in mentioned all around Europe, one can hear them any political systems that have ever existed deny. In Belgrade the authorities will tell you it is a Rare followed by controversy. Whether the western concept and it may occur in Vienna while case was top-down building of squares and roads, the city managers from Stockholm may point their spontaneous slums, mass housing projects, or fingers towards parts of Berlin2, and the official Paris pretentious city symbols, changes were never will not admit that this American infection have welcomed by everyone and responsive to everyone’s been spread onto its gracious arrondissements. taste. However, a relatively new phenomena, often Much more often than about gentrification, one intangible and locally camouflaged, starting subtly can hear about a renewal, revitalization and reuse and developing slowly but surely, is leaving long of “long forgotten” urban areas - what a noble idea. term negative consequences in our cities. This is So what is the problem with gentrification? gentrification. In order to find first usage of the term, we should According to the definition, gentrification is a go back to London, 1964, where old and abandoned replacement of the population, those from the Victorian houses were appreciated again. The lower economic classes with the ones form the moment gentrification started, it did not finish higher classes in a specific spatial area along with until all orat least a vast majority of working class appreciation1 of real-estate economic value and inhabitants were not expelled and the whole changes in the comprehensive appearance and social character had changed (Glass 1964). But, character of the neighborhood. since today this outcome is not always noticeable, there is a need to highlight that this expulsion of Gentrification is an abstract word that the city inhabitants isin the very core and isindeed the aim officials are doing their best to avoid and even if of gentrification - not merely one of its byproducts.

Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither is gentrification.

1st phase: Introduction of new users of the space: 2nd phase: Local are pushed out: 3rd phase: Arrival of “true gentrificators” from the upper middle class: 4th phase: The entire shift of population, appearance and character of the area that enables generation of profit for major capital.

New infrastructure of alternative formats flood into the area. This determinates the quarter as an alternative and subcultural space. culture is attracting the middle class. Without any investments in modernization, the earlier image ofthe area is changed. Unlike the The pioneer phase of gentrification usually previously dominant industry institutions and begins with the emergence of artists, students, workers’ and/or migrants’ family homes, this new and alternative culture protagonists. New self- infrastructure of alternative culture is attracting organized bars, cultural centers and other the middle class. socializing places, with a flourishing of diverse art

1 2

1 Appreciation is an increase in the value of an asset over time. The increase can occur for a number of reasons, including increased demand or weakening supply, oras a result of changes in inflation or interest rates. http://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/appreciation.asp 2 http://theprotocity.com/neukolln-berlin-state-supported-gentrification-denial/

14 And there emerges the first problem – how much of these socializing spaces, produced by a class-unaware creative force, are actually social, Groundwork, inclusive and functional for the community? In the next phase, the symbolic capital is used foundations for appreciation of value of the real-estates. The investors are trying to amortize the means they had to spend during the purchase, so the prices and causes have to increase and reselling starts. This is usually followed by renovation and equally often building Perhaps there is no ideal, typical process of ofnewer and more modern objects on the same gentrification, however there is a broad consensus location. The capital that was originally invested about these phases and that they have previously has now reached higher value and this affects explained causalities and characteristics. But, prices of real-estate in the surrounding area. when it comes to the analysis of the causes and conditions, there is a bit of a dispute. For a long Depending on the speed, volume and local time, the dominant notion was that gentrification conditions in which gentrification is taking place, was a process based on supply and demand, sooner or later for most of the original social explaining that it came “naturally” with the structure that was living there, the costs of living change of lifestyles of the middle class and shift become unattainable and population is forced of the central-urban economy towards services to move. Itis not only that the inhabitants are that had created demands that further enabled changed, increased average income and different gentrification. structure of the households is pushing for the shift inservices and consumption habits in the On the other hand, voices of contemporary neighborhood. economists that have more progressive overview, together with urban activists that follow David 4 3 Harvey’s analysis that gentrification is caused Take a look at Berlin’s quarters, byartificial boost of supply, are becoming louder. Prenzlauer Berg most remarkably, Having a need to realize surplus value, in the which - in only a decade - have context of dropping profit rates in industry and the financial sector, the investors decide to invest transformed from poor into elite, in construction and modernization of residential wealthy and prestigious areas projects. This overview gives us the understanding that the appreciation processes are not merely Self-organized coffee shops and social centers the effects of altered demands, but as a direct are gone with modernization and “improvement” consequence of changed supply. of buildings. The “pioneers of gentrification” are forced to leave the area themselves - they end up If the first school of thought is accepted putting together with other losers from gentrification. a focus on demand, then the strategy should be based on showing teeth to the middle class and The “pioneers of gentrification” are presenting our neighborhoods as less appealing. Furthermore, attacking status symbols such forced to leave the area themselves. as luxury cars, posh restaurants and branded shops in that case looks like a legitimate (and Following the prices of real-estate, other activities, only) methodof struggle. But if we take the other that once formed the community, are becoming hypothesis about the malversation by pumping less and less accessible to the locals. This is the capital into supplies, the strategy of resistance inevitable process also for the self-organized would have to be based onpreventing the profit alternative collectives, as much as they wish to making of the (usually private) investors. delay the changes, with all their creativity and flexibility.

At the end, all actors that do not fit into the new market environment are forced to shut down, already losing local regular customers that left in search for lower prices for accommodation. Gentrified areas are clearly characterized by 34 service activities or the so called service sector of the economy which usually includes poor working 3 Gentrification of a particular type: the case of conditions and exploitation of creative labor. Prenzlauer Berg, Matthias Bernt/Andrej Holm 4 http://davidharvey.org/media/righttothecity.pdf

15 The protests against Complete liberalization of the economy in Europe brought changes in urban construction plans, building policies, and itis fairly easy to spot the projects, shaming and infamous neoliberal agenda on the city discrediting actors behind level: privatization of public spaces, transfer of planning jurisdiction onto them, and also advocating investors, turning whole city areas and demanding for different into shopping zones, business centers housing policies that would or exclusive luxurious housing, and expulsion and eviction of the most focus on the needs of the socially endangered strata. society are some of the basic guidelines for fighting gentrification. The one thing Greens

Even though gentrification is considered say to gentrification: a process based upon the principles of free market and entirely motivated Not today. by neoliberal economic reasons, Green politics, putting a high value appreciation of urban areas can be a on local sustainable community, and process that is not governed by market being exceptionally sensitized for the actors. Remarkably, itis often the case issues of human ecology, should easily that the gentrification is enabled, if not recognize the problem of gentrification directly financed by the public means asworth fighting against, and address and infrastructure. But in reality, these the demands accordingly, towards the improvements in infrastructure have less true causes. But living and acting in the todo with what will benefit the current market economy that dominates Europe, population, but rather pave the way for itis not easy to set our goal at disabling or gentrification. Itisan absurd argument limiting of the profit making, especially that these primary investments will not the one so lavish in its accumulation improve the life standards for the of capital asreal-estate. However, there inhabitants, as it’s clear that the original are some conditions that lubricate the population will not even be there to environment for the gentrification and witness the gentrification finale and that wecanact upon before the process these promoted better conditions. even takes over.

It is almost impossible to Carrying the responsibility for the first publicly, democratically steps of gentrification, the creative industry actors, cultural precariat control the process of and students should have their class gentrification once incepted, awareness improved, be more perceptive it looks somewhat like riding towards local community they meet on the spot, and be inclusive and open for a wild bull - you may (think cooperation and exchange with(in) it. you) control it for some short This objective seems easily achievable time, but ultimately you will ifwenotice that the ideological basis of the subcultures that are usually gathered be thrown down and out of and produced around these places is often consciousness. full with motivation for improvement and reuseof neglected areas, and not The capital has proven tobe very flexible atomization and alienation of the locality around the origin of the real-estates, and the community. Despite this, too whether itis public, private or sometimes often the values produced in their best even undetermined, but it seems the intentions are being commodified and easiest to gentrify are the patchwork finally end upin the hands of major areas of small private properties, where capital. every unit individually believes they can benefit from competing with neighbors, only tobe proven wrong when itis too late.

16 The creative class needs to Greens were always first to argue against break up with elitist practices, consumerism and against creating the “needs” that are not in the public interest reach out of their bubbles of and that have not been the result of a self-sufficiency and join the common agreement. Consumerism local community in the struggle, inthe case of gentrification is not only tied to luxurious real-estates, it has otherwise they are destined transfused into, for example, increased to end the game as losers of fossil fuel spending for unsustainable gentrification themselves. traffic, outsourcing of soil and water exploitation, or exclusive commodities and services that are locally promoted. Involving creative actors in the broader mobilization against gentrification is Multiple patches of property and unused extremely important. The creative class public spaces on strategically attractive needs to break up with elitist practices, locations are the best incubators for reach out of their bubbles of self- gentrification. Itis much harder to sufficiency and join the local community gentrify active, functional and integrated in the struggle, otherwise they are spaces and communities, such aspublic destined to end the game as losers of housing neighborhoods. If the given real- gentrification themselves. There are estates are publicly owned and serving numerous possibilities for common work: the public interest, which is providing from manufacturing protesting material, homes, they are hardly resold or sub- organizing the exchange ofknowledge, rented. lectures, public debates, to designing new forms of organization, that can As long as there is a key portion of have unpredictable long term beneficial inhabitants that are politically aware, effects on the local and global society. active in the community, even the first, sugar-coated phase of gentrification Access to housing is also placed around is unlikely to start, let alone deeper the top of values of Green politics. gentrification that includes evictions and When gentrification develops into the privatizations of public spaces. Solidarity second stage of its process, evictions of the local community in their struggles and “voluntary” moving influence against private and corporate interests bymultiple layers of pressures, or rent was always supported by the Green actors increase, directly steal the right to have and gentrification should beno different a roof over one’s head. Situation is severe: case, even when this issue is not easily the demography of the neglected and noticeable for the potential voters. gentrified neighborhoods shows that the inhabitants there are in a hard social position, with problematic ownership In order to permanently rights. Their resettlement under pressure prevent the process of rarely ever results in improved living conditions, but itis merely a clearing out gentrification we need policies of site, and weas Greens must oppose that prioritizes public and this without restraint. social housing.

Segregation is the final In order to permanently prevent the process of gentrification we need policies consequence of gentrification. that prioritizes public and social housing. Gentrification can be avoided only ina Segregation is the final consequence system where buildings are constructed of gentrification. In an integrated for reaching the needs of society and not inclusive society that cooperates, itis the individual profit makers. Until we very hard to produce “the others”, or, live in neoliberal cities whose economy to take a step further , “the enemies”. is based on the “free” flow of the market, Meanwhile isolated exclusive blocks every neglected, old, once unappealing are fertile ground for the perpetuation quarter can be, and sooner or later will be, and reproduction ofstereotypes about gentrified for the profit of the wealthy, not difference in race, class, religion, or the inhabitants. simply a different lifestyle

17 Housing struggles and activism: the Spanish Case

hen we think about social rights, housing those purchases. It became almost like something is often at the top of our priority lists built into people’s minds: in order to succeed in Was it is considered one of the most life you had to get married, buy your own property fundamental assets that humans need in order to and a car. The conditions for houses to mushroom live safely and to develop their full potential. This across the country were further enhanced by a right is however, one that causes most issues in our corrupt system in which developers had extremely societies especially since the economic recession close relations with local councillors responsible started. In addition, just like in most other cases, for urban planning. It was typical to find the the violation of this right affects young people and local authorities helping to provide licences for marginalised groups the most. In Southern Europe developers to build in environmentally protected and more specifically in Spain, waves of evictions areas in exchange for illegal “bonuses”. have been one of the most terrible consequences of the economic recession with almost 100 families This uncontrolled growth led to the construction being evicted from their homes daily in 2014. of entire new cities in the middle of nowhere. Moreover, it was perceived by many as a great Back to the origin deal to make money: you would invest some of your savings in a brand new house right by the seashore and sell it shortly after for an increased In the years preceding the 2008 Economic Crisis, price. This increased economic activity was Spain was immersed in an impressive construction purely speculative and did not correspond with bubble: at one point, Spain built more houses than the capitalist idea of real supply and real demand, the UK, Germany and France combined. The Social meaning that most of these houses were never Democrat government at the time encouraged actually occupied and instead were purely used as people to buy – as opposed to rent – and to “invest” a commodity for speculation. As a consequence, in real estate without thinking about either prices rose steadily by 180% between 1996 and environmental nor economic consequences of 2006.

Obviously workers’ salaries did not keep up with situations including a significant number of these rocketing prices and therefore buyers and people committing suicide when the police were speculators relied on massive bank loans. Again, about to expel them from their homes. News governments at the European and Spanish level about evictions of families with 7 children or an facilitated this, as they wanted people to believe 88-year-old woman who owed €106 was striking that this bubble could last forever. Families were for the population and warned everyone about the encouraged to spend and to keep pumping up magnitude of this problem. this bubble by banks that gave virtually anyone, regardless of their salary, loans of up to 120% of the Furthermore, the unfair Spanish legislation on property’s value. mortgages and evictions forces individuals to pay back the original sum borrowed instead of When the credit crunch arrived, demand for cancelling the mortgage debt once a home is real estates fell quickly and many construction handed back to the bank. This meant that when companies went bankrupt leading to increased the bubble burst and real estate prices dropped, unemployment rates especially amongst those debtors that were thrown out of their homes with no or very low level of training. Thus, an still had a vast sum to repay to the banks as the increasingly large number of families were not able property’s worth was much lower compared to to repay their mortgages leading to thousands of that at the time of the purchase. evictions. This brought about extremely dramatic

18 This unprecedented movement started with What is the PAH and why important protests and campaigns to raise were they needed? awareness; and most importantly they set up local and regional groups that actively stopped In this turmoil, the Spanish government was not evictions by physically barring access to the police able to offer sensible solutions to those families and government officials into the property. They who had no shelter and could not afford to start even wrote a Green Book: a guide to PAH’s actions, a new vital project with a massive debt burden. meetings, and activist tools (it can be found in This unresponsiveness and clear lack of social English at: http://afectadosporlahipoteca.com/ sensitivity of the successive Spanish governments wp-content/uploads/2016/06/GreenBook-PAH- (both the Social Democrats and Liberal- 21juny.pdf). Between 2010 and 2014 the PAH had Conservatives), made it necessary for many people already stopped over 1000 evictions, an impressive to organise themselves in order to demand their yet still insufficient figure for the real magnitude basic right to a home. This anger and frustration of the issue. Over time, the PAH also shifted their then crystallised into the Plataforma de Afectados attention from grassroots activism to addressing por la Hipoteca (Platform for People Affected by the legal conditions that allowed this struggle to Mortgages) or PAH, one of the movements often last over time. Therefore, they initiated a petition associated with the indignados protests that were for a new housing act that included 5 concrete born in 2011 to question the Spanish institutional proposals commonly known as the “PAH’s 5”: and economic status quo.

1. cancellation of the individual’s remaining debt after the property went back to the bank’s hands 2. affordable rents by setting a pricing framework in accordance with salaries 3. amnesty on evictions of main residences 4. use of unoccupied properties as public social housing, whose rents should not exceed 30% of the family’s income 5. social vouchers for those families who cannot afford to pay their utility bills

This petition was signed by over 1.4 million measures - that the PAH regarded the bill finally citizens and the social demand for these changes passed as a “taunt” that violated the spirit of their was so big that the then-ruling Conservative Party petition. The Court of Justice of the EU also ruled saw itself forced to change its opinion and accept twice that both the old and the reformed laws on at least a debate on these proposals in the Spanish mortgages “violated human rights” and European Parliament. The political parties then amended directives on consumer protection for the “abusive” this law proposal so heavily - by either getting terms and conditions imposed by banks. rid or severely restricting the application of these

So what next? Following this great disappointment, many of a coalition of Green Progressive Parties managed those involved in grassroots activism decided to win the local elections in Barcelona. Similarly, it was time to take part in institutional politics. the Compromís alliance in the Valencian Country This definitely played an important role in the managed to form a coalition regional government construction of new political parties and electoral in 2015, making the first bill they passed the so- platforms based on concrete proposals for the called “Law for the Social Function of Housing”. common good as opposed to “old-fashioned” Green and Progressive people now hope that a ideological tags. The paradigmatic example of different Spanish government can be formed - one these activists is Ada Colau, former spokesperson that can act as an ally to these governments in of the PAH, whose electoral platform combined with tackling the housing struggle.

Enric Juan - Joves amb Iniciativa (Valencian YG)

19 If only I had the shape of a pyramid

Julischka Stengele, born 1982, is a German multidisciplinary artist. Her work includes happening, performance, photography, installation and video. She is currently based in Vienna.

ulischka’s performance at FYEG’s Summer class. Julischka’s dress also seems noteworthy to Camp in Serbia 2016 was named “If only I had point out, causing puzzled faces, some laughter Jthe shape of a pyramid” focusing on issues and irritation. Wearing a tight polyester jumpsuit of class and rigid class divisions within society. patterned with french fries and a bath robe with During the performance she stages a Question money prints, she means to provoke but also to point and Answer Session taking place after a lecture out how fat bodies are stigmatised as belonging on Classism in which the audience reads out to people from lower classes who are frowned imagined questions given to them by the performer. upon if they climb up the social ladder and how The performance meant to portray an ideal and their wealth is only always seen as a costume. At respectful discussion on the topic of classism, FYEG’s Summer Camp, this performance was well the form of discrimination people face due to perceived and generated interesting conversation them belonging to a certain, particularly lower, and discussion afterwards.

Julischka, where do the questions the I composed the content of this text collage in audience reads out come from? order to stage a stimulating discussion on class from an intersectional point of view. I want For this work, I borrow different people's voices to as many different aspects covered, including pair up with my own. All the text is written in the counterparts. In large part, the script remains the first person. Those lines that start with, for example same but I adopt it and include new lines for each "Hello, my name is Audre Lorde..." are quotes by performance depending on the context. There is authors who have written on the topic. They are a planned order/dramaturgy in the script but no introduced with their full name. Those lines which pre-thinking which line goes to which audience start with, for example "Hey, I'm Andrea..." refer member. Yet, I take care of not having the same to personal experiences I collected from friends people speak all the time. and colleagues. All the lines that don't start with a name are my own reflections on the topic.

20 None of the activists in the room contributed other than reading out the given texts. How speaking from experience of giving that performance does the audience deal with being given words rather than choosing them themselves? Is there change or progression in the audience’s reaction as the performance goes on?

In general, the audience is a bit hesitant in the beginning but loosens up over time. The overall atmosphere is different depending on the group, the space, the context. Often it get's more focused and dense throughout the performance. Some people are emotionally moved, visually but there have never been any break downs. I have the intention to challenge my audience, not to break them. I believe that the methodology I use - a role play in which nobody speaks personally but follows a given script - creates a space which  allows people to discuss a difficult issue without having to reveal anything about themselves.  As the performance progressed, it seemed like the audience started to get where you were going. Some of One of the main factors in engaged art us became more brave and started is, of course, do people play along? expressing emotions and reactions while reading out their parts. is more difficult to put to measures. What vibes do I get from the audience? Do I feel a general openness? How do they react to my inputs, how The performance deals with a social justice issue do my actions affect the atmosphere. In order to and uses (auto-)biographical material. Thus, there monitor (and possibly adjust) this, I must be very is a lot of "real life" in there, if you will. Yet, we deal present with all my senses and very attentive. If with it in a constructed frame of art production. It is I feel a wall or nothing at all, I know things don't a staged and scripted Q&A following an imaginary click. During and after the performance in the lecture. summer camp I got a lot of positive verbal and non- verbal feedback. Apparently it was an eye-opening How do you usually and in this specific learning experience for many, which is really great. case perceive the audiences reaction to your performance after it has ended? For me, it was quite interesting to do this work for (young) people who are not necessarily drawn to art but deliberately invested and interested in social Yes, I was satisfied with the performance. There justice politics. The way how people accessed are several indicators which vary for each work I the work, the different readings of aesthetic or do. One of the main factors in engaged art is, of rhetorical codes allowed me to look at my work course, do people play along? Are they willing to go from another angle. for what I ask of them? Are they interested in what I have to offer. In this particular case: Will they read out aloud into the microphone what I give By Vesna Jusup - EGP to them? Will they follow the instructions on the paper? That's more of a technical thing. But then there is also my feeling in the space, which

Interested in Julischka’s full body of work? Find out more on her tumblr: julischkastengele.tumblr.com

21 MEET THE WRITERS

the Young Greens of England projects and got involved in different countries. When (very and Wales, becoming their the Left Summit of Serbia. rarely) she has some free time candidate for the 2014 local After a decade of youth and she likes to sketch or do yoga. elections in London. Enric has a environmental activism she broad experience with student is currently interested in societies including Amnesty achieving synergy between International and Model UN diverse social movements and student groups. In his (little) green and left political ideas in spare time he likes to play the Serbia and elsewhere around violin in all sorts of ensembles Europe. She can tell you about -from a symphony orchestra her demo-femi-eco-socialist to an English folk band or vision any time of the day or a musical theatre pit band- night, especially if you are and learn different foreign willing to join her out of your Teo Comet is Spokesperson languages. usual comfort zone. of the Federation of Young European Greens. Like most of us, he spends his time primarily Sebastiaan Rood is a member of thinking about the future. the Dutch Young Greens, studies European Governance and lives in Utrecht, Netherlands. He has a seemingly infinite amount of energy and uses it to fight for a brighter future for young people!

Vesna Jusup has joined the Predrag Momčilović is red - Young Greens in 2006 and green activist from Serbia. He is sailed through the Greens ever secretariat member of Serbian since. After being spokesperson Green Youth, PhD student at Julian Hauser is interested of Serbian Young Greens Geography Faculty (socio-urban in how modern information for 3 years, Vesna moved geography) and journalist. technology changes who we are to international work and Politicly he is ecosocialist -- how culture and philosophy worked on the development of especially interested in urban connect with our smartphones the Eastern European Young issues. and the internet. He has been Greens as Network Coordinator active in young Green and of CDN. FYEG was always close Miene Waziri defines as many digital right organisations for to CDN and Vesna’s heart so things but first and foremost a few years and is currently in she joined several initiatives she is an ice cream lover who the Executive Committee of the such as the Political Platform, has a slight obsession with Cooperation and Development Youth Manifesto and Economic Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Network Eastern Europe (CDN). Compass Editorial Boards. worships the sun and hot After many years of living Today, Vesna works at the summers and aspires to be in different corners of the European Green party and as cool as her mom and local European mainland he is now still supports Greens in their brown girls one day, while pursuing a PhD in Philosophy growth. As a graduated Art parenthetically studying at the University of Edinburgh historian, whose artsy career (sociology) and surviving on a in Scotland lost the battle to the Greens, daily basis. Vesna is always happy to work on Art and politics. Masha Pashkova-Dzneladze is part of Green movement for 5 years already. She is from Georgia where she entered the Georgian Young Greens, where favorite tasks of hers were campaigning and developing political documents. Already for two years Masha is member of EC of Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe (www.cdnee. org). Currently Masha lives Enric Juan is the current in Prague, where she studies International Officer of Joves Architecture and Engineering. amb Iniciativa (Valencian Iva Markovic is a political Her main interests are: YG). He recently graduated activist form Belgrade. She Feminism, alternative in Materials Science and is active member of Serbian urbanization, Clean sources Engineering from Imperial Green Youth, and a student of of Energy, Open Knowledge College London and he has landscape architecture. She and Open Culture, Drugs, their also been an active member of participated in several FYEG affects on people and policies in

22 23 THE SOCIAL RIGHTS ISSUE