FAQ

1. General questions

1.1 What is Volt?

Volt is a progressive and participatory pan-European movement with the idea of revolutionising the way politics is done by working towards a united, fair and open society with equal opportunities for all.

1.2 How was Volt founded?

Volt was founded following the Brexit vote, which was one of the many political concerns of 2016. On 29 March 2017, the day Article 50 was invoked, Volt was just a Facebook page with five members questioning the status quo. With no funding, no known figure and no political support, Volt has now grown into a movement with almost 15,000 activists in 30 European countries.

Our initiative was launched in response to the reactionary and populist tendencies that have threatened and still threaten the values our members believe in and because the traditional political parties do not seem to be able to offer interesting, adequate and pragmatic answers to the current challenges.

1.3 What are Volt's goals today?

Volt is a transnational movement. Our ambition is to create political parties in European countries to participate in elections at European, national and local levels with common values, political orientations and objectives in all countries.

Our initial goal was to participate in the European elections in 2019 in at least seven countries. Why seven countries? If we had managed to win 25 seats across these seven countries, we could have formed the first independent faction in the European Parliament - a first in the EU. Our goal for 2024.

1.4 Does the Volt only exist in EU member states?

No. As a European movement we want to be present in every country in Europe - member states or not. Including the UK.

1.5 What does the word "Volt" mean?

The name "Volt" was derived from the international unit of electrical potential. We chose this name because we want to bring a new energy into politics and because it also resembles our idea of being pragmatic, progressive and efficient. Moreover, it is a word that is pronounced the same in all countries.

2. Political positions

2.1 What do you want to achieve?

We are working for a united Europe and a society that values its citizens and empowers them to realise their individual potentials and to achieve together the highest standards in terms of human, social, ecological and technical development.

2.2. What is Volt's vision for Europe?

We are at home in our cities and communities. But also in our regions. In our countries. And in Europe. We want to address the challenges at their respective levels (principle of subsidiarity). In terms of Europe, it is not possible at present to solve the European challenges, because it is the national governments and their national interests that decide in the name of Europe and their citizens have to bear the consequences.

2.3 Where does Volt stand on the political spectrum?

We defend a democratic system based on the rule of law. We do not wish to position ourselves as 'left' or 'right'. Instead, we prefer to find solutions for the issues we care about and develop policies based on scientific evidence and proven policy practices.

2.4 What are Volt's political values?

Volt is committed to the fundamental values of the European Union - human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights - and to promoting a society marked by inclusion, tolerance, justice, solidarity and non-discrimination.

2.5 Why should I vote for Volt?

Because we are sceptical about politics. Because we value expertise in our respective professions over expertise in the political world. Because we are curious, passionate and positive about political renewal from European to local level. Because we give a united voice to all those who want to help shape our society and our future.

2.6 Are you supported or backed by an established political party?

No.

3. Financing

3.1 Where does Volt get its funding from?

So far we have funded our project through donations from members, their families and friends. In addition, we have run several successful crowdfunding campaigns in some countries and plan to continue to fund ourselves by these means in the future.

(Version April 2021)