Today, A Conference’s central hub had been organized to talk about the future of Europe by the new platform for EU citizens. A way to let express citizens and shape the Future of Europe. Exchange of views, ideas through online events. We can wonder why the European institutions are rushing to re-establish dialogue with citizens in the midst of a pandemic, loneless, social distance and fear of jobless and bad economic situation? David Sassoli, the European Paliament President, Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa, Portugese Presidency and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen gathering, explained what this tool could be useful.
European Parliament President, David Sassoli, presented and said
“The platform represents a key tool to allow citizens to participate and have a say on the Future of Europe. We must be certain that their voices will be heard and that they have a role in the decision-making, regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic. European democracy, of the representative and participatory kind, will continue to function no matter what, because our shared future demands it.”
Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa, Portuguese Presidency stressed
“The time has come for our citizens to actively share their greatest concerns and their ideas. This discussion couldn’t happen at a more relevant time. We have to prepare now, so that we come out of this crisis even stronger and when we overcome the pandemic we stand ready for the future. We hope to continue to build the Europe of the future together, a fairer, greener and more digital Europe that responds to our citizens’ expectations.”
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen added
“Health, climate change, good and sustainable jobs in a more and more digital economy, the state of our democratic societies: We are inviting Europeans to speak up, to address their concerns and tell us what Europe they want to live in. With this citizens’ platform, we are giving everyone the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of Europe and engage with other people from across Europe. This is a great opportunity to bring Europeans together virtually. Join the debate! Together, we can build the future we want for our Union.”
If we go back in time, in december 2020, the EU Commission President launched the EU democracy action plan 2023 with EU Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová. First step was to promote the free and fair elections, strengthen media freedom and fight against disinformation. The democracy in Europe seems to be more fragile than we expect. Will the representatives of the Member States find a solution to bring about democracy which is so dedicated to the citizens. Should the functioning of the European institutions be reviewed with a Parliament which would have a legislative role that it lacks? Secondly, European citizens could directly elect the president and commissioners. This system would give more legitimacy and democratic values within the European Commission.
