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CITIZENS’ DIALOGUES: It’s about Europe, It’s about you! Citizens’ Dialogues: It’s about Europe, It’s about You! about Europe, It’s Citizens’ Dialogues: It’s Directorate-General for Communication http://ec.europa.eu/debate-future-europe/ #EUDeb8

3 Foreword The economic and financial crisis has triggered bold reforms in the , with fur- ther big changes still to come. More and more decisions that directly affect the lives of citizens are now taken at European level. The democratic structures of our Union, therefore, have to be strengthened further. Citizens need to feel confident that their voices count.

That is why, in September 2012, the European Commission started the Citizens’ Dialogues. President José Manuel Barroso and most Commissioners took part in the first series of 51 debates, held in all Member States to listen to citizens and to talk to them directly – about their expectations and ideas for the future of Europe.

From the first debate in Cadiz to a unique Pan-European Dialogue in Brussels bringing together participants from previous events, the discussions had a European character: They were usually held with other European as well as national, regional and local politicians. And they inspired similar events initiated in several Member States.

I hope the photos and quotes on the following pages serve to keep alive the memories of these debates, of the intense experiences we had. An analysis of this series of Citizens’ Dialogues shows how they are helping to develop a European public space: A space in which we talk with each other, not about each other.

We have started a debate. We need to keep it going. Citizens’ voices count and we must continue to listen as we further enhance democracy at European level. Let us move this debate forward, with many more Citizens’ Dialogues. At European, national, regional, local level. For an even broader, truly European debate on the future of the European Union.

Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission 4 Citizens’ Dialogues

51 Citizens’ Dialogues in 28 Member States September 2012 – March 2014

Spain Cadiz France Page 8 Vincennes page 14 27/09/2012 European Commission 23/11/2012 Vice-President and Commissioner for European Commission Justice, Fundamental Rights Vice-President and Commissioner for and Citizenship , Justice, Fundamental Rights and Mayor Teófila Martinez Saiz Citizenship Viviane Reding

Austria Graz Italy Page 10 Naples 05/11/2012 page 16 European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner 30/11/2012 for Justice, Fundamental Rights and for Citizenship Viviane Reding, Employment, Social Affairs Vice-Chancellor of Michael and Inclusion László Andor, Spindelegger Mayor Luigi de Magistris

Germany Ireland Berlin Dublin Page 12 page 18

10/11/2012 10/01/2013 European Commission European Commission President José Vice-President and Commissioner for Manuel Barroso, Vice-President and Justice, Fundamental Rights and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Citizenship Viviane Reding, Rights and Citizenship Viviane Reding, MEP Dagmar Roth-Behrendt Prime Minister Enda Kenny, Deputy Prime Minister Eamon Gilmore, Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton

Sweden Gothenburg page 20

18/02/2013 European Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström 5

Belgium Italy Ghent Turin page 32 Warsaw page 22 page 42 12/04/2013 21/02/2013 European Commissioner for Trade 11/05/2013 European Commissioner for Home Affairs , European Commissioner for Financial Cecilia Malmström, Mayor Daniel Termont, Programming and Budget Mayor Piero Fassino Director of the Open Society Institute for Europe Jordi Vaquer

Czech Belgium Portugal Prague Eupen page 44 Coimbra page 34 page 24 13/05/2013 23/04/2013 European Commissioner for Enlargement and European 22/02/2013 European Commissioner for Regional Policy Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle, European Commission , Minister of State for Small Business John Perry, Vice-President and Commissioner for MEP Mathieu Grosch, Chairman of the Czech Parliament’s EU Affairs Justice, Fundamental Rights and Minister-President of the German - Committee Jan Bauer, Citizenship Viviane Reding speaking community of Belgium Karl-Heinz MEP Jan Březina, MEP Libor Rouček, Lambertz Czech Deputy State Secretary for European Affairs Martin Tlapa

Belgium Italy Italy Brussels Rome Ventotene page 36 page 26 page 46

18/03/2013 04/05/2013 European Commission 27/05/2013 European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner Justice, Fundamental Rights and Vice-President and Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship Citizenship Viviane Reding, for Industry and Entrepreneurship , Minister-President of the Brussels -Capital Antonio Tajani, Mayor Giovanni Alemanno Region Charles Picqué Mayor Giuseppe Assenso

Greece Germany Thessaloniki Italy Dusseldorf page 28 Milan page 38 page 48 22/03/2013 European Commission 08/05/2013 07/06/2013 Vice-President and Commissioner for European Commissioner for Energy European Commissioner for Climate Action, Justice, Fundamental Rights and Günther Oettinger, , Citizenship Viviane Reding, MEP Jürgen Klute Mayor Giuliano Pisapia Mayor Yannis Boutaris

Luxembourg Esch-sur-Alzette Italy Slovenia page 50 Pisa Ljubljana page 30 page 40 30/06/2013 European Commission 05/04/2013 09/05/2013 Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental European Commissioner Rights and Citizenship Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for the Environment MEP Charles Goerens, for the Environment Janez Potočnik, Minister for Labour , Janez Potočnik Mayor Marco Filippeschi MP Félix Braz, Minister of Public Works, Agriculture, Rural Affairs, Patrimony and Nature Policy of Wallonia Benoit Lutgen 6

Poland Estonia Sweden Warsaw Stockholm page 52 page 62 Page 72 11/07/2013 15/10/2013 European Commission President José 14/09/2013 European Commission Manuel Barroso, European Commission European Commission Vice-President and Vice-President and Commissioner for Vice-President and Commissioner for Commissioner for Transport Justice, Fundamental Rights and Justice, Fundamental Rights and , Citizenship Viviane Reding, Citizenship Viviane Reding, Vice-President and Commissioner Minister for European Union Affairs Prime Minister , for Economic and Monetary Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson, MEP Roza Thun, and the Euro MEP Olle Ludvigsson former Prime Minister Tadeuz Mazowiecki

Greece Italy Belgium Heraklion Trieste Liège page 54 page 64 page 74

12/07/2013 16/09/2013 17/10/2013 European Commission European Commissioner for Maritime European Commission President José Vice-President and Commissioner for Affairs and Fisheries Manuel Barroso, Justice, Fundamental Rights and , Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium Citizenship Viviane Reding, MEP Spyros Danellis, , Minister of European Affairs Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis Vice Minister - President of Wallonia Enzo Moavero Milanesi Jean-Claude Marcourt

Germany Finland Heidelberg Helsinki Latvia page 56 page 66 Riga 16/07/2013 page 76 European Commission 24/09/2013 Vice-President and Commissioner for European Commission 18/10/2013 Justice, Fundamental Rights and Vice-President and Commissioner for Commissioner for Development Citizenship Viviane Reding, Justice, Fundamental Rights and , Minister-President of the state of Baden- Citizenship Viviane Reding, Minister of Defence Artis Pabriks Württemberg Winfried Kretschmann MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen

Bulgaria Hungary Győr Sofia Malta Page 68 page 58 Valletta page 78 23/07/2013 03/10/2013 European Commissioner for European Commission Employment, Social Affairs Vice-President and Commissioner for 07/11/2013 and Inclusion László Andor, Justice, Fundamental Rights and European Commissioner for Health State Secretary for European Affairs Citizenship Viviane Reding, Enikő Győri, President Rosen Plevneliev MEP Csaba Őry

Belgium Slovakia France Namur Košice Marseille page 60 Page 70 page 80 13/09/2013 05/10/2013 European Commission 14/11/2013 European Commission Vice-President and Vice-President and Commissioner for European Commission Commissioner for Interinstitutional Justice, Fundamental Rights and Vice-President and Commissioner for Relations and Administration Citizenship Viviane Reding, Justice, Fundamental Rights and Maroš Šefčovič, Minister-President of Wallonia Citizenship Viviane Reding, Slovak Parliament President Pavol Paška Rudy Demotte Minister of Justice Christiane Taubira 7

Germany Koblenz Limassol page 102 page 82 page 92 10/03/2014 European Commissioner for Energy 28/11/2013 06/02/2014 Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner for European Commissioner Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate Education, Culture, Multilingualism for Climate Action Maler Dreyer, and Youth Connie Hedegaard State Minister for Europe of Rhineland- Palatinate Margit Conrad

United Kingdom Austria The Netherlands London Eisenstadt Amsterdam page 94 page 84 page 104

10/02/2014 14/03/2014 29/11/2013 European Commission European Commission European Commissioner for Regional Policy Vice-President and Commissioner for Vice-President and Commissioner for Johannes Hahn, Justice, Fundamental Rights and Justice, Fundamental Rights and Minister-President of Burgenland Citizenship Viviane Reding, Citizenship Viviane Reding, Hans Niessl Minister of State for Europe David Mayor Eberhard van der Laan Lidington

Belgium Spain Romania Brussels Barcelona Bucharest page 86 page 96 page 106

05/12/2013 23/02/2014 17/03/2014 European Commissioner for European Commission European Commissioner Education, Culture, Multilingualism Vice-President and Commissioner for for Agriculture and Rural Development and Youth Androulla Vassiliou, Justice, Fundamental Rights and Dacian Cioloş MEP Isabelle Durant Citizenship Viviane Reding

Belgium Lithuania France Brussels Vilnius St. Denis Pan-European Citizens’ Dialogue page 88 page 98 page 108

13/12/2013 27/02/2014 27/03/2014 European Commission European Commissioner for the Internal President J.M. Barroso, Vice-President V. Reding, Vice-President Vice-President and Commissioner for Market and Services , O. Rehn, Commissioner J. Potočnik, Commissioner A. Vassiliou, Justice, Fundamental Rights and Minister Delegate for European Affairs Commissioner K. De Gucht, Commissioner M. Damanaki, Citizenship Viviane Reding Thierry Repentin Commissioner J. Hahn, Commissioner C. Hedegaard, Commissioner L. Andor, Commissioner N. Mimica, MEP Dagmar Roth-Behrendt, Mayor of Cadiz Teófila Martínez Saiz

Online VIVIANE REDING Vice-President of the European Commission Citizens’ Dialogue Citizens’ Dialogues page 90 Zagreb as a Contribution page 100 to Developing Wherever you are, 16/01/2014 a European Public Space give your views European Commission 03/03/2014 Vice-President and Commissioner for European Commissioner for Consumer Page 113 Justice, Fundamental Rights and Policy Citizenship Viviane Reding JOIN THE DEBATE 8 Spain Cadiz Oratorio de S. Felipe Neri, 27 September 2012

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

Mayor of Cadiz, Teófila Martínez Saíz 9

The first Citizens’ Dialogue focused on the crisis which has hit Cadiz and the region of Andalucía particularly hard. In preparation for the event, Spanish citizens had discussed their key concerns on a web platform. They voted for the 10 most relevant questions which were submitted to Vice-President Reding in the Oratorio as the «Citizens’ Decalogue of Cadiz».

«The future of the Union is about democracy, responsibility and solidarity.» Vice-President Reding

«In these difficult times for Cadiz, we need true leadership, a fighting spirit and straight talk.» Mayor Martínez Saíz

«During a crisis weak people are the first to be forgotten. Can you guarantee that the UN Convention on rights of people with disabilities is respected?» European Citizen

«The infrastructural gaps between urban and rural areas need to be bridged.» Tweet 10 Austria Graz Alte Universität, 5 November 2012

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

Vice- and Minister of European and Foreign Affairs, 11

The debate focused on the crisis in Greece and what needs to be done by both the European and international Institutions and by the country itself to overcome it. For the first time at a Citizens’ Dialogue, different ideas for a closer Political Union were discussed.

«Solidarity needs solidity. We need a new basis for reforms in the Greek administration and in the economy.» Vice-President Reding

«Greece is on the right way. Exports have increased by 80% in 2012 compared to the year before. The EU provides support and incentives, but we insist that the basic problems are solved.» Vice-Chancellor Spindelegger

«The EU must not allow Greece to fall into misery and people in the Mediterranean Member States to become «The austerity policy in Greece impoverished.» is counter-productive. European Citizen It damages the economy.» Tweet 12 Germany Berlin Forum der Allianz Kulturstiung, 10 November 2012

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

German Member of the , Dagmar Roth-Behrendt 13

The crisis, in particular in Greece, was at the centre of this Dialogue. For the first time in this series of debates, par- ticipants were given machines to vote on a set of questions regarding among others the rights of European citizens and the future of the EU - a practice which then continued in all the debates that followed. One vote in Berlin revealed that 2 out of 3 participants felt that the EU is about solidarity. Against the backdrop of planned legislation on equality between men and women, the issue of gender balance on company boards was also discussed extensively.

«We hope that this time you will succeed in bringing gender equality legislation forward.» European Citizen

« I don’t give up. My goal is: Women in decision-making positions through European legislation.» Vice-President Reding

«The first goal must be to create jobs. Democracy needs social stability.» «Will we have the direct election MEP Roth-Behrendt of a EU-President by the people?» Tweet

VOTES

Do you feel that your voice Do you feel that the EU Are you in favour of more Are you in favour of a closer is heard in the EU? is about solidarity? Citizens’ Dialogues? political Union?

YES: 18% YES: 67% YES: 92% YES: 80% NO: 76% NO: 33% NO: 8% NO: 20% DON’T KNOW: 6% 14 France Vincennes Parc floral de Vincennes, 23 November 2012

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding 15

A major part of the debate centred on the question of how programmes that bring young Europeans together can help to create a European identity as a complement to national and regional identity. In this context participants addressed specifically the efforts of Member States to reduce the EU budget for the period 2014 - 2020.

«Young people will better understand why we need to build Europe if there is a sufficient budget for programmes such as Erasmus.» European Citizen

«The EU budget is indeed important. It is only 1% of the European Gross domestic product (GDP) compared to 35% in the US – and the major part is invested in the Member States.» Vice-President Reding 16 Italy Naples Castel dell’Ovo, 30 November 2012

European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, László Andor

Mayor of Naples, Luigi De Magistris ©IStock 17

This Citizens’ Dialogue prepared the ground for the Citizens’ Dialogue held in Trieste in September 2013. The event in the capital of Campania focused on employment. In particular the students and young graduates among the participants addressed the issue of youth employment.

«We need investments in education in times of crisis. Where is the EU going and what does it do for young people?» European Citizen

«We propose a ‘Youth Guarantee’ to free up €6 billion in the Member States which are particularly affected by youth unemployment: if a young person does not find a job, the national government should make an offer for training.» Commissioner Andor

«EU funding needs to find its way to the European cities so that we can invest in young people, in the environment and the local economy.» Mayor De Magistris 18 Ireland Dublin Rotunda of the City Hall, 10 January 2012

Taoiseach Enda Kenny European Commission President José Manuel Barroso European Commission Vice- President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore

Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton 19

The Citizens’ Dialogue in Dublin was the opening event of the European Year of Citizens 2013. The discussion in the first round with the Commission President and the leaders of the Irish government focused strongly on the social impact of the banking crisis on Irish citizens. The ensuing Dialogue with Vice-President Reding and Minister Creighton focused on the social impact of the crisis, gender equality and fundamental rights.

«How can you assure us that «The the EU is tackling the crisis?» breached the link between sove- European Citizen reign debt and bank debt and that allows to recapitalize bank from the European «Pessimism and indifference Stability Mechanism (ESM).» are the real threat to the EU. Taoiseach Kenny Your involvement is important to shape the EU for the future!» «What benefits can Ireland President Barroso expect from the Irish Presidency?» European Citizen «What is good for Ireland is good for the EU – «The EU is not about and vice-versa.» Institutions or Member Tánaiste Gilmore States, but about the 500 million citizens.» Vice-President Reding «Aren’t there two sets of rules in the EU – for rich and for poor Member States?» «This Dialogue will be taken up at national level. European Citizen We will bring it in 2013 to the other regions of Ireland.» Minister Creighton 20 Sweden Gothenburg Hvitfeldtska Gymnasiet, 18 February 2013

European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström ©IStock 21

The debate in Gothenburg was an opportunity for young people to talk directly to a European Commissioner. They spoke about their views on the kind of Europe in which they want to live in 2020. Participants had voted on the issues they most wanted to raise prior to the event. These included the environment (also with regard to and energy policy) and the economic crisis as well as racism and xenophobia.

«You are the future of Europe. That is why I am here, to listen to what you have to say.» Commissioner Malmström

«There should be a tariff reduction for “fair trade” goods and more cooperation instead of more assistance.» European Citizen

«We need more severe punishment for those countries that do not respect emission legislation, and more investments in energy efficiency.» European Citizen 22 Italy Turin Teatro Regio, 21 February 2013

European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström

Mayor of Turin, Piero Fassino ©IStock 23

The Dialogue in Italy addressed questions on different aspects of security which included issues such as the fight against crime, corruption, drugs, terrorism as well as questions on immigration, border security and asylum.

«What will the post-crisis Europe look like? We need to have an open discussion and to overcome the crisis of legitimacy. Citizens have to assume ownership of the debate.» Commissioner Malmström

«The crisis made us understand: Citizens need to feel that Europe belongs to them.» Mayor Fassino

«It seems that the EU has its hands tied on many issues. Therefore I am wondering, wouldn’t it be better to go towards the idea of a ?» European Citizen

«Adequate conditions should be guaranteed for all migrants and not just for asylum seekers.» Tweet 24 Portugal Coimbra Universidade – Sala dos Grandes Actos, 22 February 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding ©IStock 25

The Dialogue centred on the impact of the economic crisis on Portugal and in particular on students and young people. The Coimbra Citizens’ Dialogue reached out to other Portuguese regions such as the Azores as well as to the Portuguese community in via video link.

«How can citizens believe in the future if there is a lack «On my way to Coimbra, coming from of solidarity and of common structures.» Oporto, I passed four new football Citizen via video link from Aveiro stadiums – all empty. Was that the best investment?» Vice-President Reding

«Hundreds of students have given up their studies. The Commission and the Troïka are responsible for this.» Citizen

«What does the EU do to combat the unemployment of young people?» Tweet

«At European level we can help with programmes such as Erasmus or with the €6 billion to support the Youth Guarantee, but I can see that the situation in the families remains difficult even if the economy starts to recover.» Vice-President Reding 26 Italy Rome Campidoglio, Palazzo dei Senatori, 18 March 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Antonio Tajani

Mayor of Rome, Giovanni Alemanno 27

The thematic Dialogue on entrepreneurship addressed a broad range of issues such as taxes, firms’ access to credit, the promotion of European brands and the prospects of young citizens wanting to become entrepreneurs.

«I am an entrepreneur with a small business. We have huge problems with delayed payments and run the risk of insolvency.» European Citizen

«We have adopted a law that requires that payments [from public services] are made within 30 days.» Vice-President Tajani

«As Italian municipalities, we have been very active to accelerate payments for services that we buy.» Mayor Alemanno 28 Greece Thessaloniki Ioannis Vellidis Congress Center, 22 March 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

Mayor of Thessaloniki, Yiannis Boutaris 29

The debate put a strong focus on the crisis. Many participants felt that they were being punished by the institutions and other countries providing Greece with financial support. Aer the event participants generally appreciated the possibility to talk to a European politician.

«We need to stop Euro-scepticism «What is the meaning of in Southern Europe. solidarity? We must not lose a For that we need greater social whole generation. We have to cohesion.» decide whether we want to be Mayor Boutaris a Union of citizens or a Union of banks.» European Citizen

«Greece is in the EU and in the Eurozone - and it is «How can we convince Europe here to stay.» Vice-President Reding that the Greek crisis is a problem for the whole Union?» Tweet

VOTES

For you, does Europe mean Will you make your voice heard Should the President of the solidarity between Member by voting at the 2014 European Commission be States? EP elections? elected directly by the people?

YES: 46% YES: 78% YES: 67% NO: 49% NO: 16% NO: 29% DON’T KNOW: 5% DON’T KNOW: 6% DON’T KNOW: 4% 30 Italy Pisa Casa della Città Leopolda, 5 April 2013

European Commissioner for the Environment, Janez Potočnik

Mayor of Pisa, Marco Filippeschi 31

With the theme «sustainability of resources», this Dialogue addressed one of the issues Italian citizens identify as one of their main concerns. Participants highlighted that integrated policy making is the best way to ensure economic growth and the protection of the environment.

«How can the green economy create more and better jobs?» Tweet

«Competitiveness and sustainability have to go together. It is time to change from the efficient use of labour to the efficient use of resources.» Commissioner Potočnik

«We need Europe to reconstruct our cities.» Mayor Filippeschi

«We cannot protect biodiversity in Europe if we protect isolated sites only. It is necessary to establish connected zones.» European Citizen 32 Belgium Ghent Oude Vismijn, 12 April 2013

European Commissioner for Trade, Karel De Gucht

Mayor of Ghent, Daniel Termont

Director of the Open Society Initiative for Europe, Jordi Vaquer 33

VOTES The first of a number of Citizens’ Dialogues in Belgium brought together local citizens and members of the European Youth Parliament. Key themes of the debate were Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? the solidarity of Member States in times of crisis and young people’s dreams for the YES: 25% future of Europe. NO: 75% «Europe is not about saving For you, does Europe mean solidarity between banks; it is about preventing Member States? Europe from going bankrupt.» Commissioner De Gucht YES: 67% NO: 33%

Do you agree that Europe will come out of the crisis stronger?

YES: 55% NO: 45% «Europe cannot work if its citizens don’t work for Europe.» Mayor Termont Do you think that politicians should more oen dialogue with citizens? «We have to be aware that we YES: 94% can have the life that we wish NO: 6% to have thanks to Europe.» Jordi Vaquer Do you think that it is fair that citizens or Member States pay for bad policies of other Member States?

YES: 36% NO: 64% «Too o en Europe is

Do you feel that Europe is breaking apart? blamed for our financial problems.» YES: 53% Tweet NO: 47% 34 Belgium

Eupen Haus der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinscha, 23 April 2013

European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn

Belgian Member of the European Parliament, Mathieu Grosch

Minister-President of the Government of the German-speaking Community of Belgium, Karl-Heinz Lambertz ©IStock 35

Participants in the Eupen Citizens’ Dialogue addressed not only the role of the EU in promoting its regions, but also the question of the overall objectives of European integration.

«The EU is about building bridges. Over the 500 kilometres where the Danube is the frontier between and Romania, there was only one bridge for decades. Following their accession in 2007, now a second bridge has been built.» Commissioner Hahn

«The Dual System of vocational training is a model of best practice for the EU.» Minister-President Lambertz «Multinational enterprises benefit from subsidies in countries that «Belgium has an unemployment try to attract them, but move on problem, caused among others a er a couple of years.» by relocations of enterprises. European Citizen Hence, we need a genuine EU industrial policy.» MEP Grosch

VOTES

Do you feel being a European? For you, does Europe mean Do you think that Member States solidarity between Member should support each other financially States? in times of difficulties?

YES: 95% YES: 90% YES: 20% NO: 5% NO: 10% NO: 80% 36 Belgium Brussels La Tentation, 4 May 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

President of the Brussels-Capital Region, Charles Picqué 37

At the centre of the debate was the question of democracy in the EU and the VOTES role of citizens in influencing the political agenda. Moreover, the Brussels Citizens’ Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? Dialogue marked the starting point of a series of live blogs and ensuing online follow-up debates on the debatingeurope.eu web platform. YES: 36% NO: 64%

For you, does Europe mean solidarity «We want more Europe. The question, however, is: which Europe? between Member States? We shouldn’t be afraid of criticism. We should YES: 80% explain and engage with all citizens in the debate.» NO: 20% Minister-President Picqué

Do you agree that Europe will come out «Europe can only be built with its citizens. of the crisis stronger? We need to reconnect in European democracy YES: 57% the elected politicians and the citizens.» NO: 43% Vice-President Reding Should the President of the European Commission be elected directly by the people?

YES: 94% NO: 6%

Do you think that politicians should more oen dialogue with citizens?

YES:69% NO: 31% «The European Parliament has no real power. The power is with the Member States. I am in Do you want a closer political union? favour of a big leap towards integration and YES:93% not the step-by-step approach.» NO: 7% European Citizen «The restrictions against Bulgarians who want to Do you know your rights? Do you feel that you are informed about your rights as European move freely within the EU show that there are first citizens? and second class citizens.» YES: 91% Tweet NO: 9% 38 Germany Dusseldorf Landtag von Nordrhein-Westfalen, 8 May 2013

European Commissioner for Energy, Günther Oettinger

German Member of the European Parliament, Jürgen Klute 39

The discussion covered a number of economic issues, such as the role of the EU in the global economy and structural change in the region.

«In today’s world no single EU Member State alone can play a leading role. However, if we combine our strengths and speak with one voice we can promote our ideas of freedom and prosperity, human rights and values in the international discussion.» Commissioner Oettinger

«The European Parliament has currently few possibilities to intervene directly in how the economic crisis is handled. Decisions are agreed between the governments of the Member States.» MEP Klute

«Citizens would have liked having been consulted on the introduction of the Euro and on the enlargement to the East.» European Citizen 40 Slovenia Ljubljana Cankarjev Dom, 9 May 2013

European Commissioner for the Environment, Janez Potočnik 41

The Ljubljana Dialogue focused on environmental issues. The debate covered topics such as the transition towards the green economy and the protection of natural resources in a European Union that strives to retain its competitive edge in the world economy.

«In 30 years’ time, 9 billion people will live on this planet. The world population grows every two weeks by the size of the Slovenian population. And already today the pressure on resources is immense. Therefore the EU will have to become more resource efficient.» Commissioner Potočnik

«I welcome the Commission position at the Rio +20 summit and I agree that we need to find a new paradigm. However, I wonder whether we create a new problem or find a solution if we stimulate entrepreneurs to make profits in the green economy.» European Citizen

«Are there new opportunities for young people in the green economy?» Tweet 42 Poland Warsaw Centralna Biblioteka Rolnicza, 11 May 2013

European Commissioner for Financial Programming and Budget, Janusz Lewandowski 43

The Warsaw event took place in the context of the annual Schuman Parade. At this Citizens’ the participants had the occasion to discuss a series of themes – for example the crisis, the situation of young people in Europe and Europe’s Future – prior to exchanging views with Commissioner Lewandowski.

«I look into the future with fear, I do not like the way the Union is managed. I’m a sceptic when it comes to the economic policy of the European Union.» European Citizen

«Eurosceptics can be convinced by the efficiency of Europe rather than political declarations or beautiful words. You cannot convince them if Europe is preoccupied with itself, for example with Treaties. If we could make them see the changes, for example in Poland, then the usefulness of Europe would be appreciated.» Commissioner Lewandowski

«We need to clean our house before inviting new guests.» Tweet 44 Czech Republic Prague DOX Centrum současného umění, 13 May 2013

European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Stefan Füle

Irish Minister of State for Small Business, John Perry

Czech Members of the European Parliament, Jan Březina and Libor Rouček

Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament, Jan Bauer

Czech Deputy State Secretary for European Affairs, Martin Tlapa 45

EU enlargement was a central theme of this Citizens’ Dialogue, with many participants VOTES raising the question of ’s possible accession. There was also a controversial Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? debate on the economic crisis.

YES: 35% «At the moment we witness a crisis of identity and NO: 65% solidarity. That is why it is not very advisable to discuss the accession of Turkey because it would Should Turkey become a Member not help the EU.» State? European Citizen

«The perspective of accession to the EU is our most powerful tool to YES: 36% promote transformation. Before we talk about Turkey we have to NO: 64% specify what kind of Turkey will accede to what kind of EU.» Commissioner Füle Do you agree that Europe will come out of the crisis stronger? «I am for Turkey’s accession. Other Member States should not forget that Turkey invested a lot in the accession process and we should not let it fail.» Deputy State Secretary Tlapa YES: 64% NO: 36% «The huge Turkish population is a natural partner for trade. I believe that a larger Union is a better Union. The accession of Turkey would be a win-win situation.» Do you think that politicians should more oen Irish State Minister Perry dialogue with citizens?

«The basic political question is when the Eurozone YES: 65% will be dismantled.» NO: 35% European Citizen

Do you want a closer political union? «The functioning of the Eurozone «The Czech Republic has to accede is vital for the Czech Republic. to the Euro Area but at the moment Hence, it will support proposals that it does not fulfil the conditions.» YES:60% strengthen the Eurozone.» MEP Březina NO: 40% MP Bauer 46 Italy Ventotene Piazza Castello, 27 May 2013

European Commission Vice-President for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Antonio Tajani

Mayor of Ventotene, Giuseppe Assenso ©IStock 47

The Dialogue in the main square of the island brought together students and their teachers from the Lazio region. While the discussions focused on the hopes and dreams of young people, the trip to Ventotene also honoured the island as the place where Altiero Spinelli, one of the founding fathers of the European Union, wrote the so-called Ventotene Manifesto which called for the establishment of a European federation while imprisoned by the fascist regime.

«We are happy that you came to our island where the people who were banned from the mainland by the fascist government had to meet secretly in the caves or on the beaches. During the war Altiero Spinelli and the others developed here their vision of Europe when it seemed that there was no hope.» Mayor Assenso

«Is Europe ready to recruit engineers? Today there are only jobs in Germany.» European Citizen

«The EU needs to re-industrialise itself and for this we need first and foremost conditions that encourage small and medium-sized enterprises. And these companies need engineers and technical specialists.» Vice-President Tajani 48 Italy Milan Palazzo Marino, 7 June 2013

European Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard,

Mayor of Milan, Giuliano Pisapia 49

The thematic Dialogue centred on climate change and the role of the EU, but also of municipalities and citizens, in tackling it.

«We have to find a sound balance between sustainable behaviour and the needs of our inhabitants.» «Are the European targets for 2020 economically Mayor Pisapia sustainable? We try to improve the air quality and to reduce CO2, but we don’t tackle the root causes of the problems.» European Citizen «How can we keep climate action on the agenda regarding the economic problems in Europe?» Tweet

«The most important change that I would like to see is an end of the ‘use-and-throw away’ mentality. We import oil for €1 billion every single day. Hence, resource-efficiency makes economically a lot of sense.» Commissioner Hedegaard 50 Luxembourg Esch-sur-Alzette Rockhal, 30 June 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

Luxembourgish Member of the European Parliament, Charles Goerens

Luxembourgish Minister for Labour, Employment and Immigration, Nicolas Schmit

Member of Luxembourgish Parliament, Felix Braz

Minister of Public Works, Agriculture, Rural Affairs, Patrimony and Nature Policy of Wallonia, Benoit Lutgen ©IStock 51

VOTES The Citizens’ Dialogue brought together more than 50 stands of citizens’ organisa- tions, European networks and political parties. Around the main Dialogue, various debates took place, including a discussion in which 10 Members of the European What is your most important right in the EU? Parliament participated alongside national and regional politicians.The main interest of the participants was on investment in the education and training of young people, Free movement and residence within the EU: 46% the protection of personal data and on solidarity between Member States. Border-free travel (Schengen): 32% «We have now heard about PRISM and TEMPORA, Security: 8% but the EU also accepted the storage of data and the exchange of passenger data.» European Citizen What should Europe care about?

«Partners do not spy on each other! Data protection Direct administration: 35% is a fundamental right in the EU. Stability of the €: 13% I will fight for high data protection standards.» Solidarity: 45% «Would you support an initiative for a basic Vice-President Reding income for everybody?» Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? European Citizen «I am pleading for a EU budget that translates solidarity into action.» «In a social market economy it MEP Goerens YES: 47% NO: 53% is not acceptable that there are starvation wages.» Minister Schmit

Do you want a closer political union? «Rights and obligations go hand in hand. Cross-border workers and students raise questions about financial aspects of integration and we need to simplify day-to-day YES: 84% issues such as the technical control of cars of residents from other EU Member States.» NO: 16% Minister Lutgen «My wish for the future is a European federal state.» MP Braz 52 Poland Warsaw Centrum Nauki Kopernik, 11 July 2013

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso

Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk

Former Prime Minister of Poland, Tadeusz Mazowiecki

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

Polish Member of the European Parliament, Roza Thun 53

The Citizens’ Dialogue was preceded by the General Assembly on the New Narrative for Europe. VOTES

Participants in the General Assembly took part together with Polish citizens from Warsaw and Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? all Polish regions. Main aspects of the Dialogue were the future of Poland in Europe, notably joi- ning the Eurozone and the necessity to have one set of rules for the internal market. One of the YES: 32% NO: 56% main conclusion of this Citizens’ Dialogue was that further EU integration would allow a quicker DON’T KNOW: 12% response to the financial crisis. For you, does Europe mean solidarity «We have to reconcile freedom and between Member States? solidarity with the unification of Europe.» YES: 76% Prime Minister Tusk NO: 21% DON’T KNOW: 3%

Do you agree that Europe will come out «The US have recovered faster from the crisis. Shouldn’t of the crisis stronger? we move towards a federal Europe?» YES: 45% European citizen NO: 34% DON’T KNOW: 21% «The US could correct the flaws faster because they are the United Will you make your voice heard by voting at the «Despite the crisis, support for European integration 2014 EP elections? States of America and we are not remains strong in Poland. The decision for joining the YES: 89% the United States of Europe.» Eurozone should be expressed in the same way as the NO: 7% President Barroso DON’T KNOW: 4% decision to join the EU – that is, through a national referendum.» Should the President of the European Commission Former Prime Minister Mazowiecki be elected directly by the people? YES: 58% «While creating the Euro, the EU has NO: 32% founded the European Central Bank DON’T KNOW: 10% but has failed to establish the post «The EU as such is not in economic crisis, but some of its Do you think that politicians should more of a European Minister of Finance in oen dialogue with citizens? Member States have found charge of fiscal policy.» YES:92% Vice-President Reding themselves in a difficult economic NO: 5% situation related notably to the DON’T KNOW: 3% accumulation of public debt, as a Do you want a closer political union? result of the irresponsible actions of their governments.» YES: 70% NO: 19% MEP Thun DON’T KNOW: 11% 54 Greece Heraklion Agios Markos Basilika, 12 July 2013

European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki

Greek Member of the European Parliament, Spyros Danellis

Governor for the Crete Region, Stavros Arnaoutakis 55

The Citizens’ Dialogue in Heraklion focused strongly on the crisis and its impact on Greece. EU growth initiatives such as support to the maritime sector and their potential to help Greece overcome the crisis were at the centre of the debate.

«It is not very o en that we get a chance to discuss openly at this level – though these opportunities are, more than ever, necessary today in the midst of the economic crisis. To regain trust in the European Union, we have to try to include everyone in the dialogue, by explaining citizens’ rights and discussing with them how Europe can recover. Greece’s immense potential for Blue Growth is one way towards this.» Commissioner Damanaki

«The next elections will shape the Europe of the future. But one thing is clear: No Europe is possible if the citizens don’t want it.» MEP Danellis

«Populism should not come in the way of our vision for a political union.» Deputy Mayor of Heraklion Aerakis

«Europe will overcome the crisis with solidarity and cooperation only.» Governor of the region of Crete Arnaoutakis

«How can we boost the European economy? Rising unemployment provokes the resurgence of radical «The European Union should set the example by movements, mainly from the far right, and incoherent reducing its own expenses.» demagogy.» European Citizen Tweet 56 Germany Heidelberg Halle 02, 16 July 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

Minister-President of the State of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann ©IStock 57

The Heidelberg Citizens’ Dialogue addressed two main themes: overcoming the economic crisis and the protection of personal data.

«The time of the Troika is over. It has to be replaced by a European system that strengthens the social market economy. Europe’s «We need to build value- strategy to fight the crisis is starting to work. Solidarity for solidity added chains in Greece and – that is how we are getting out of the crisis.» Vice-President Reding everywhere else in the EU. It is absurd that Greek olives are transported to Italy in order to be bottled and sold as ‘olive oil «Are the economic reforms compatible with the from Tuscany’.» cultural diversity within the EU?» Minister-President Kretschmann Tweet

«In Greece, Spain and Portugal youth unemployment is over 50%. What can be done?» European Citizen

VOTES Do you feel that your voice is Should the President of the European heard in the EU? Commission be elected directly by the people?

YES: 43% YES: 66% NO: 38% NO: 22% DON’T KNOW: 19% DON’T KNOW: 12% 58 Bulgaria Sofia

Tsentralen voenen klub, 16 July 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rosen Plevneliev 59

The main concerns of participants in the Sofia Citizens’ Dialogue were the fight VOTES against corruption and the freedom of the media in Bulgaria. Aer this event, Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? Bulgarian President Plevneliev launched a series of ‘Dialogues with citizens’ across the country over the summer. YES: 28% NO: 67% DON’T KNOW: 5% «We are thankful for EU funding, but we want

For you, does Europe mean solidarity between a different kind of help. The EU should not give Member States? money to a corrupt government.» European Citizen YES: 66% NO: 30% DON’T KNOW: 4%

Will you make your voice heard by voting at the 2014 EP elections? «The citizens are on the streets. The people want to set the agenda. We want democracy YES: 90% and we want the truth.» NO: 7% President Plevneliev DON’T KNOW: 3%

Should the President of the European Commission be elected directly by the people?

YES: 69% «Democracy needs to overcome corruption, oli- NO: 24% garchic structures and despair. It needs fairness, DON’T KNOW: 7% free media and an effective justice system. The

Do you think that politicians should more oen dialogue European Commission is ready to lend a helping with citizens? hand but the reforms need to be done by your government.» YES: 90% Vice-President Reding NO: 8% DON’T KNOW: 2% 60 Belgium Namur

Acinapolis, 13 September 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

Minister-President of Wallonia, Rudy Demotte ©IStock 61

At this Citizens’ Dialogue, young people from the Wallonia region of Belgium mainly VOTES

raised questions on their future prospects in Europe and an increasingly globalised Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? economy. YES: 33% NO: 67%

The worst effect of the crisis is that people For you, does Europe mean solidarity start rejecting ‘the others’. I will fight against between Member States? this attitude.» YES: 80% Vice-President Reding NO: 20%

Do you agree that Europe will come out of the crisis stronger?

YES: 60% NO: 40%

Should the President of the European Commis- sion be elected directly by the people?

YES: 58% NO: 32% DON’T KNOW: 10% «Does Europe have a chance to Do you think that politicians should more remain as it is? oen dialogue with citizens?

Will we be able to uphold our YES:84% standards and benefit from the NO: 8% advantages of EU citizenship?» DON’T KNOW: 8% European citizen Do you want a closer political union?

YES:62% «We have to create more prosperity in order to NO: 30% DON’T KNOW: 8% overcome the split between the more and less Do you know your rights? Do you feel that you wealthy regions in Europe.» are informed about your rights as European Minister-President Demotte citizens? YES: 25% NO: 66% DON’T KNOW: 9% 62 Estonia Tallinn

Radisson Blu Hotel, 14 September 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Transport, Siim Kallas

Vice-President and Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro, Olli Rehn 63

Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the referendum on EU membership in Estonia, the city of Tallinn hosted a Citizens’ Dialogue to reflect on the experience of belonging to the EU and the benefits it has brought to the country. «Cooperation among 28 Member States is not always easy, but when it comes to crisis we have to make many compromises, and we have a strong sense of solidarity.» Vice-President Kallas

«We have reformed the EU to a large extent already and reform will continue. We have learned many lessons out of the crisis about how to create a better future.» «What if there would be a common minimum Vice-President Rehn salary in the EU? Who would bear the financial burden: the Estonian state, the local businesses or the EU?» «States must seek to solve their internal problems European Citizen through the EU rather than rely on their outdated sovereignty.» Tweet

VOTES

For you, does Europe mean solidarity Do you agree that Europe will come Do you want a closer political Union? between Member States? out of the crisis stronger?

YES: 73% YES: 63% YES: 52% NO: 14% NO: 19% NO: 30% DON’T KNOW: 13% DON’T KNOW: 18% DON’T KNOW: 18% 64 Italy Trieste

Stazione Marrittima, 16 September 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

Minister of European Affairs of Italy, Enzo Moavero Milanesi 65

The Trieste Citizens’ Dialogue brought together citizens from all parts of Italy as well as VOTES from Slovenia, Croatia and Austria. This debate had the highest number of participants Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? of the entire first series of Dialogues. Main themes addressed in the Dialogue were the economic crisis and its impact on society as well as the need for a budget for invest- YES: 27% ments in education and infrastructure. NO: 57% DON’T KNOW: 16% «The Founding Fathers of Europe all came For you, does Europe mean solidarity from border regions. They knew about the between Member States? damage that borders do. With an open Europe we can overcome the shadows YES: 62% of the past and build a future together NO: 33% DON’T KNOW: 5% that brings beauty for everyone.» Vice-President Viviane Reding Should the President of the European Commission be elected directly by the people? «Why isn’t there more budget for education in 2014-2020?» YES: 72% Tweet NO: 17% «The European construction is built on the DON’T KNOW: 11% experience of the last 100 years. Thanks to this we have transformed Europe from a continent of Do you want a closer political union? war into one of friendship and citizenship.» Minister Moavero Milanesi YES: 83% NO: 12% DON’T KNOW: 5% «As a student I feel uninformed about my rights Do you think that you are better equipped to face global challenges thanks to European citizenship? as a European citizen.» European Citizen YES:71% NO: 23% DON’T KNOW: 6% 66 Finland Helsinki

Vanha ylioppilastalo, 24 September 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

Finnish Member of the European Parliament, Sirpa Pietikäinen ©IStock 67

The participants in the Helsinki Dialogue argued for more transparency and accoun- VOTES tability at European level. Many expressed their wish for the EU institutions to be Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? given more powers and for social considerations to play a larger role in policy-making.

YES: 36% NO: 48% DON’T KNOW: 16% «Europe’s global weight is becoming smaller and smaller. That is why I am pleading Do you agree that Europe will come out of the crisis stronger? for a strong EU.» Vice-President Viviane Reding YES: 55% NO: 31% DON’T KNOW: 14% «To be successful, to be Will you make your voice heard by voting at better, we have to make the 2014 EP elections? things happen together. And

YES: 85% we have to decide over the NO: 10% issues democratically.» DON’T KNOW: 5% MEP Pietikäinen

Should the President of the European Commission be elected directly by the people?

YES: 58% NO: 25% DON’T KNOW: 17%

Do you think that politicians should more oen dialogue «We want more Europe, but not at any cost.» with citizens? European Citizen

YES: 91% NO: 5% DON’T KNOW: 4% «I dream of the day of direct election of the European Commission President directly Do you want a closer political union? by the EU people!!» YES: 52% Tweet NO: 31% DON’T KNOW: 17% 68 Hungary Győr

Győr-Moson-Sopron Megyei Kereskedelmi és Iparkamara 3 October 2013

European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, László Andor

Hungarian State Secretary for European Affairs, Enikő Győri

Hungarian Member of the European Parliament, Csaba Őry ©IStock 69

Participants in this debate mainly raised questions and opinions on European poli- VOTES cies to overcome the economic crisis and the importance to regain the trust of Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? citizens.

YES: 39% «How much do national economic NO: 61% policies still matter?» European Citizen For you, does Europe mean solidarity between Member States? «Here in Győr citizens experience the benefits of the European Union: jobs,

YES: 58% mobility and open labour markets which have made this region the economically NO: 42% strongest part of Hungary.» Commissioner Andor Do you agree that Europe will come out of the crisis «When will our incomes and pensions arrive at the stronger? average level in the EU?» Facebook post YES: 23% NO: 77%

Will you make your voice heard by voting at the 2014 EP elections? «Many Hungarians remain to be convinced about the positive sides of EU Membership, but nobody YES: 80% wants to have back the border controls, to pay NO: 20% customs or to lose EU funds.» State Secretary Győry Do you think that politicians should more oen dialogue with citizens?

YES: 66% NO: 33% «The EU budget is about 1% of GDP, but people see this positively when it leads to more jobs.» Do you want a closer political union? MEP Őry

YES: 79% NO: 21% 70 Slovakia Košice

Hala umenia, 5 October 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Interinstitutional Relations and Administration, Maroš Šefčovič

President of the National Parliament of Slovakia, Pavol Paška 71

The citizens who participated in this discussion were particularly interested in how Europe is tackling the economic crisis. How the EU will evolve politically and institutionally was another main part of the debate.

«The current high standard of living in Slovakia is the result of both the hard work of the Slovak people and our membership in the EU.» Vice-President Šefčovič «How much integration do we need? On one hand we can see great benefits from standardisation and on the other hand the results of standardisation can cause diversity to decrease.» European Citizen

«Let’s not be afraid of Brussels, Let’s not be afraid of Europe. Europe and Brussels is us!» President of the Parliament Paška

VOTES

Do you feel that your voice is heard Do you agree that Europe will come Will you make your voice heard by in the EU? out of the crisis stronger? voting at the 2014 EP elections?

YES: 38% YES: 59% YES: 81% NO: 62% NO: 41% NO: 19% 72 Sweden Stockholm

Stadshuset, 15 October 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

Swedish Minister for European Union Affairs, Birgitta Ohlsson

Swedish Member of the European Parliament, Olle Ludvigsson ©IStock 73

The Citizens’ Dialogue in Stockholm’s Town Hall concluded a VOTES series of previous dialogues across the country. Main themes of the Do you feel that your voice is heard Do you agree that Europe will come debate were the crisis, the need to invest in innovative products in the EU? out of the crisis stronger? and the protection of victims of crime. YES: 39% YES: 73% NO: 61% NO: 27% «It seems that we have reached the peak of the crisis, but we still recover too slowly. Unemployment and in particular youth unemployment is unbearable.» On which areas should the EU focus? In which areas have you experienced European Citizen your rights as EU citizen? «Jobs need to be the priority in

order to boost people’s Study: 16% Work: 16% confidence.» Youth guarantee: 11% Online shopping: 32% MEP Ludvigsson Free movement: 13% Compensation for delayed Traineeships: 31% flight: 19% Internal Market: 45% Healthcare in another «We have to bring people and Member State: 17% jobs together. I am in favour of

changing the rules for the export Do you think that the EU needs stron- In which areas should the EU become of unemployment benefits. ger tools in order to defend rights stronger? Mobility is a chance.» and freedoms? Vice-President Reding Climate/environment: 33% Social policy: 22% YES: 87% Economic policy: 8% NO: 13% Fundamental rights: 25% Language and culture: 12% «We need more Europe in areas where national frontiers hardly mean anything, for example in Should the President of the European Commission be elected directly by the the area of climate change or people? human trafficking.» Minister Ohlsson YES: 25% NO: 66% 74 Belgium Liège

Théâtre de Liège, 17 October 2013

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Didier Reynders

Vice-Minister-President and Minister for the Economy and Foreign Affairs of the Walloon Government, Jean-Claude Marcourt 75

Against the backdrop of the crisis in the steel industry in Wallonia, the discussion VOTES focused on the question of what can be done by the EU, but also by national and Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? regional governments, to protect Europe’s industrial base and to help it adapt to the challenge of competing in global markets. YES: 36% NO: 48% DON’T KNOW: 16% «With the crisis, many people fear for the future of Europe, for its «The European project is unique in the history of For you, does Europe mean solidarity between Member States? peace and solidarity.» mankind and it’s the biggest success of an accom- European Citizen plished cooperation between Member States. While YES: 73% we face globalisation challenges, we, Europeans, NO: 27% should stay united in order to protect our interests

Do you agree that Europe will come out of the crisis and defend our values, among which is the universal stronger? value of peace that Europe’s Founding Fathers have handed down to us.» YES: 53% President Barroso NO: 47% «It’s important that, if we are to see a truly integrated Euro- Do you think you are informed about your rights as EU pean Union core, we can have citizen? an associated market status for other countries.» YES: 39% Tweet NO: 61%

Do you think that politicians should more oen dialogue «A er the European Parliament elections in 2014 we with citizens? need to look at the Treaties again [... and] defend the idea of a federal Europe.» YES: 88% Deputy Prime Minister Reynders NO: 12%

Do you want a closer political union? «Europe is a solidarity project. But it still remains too much of a project.» YES: 82% Minister Marcourt NO: 18% 76 Latvia Riga

Rīgas Latviešu biedrības Zelta zāle, 18 October 2013

Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs

Minister for Defence of Latvia, Artis Pabriks 77

Youth unemployment and the impending introduction of the Euro in Latvia at the start of 2014 were the main topics raised by the participants in this Dialogue. Citizens also expressed their concerns about security issues.

«It is important to coordinate the educational system with job creation and vocational training.» Defence Minister Pabriks

«We need to transform the European Union into an economic and political union.» European Citizen

«Will Europe be able to compete with the big economic players?» Tweet

«Latvia must be competitive on the global scale. A common currency is necessary to be competitive together in Europe» Commissioner Piebalgs

VOTES

Do you feel that your voice is heard Do you agree that Europe will come Will you make your voice heard by in the EU? out of the crisis stronger? voting at the 2014 EP elections?

YES: 51% YES: 59% YES: 87% NO: 28% NO: 13% NO: 3% DON’T KNOW: 21% DON’T KNOW: 28% DON’T KNOW: 10% 78 Malta Valletta

Phoenicia Hotel, 7 November 2013

European Commissioner for Health, Tonio Borg 79

Public health issues, in particular with regard to genetically modified organisms (GMO), VOTES and questions of animal welfare were the key themes of this Citizens’ Dialogue. Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU?

YES: 67% NO: 22% «Free trade leads to the import DON’T KNOW: 11% of GMO products. The WTO rules Do you think that the EU brings stand against public health concrete benefits for you? issues.» European Citizen YES: 75% NO: 19% DON’T KNOW: 6%

Do you think that Europe reflects the citizens’ expectations?

YES: 46% NO: 41% DON’T KNOW: 13%

Do you agree that Europe will come out of the crisis stronger?

YES: 44% NO: 34% DON’T KNOW: 22% «Our rules on labelling give consumers a choice. In trade negotiations public health issues are a Do you want a closer political union? priority and the European Food Safety Agency is always consulted.» YES:71% Commissioner Borg NO: 20% DON’T KNOW: 9% 80 France Marseille

Docks du Sud, 14 November 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

Minister of Justice of France, Christiane Taubira 81

Among the main issues raised by citizens were the future of the Euro and the economy in France and Europe. Demo- cracy and solidarity within the EU and with partners outside of the Union was another main theme of the Dialogue.

«In 2009 politicians missed the chance to solve the basic problem that banks invested only a minor part of their assets in the real economy.» European Citizen

«We need to think indeed about the separation of commercial banking and speculation.» Minister Taubira «Why did the EU accept Greece as a Member of the Eurozone?» «The single most effective step to stop the speculation against the Tweet Eurozone was ECB President ’s announcement ‘to do everything to stabilise the common currency’.» Vice-President Reding

VOTES

Do you feel that your voice is heard For you, does Europe mean Will you make your voice heard by Do you want a closer political union? in the EU? solidarity between Member States? voting at the 2014 EP elections?

YES: 20% YES: 70% YES: 86% YES: 83% NO: 80% NO: 30% NO: 14% NO: 17% 82 Cyprus Limassol

Carob Mill, 28 November 2013

European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, Androulla Vassiliou 83

The impact of the crisis on Cyprus and the need for better education and training VOTES to tackle youth unemployment were the main focus of the discussion. Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU?

YES: 26% NO: 74% «Mobility is at the heart of Europe. It allows our young people to acquire For you, does Europe mean solidarity between the necessary experience, both professionally Member States? and personally.» Commissioner Vassiliou YES: 26% NO: 74%

Do you agree that Europe will come out of the crisis stronger?

YES: 36% NO: 64%

Will you make your voice heard by voting at the European Parliament elections in 2014?

YES: 74% NO: 26% «Take us to Brussels, so we can be heard!» Do you think that politicians should more oen dialogue with citizens? European Citizen

YES: 94% NO: 6% 84 Austria Eisenstadt

Kultur-und Kongresszentrum, 29 November 2013

European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn,

Governor of the Austrian State of Burgenland, Hans Niessl 85

Regional policy and cooperation among Europe’s regions were at the centre of this VOTES

Citizens’ Dialogue in the Eastern part of Austria. Participants also raised the issue of Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? how young people can be better informed about Europe. YES: 37% NO: 45% DON’T KNOW: 18%

«Europe is a peace project. For you, does Europe mean solidarity How can the awareness of this between Member States? central aspect among citizens be YES: 73% NO: 22% increased?» DON’T KNOW: 5% European Citizen Do you agree that Europe will come out of the crisis stronger?

YES: 61% NO: 25% DON’T KNOW: 14%

Will you make your voice heard by voting at the 2014 EP elections?

«Peace in today’s Europe YES: 95% means first of all NO: 0% DON’T KNOW: 5% social peace.» Commissioner Hahn Should the President of the European Commission be elected directly by the people? YES: 61% NO: 29% DON’T KNOW: 10% «In order to create good perspectives we need jobs, in particular for young people. Do you think that politicians should more Therefore the dual system of vocational training that we have in Austria should be oen dialogue with citizens? transferred to regions with high youth unemployment.» YES:87% Minister-President Niessl NO: 10% DON’T KNOW: 3%

Do you want a closer political union?

YES: 67% NO: 17% DON’T KNOW: 16% 86 Belgium Brussels

BOZAR – Centre for Fine Arts, 5 December 2013

European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, Androulla Vassiliou

European Parliament Vice-President Isabelle Durant 87

Culture and its contribution to both European identity and economic growth were the focus of this second debate in Brussels.

«Trust is the bridge between solidarity and responsibility.» European Citizen

«Let’s go out and talk to the people.» EP Vice-President Durant

«Being European is more than language or culture «When I am abroad, I realise what European culture means. - it’s about globalisation.» It is truly unique. Other countries see us as a whole, with a Commissioner Vassiliou common culture, a common way of life, a music and poetry that they recognise as European.» Commissioner Vassiliou

VOTES

Do you feel that your voice is heard For you, does Europe mean Do you agree that Europe will come Do you want a closer political union? in the EU? solidarity between Member States? out of the crisis stronger?

YES: 32% YES: 72% YES: 49% YES: 79% NO: 68% NO: 28% NO: 51% NO: 21% 88 Lithuania Vilnius

Vilniaus Rotušė, 13 December 2013

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding 89

The Dialogue in the Town Hall of Lithuania’s capital took place in parallel to the VOTES closing conference of the European Year of Citizens in the national Parliament of Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? Lithuania. The debate focused on the question of future enlargement of the EU and particularly on possible accessions by Turkey and the Eastern Partnership countries. YES: 67% NO: 33%

For you, does Europe mean solidarity between Member States? «People talk now o en about a collapse of the EU. What would YES: 47% this mean?» NO: 53% European Citizen

Do you agree that Europe will come out of the crisis stronger?

YES: 69% NO: 31%

Should the President of the European Commission be elected directly by the people? «It is thanks to the European project that small countries become very big. The European Union YES: 44% NO: 56% protects our national identities. Together we can make our values the norm, instead of having Do you think that politicians should more oen dialogue other people’s norms imposed on us.» with citizens? Vice-President Reding

YES: 92% NO: 8%

Do you want a closer political union?

YES: 72% NO: 28% 90 Online VIVIANE REDING Citizens’ Dialogue Vice-President of the European Commission 16 January 2014

Wherever you are,

give your views European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding JOIN THE DEBATE

THURSDAY JANUARY 16TH 8PM CET

#askReding #eudeb8 91

Aer debates in town halls and public spaces, European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding held an online Citizens’ Dialogue. The topics addressed included free movement of citizens in the EU, data protection and the situa- tion in Ukraine. From their computers participants asked their questions directly in a hangout; other citizens took part via social media. The Online Dialogue was preceded by an event which gave a group of bloggers from across Europe the opportunity to have an online debate with Vice-President Reding. More than 18,000 people took part to the online Citizens’ Dialogue through social media.

«People are interested in somebody solving their problem. A lot of citizens are looking to the European Commission to find solutions to their problems and they would like us to have more powers than the Treaties give us.» Vice-President Reding

«A Brit can move freely but not a Romanian or Bulgarian, where is equality between citizens of the EU?» Tweet

«We need a regulation for data protection. If not, we will have different initiatives and implementations […] and this will be a nightmare for the people.» European Citizen

«Tobacco on every street corner, alcohol in any store, but eCigs illegal? Not with me!» Tweet 92 Denmark Copenhagen

Hotel Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers, 6 February 2014

European Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard, 93

The debate focused on the energy and climate issues the EU is facing. Participants also VOTES raised questions related to the democratic legitimacy of the EU. Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU?

YES: 20% NO: 46% DON’T KNOW: 34%

«The future of our continent lies in linking the For you, does Europe mean solidarity need for energy independence objectives with between Member States? green growth that will create jobs.» YES: 79% Commissioner Hedegaard NO: 5% DON’T KNOW: 16%

Do you agree that Europe will come out «It is not about more or less of the crisis stronger? Europe, but about bigger or YES: 50% smaller Europe.» NO: 22% European Citizen DON’T KNOW: 28% Will you make your voice heard by voting at the 2014 EP elections?

YES: 98% NO: 2% DON’T KNOW: 0%

Should the President of the European Commission be elected directly by the people? YES: 41% NO: 39% DON’T KNOW: 20% «Solidarity is great if it does Do you think that politicians should more not mean taking from the oen dialogue with citizens? poor to give to the biggest YES:98% NO: 0% corporations.» DON’T KNOW: 2% Tweet Do you want a closer political union?

YES: 52% NO: 16% DON’T KNOW: 32% 94 United Kingdom London

The Royal Institution – Faraday Theatre, 10 February 2014

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

British Minister of State for Europe, David Lidington 95

The London Citizens’ Dialogue focused on the United Kingdom’s place in the EU, as well as ideas for a reform of the Union and its institutions. A number of participants also raised the issue of the free movement of citizens and its consequences.

«I don’t want the EU, I don’t want to be a European citizen and I «I want that you know what is at stake when the don’t want that Brussels opens next elections to the European Parliament take up for more and more countries.» place. I want that people can make an informed European Citizen decision – whatever their political views might be: There are 751 deputies to be elected, 73 of them from the UK. Together with the govern- ments of the 28 Member States, they have a say on practically every law passed at EU level.» Vice-President Reding

«I want the UK as a part of a reformed Union which gives a stronger voice to the national par- liaments and governments.» Minister Lidington

VOTES

Do you feel that your voice is heard For you, does Europe mean Will you make your voice heard by voting Should the EU speak with a single voice at in the EU? solidarity between Member States? at the 2014 EP elections? the international stage?

YES: 34% YES: 73% YES: 89% YES: 64% NO: 44% NO: 20% NO: 7% NO: 28% DON’T KNOW: 22% DON’T KNOW: 7% DON’T KNOW: 4% DON’T KNOW: 8% 96 Spain Barcelona

La Pedrera, 23 February 2014

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding 97

This Dialogue focused on the path towards economic recovery in Spain and on the VOTES place of Catalonia in Spain and in the EU. Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU?

YES: 31% NO: 54% DON’T KNOW: 15% «Free movement of citizens is non-negotiable. The rights of European citizens must be preserved and developed Do you think the EU has brought you any in the future, not put into question.» concrete benefits? Vice-President Reding

YES: 88% «We are European citizens. If we become NO: 8% DON’T KNOW: 4% independent from Spain, can we lose our European citizenship?» European Citizen Do you agree that Europe will come out of the crisis stronger?

YES: 36% NO: 46% DON’T KNOW: 18% «In many EU countries xenophobic parties are playing with the issue of immigration to win Will you make your voice heard by voting at votes. This is risking the progress we have the European Parliament elections in 2014? already achieved in Europe.» European Citizen YES: 89% NO: 6% DON’T KNOW: 5% «Finally there is dialogue between our Do you want a closer political union? European politicians and us - the citizens! Why does this come so late?» YES: 80% Tweet NO: 7% DON’T KNOW: 13% 98 France St. Denis

Docks de Paris, 27 February 2014

European Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services, Michel Barnier

French Minister Delegate for European Affairs, Thierry Repentin 99

The Citizens’ Dialogue centered on how decisions taken at European level to stabilize the Eurozone are affecting the sovereignty of Member States. The competitiveness of French industry was another focal point of the debate.

«The Euro is too strong.» «There is a need for a stricter regulation of European Citizen financial markets. The EU needs to be more democratic with a clear social strand. The austerity policy is damaging our society.» 3 Tweets

«With the Euro and the Internal Market we have a critical mass. Otherwise, by 2050, there will be only one European country «Over 60% of French exports go into the Euro- le among the leading global zone. A weak Euro would mean higher prices for economies.» energy imports and thus a higher deficit.» Commissioner Barnier Minister Repentin

VOTES

Do you feel that your voice is heard For you, does Europe mean solidarity Will you make your voice heard by in the EU? between Member States? voting at the 2014 EP elections?

YES: 41% YES: 58% YES: 90% NO: 59% NO: 42% NO: 10% 100 Croatia Zagreb

Hypo Centar, 3 March 2014

European Commissioner for Consumer Policy, Neven Mimica 101

The Citizens’ Dialogue in the Member State that joined the Union the most recently VOTES focused very much on the question of Croatia’s role in the EU. A group of mostly Do you feel that your voice is heard in the EU? young people who participated in the event came from Eastern Slavonia. For them one of the most important question was how they could build a future for them- YES: 45% NO: 41% selves in their home region. DON’T KNOW: 14%

Do you feel that accession to the EU brought benefits «Where does Croatia stand with regard to for you? ethical consumption and NGOs that protect YES: 35% consumer rights?» NO: 56% European Citizen DON’T KNOW: 9%

Do you think that Croatia could help neighbour countries «Multinational companies sell products of to become EU Member States? different qualities under the same brand.» E-mail YES: 41% NO: 40% DON’T KNOW: 19% «As a baseline, companies need to meet two Do you think that the EU helped Member States conditions: their products must be safe and they to overcome the crisis? must be correctly labelled.» YES: 31% Commissioner Mimica NO: 53% DON’T KNOW: 16%

Do you feel that your rights as consumers are better «When will the living protected because Croatia is a EU Member State? standards be at the same level YES: 26% as in Austria or Germany? … NO: 63% People have to live on no more DON’T KNOW: 11% «Euro-scepticism is growing in times than 2,000 kuna per month. Will you make your voice heard by voting at the 2014 of the crisis.» EP elections? Tweet What does the EU do?» Facebook post YES: 69% NO: 23% DON’T KNOW: 8% 102 Germany Koblenz

Confluentes Forum, 10 March 2014

European Commissioner for Energy, Günther Oettinger

Minister-President of the State Government of Rhineland-Palatinate, Malu Dreyer

Minister of State for European Affairs of Rhineland-Palatinate, Margit Conrad 103

The debate had a strong focus on the European Union’s external relations. Apart from the relationship with the United States of America, the situation in Ukraine was an issue addressed by many participants. Commissioner Oettinger discussed with participants of a demonstration that took place outside of the hall and invited them inside to join the debate.

«What are the real advantages of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)? The US have lost a lot of trust through the NSA affair.» European Citizen

«The TTIP cannot and should not create new rules, for example on public radio and television systems.» Minister-President Dreyer

«Common standards will bring «There would be a problem enormous advantages for if regulations for instance on consumers, producers and the efficient use of energy or commerce. And let’s not on data protection which have forget one thing: The US are been adopted in a democra- not our adversaries – they are tic process are challenged by our partners.» companies with the argument Commissioner Oettinger of protecting their investments.» State-Minister Conrad 104 The Netherlands Amsterdam

Rode Hoed, 14 March 2014

European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding

Mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan 105

In view of the upcoming European Parliament elections, the Citizens’ Dialogue concentrated on how policy decisions are taken at European level and the role of Members of the European Parliament. A number of participants addressed the necessity to increase citizens’ trust in the decision making process.

«I wonder why Europeans cannot elect their own President. That would bring people closer to the EU.» Mayor van der Laan «People don’t have much faith in central governments, neither in The Hague nor in Brussels.» «In these times of decreasing European Citizen trust even European Citizens’ Initiatives are ignored.» Tweet

«In polls only 32% of the Dutch knew Members of the European Parliament were directly elected by them – no wonder some are questioning the legitimacy of EU decision-making. Whatever Europe you want, who you vote for matters.» Vice-President Reding

VOTES

Do you feel that your voice is heard Do you agree that Europe will come Will you make your voice heard by voting Do you think that politicians should more in the EU? out of the crisis stronger? at the 2014 EP elections? oen dialogue with citizens?

YES: 28% YES: 61% YES: 94% YES: 80% NO: 53% NO: 25% NO: 4% NO: 15% DON’T KNOW: 19% DON’T KNOW: 14% DON’T KNOW: 2% DON’T KNOW: 5% 106 Romania Bucharest

Biblioteca Naţională a României, 17 March 2014

European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş 107

The debate focused on the transformation of Romania’s rural areas over the last decade and on the role of the country in the EU.

«I am from Mureş county. How can we preserve our traditional culture which is threate- ned by rapidly changing lifestyle?» European Citizen

«Modern rural life should be compatible with our traditions. Mureş could for example attract more tourism exactly because of its traditions.» Commissioner Cioloş

VOTES «Romanians feel that they are second-class EU Do you feel that your voice is heard citizens.» in the EU? Tweet

«I am proud to be the Romanian Member of the European Commission. We are now YES: 58% a Member State and should benefit from NO: 42% the advantages of membership.» Commissioner Cioloş 108 Belgium Brussels Pan-European Citizens’ Dialogue

Commission Visitors’ Center, 27 March, 2014

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, Viviane Reding, European Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro, Olli Rehn, European Commissioner for the Environment, Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Trade, Karel De Gucht, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, László Andor, European Commissioner for Consumer Policy, Neven Mimica, Member of the European Parliament, Dagmar Roth-Behrendt, QRCode Mayor of Cadiz, Teófila Martínez Saíz 109

Discussions on 6 key themes The first series of Citizens’ Dialogues culminated in a unique pan-European debate which brought participants of all the 50 • Overcoming the crisis: solidity and preceding events together for a day of discussions with the Com- solidarity with Vice-President Olli Rehn mission President, 10 Commissioners, a Member of the European and Commissioner Maria Damanaki Parliament and the Mayor of Cadiz. Citizens discussed six themes that had emerged as the most relevant in the previous Dialogues • Competing on the Global Stage: in groups. This was followed by a plenary debate with President strengthening Europe’s regions with Barroso. The main themes reflected the most important issues Commissioners Karel De Gucht and raised in the 50 preceding Citizens’ Dialogues: the economic Johannes Hahn crisis, employment, education and training, the role of European regions in a global economy, the environment and the fight against • Rising to the global challenge: climate climate change, consumer issues and citizens’ rights. change and the environment with Commissioners Janez Potočnik and Connie Hedegaard

• Your Europe: Promoting Citizens’ Rights with Vice-President Viviane Reding and the Mayor of Cadiz, Teófila Martínez Saíz

• Addressing everyday concerns: consumer policy for EU citizens with Commissioner Neven Mimica

• The human factor: lifelong learning, jobs and an inclusive society with Commissioners Androulla Vassiliou and László Andor 110

«I create legislation for all EU countries. Talking to citizens is essential in my work but it is hard as we cannot satisfy everybody. My wish is that you go back home and tell your family and friends: We might not agree with all they do in Brussels but they are us!” MEP Roth-Behrendt

«We need responsible citizens seeking information beyond what the national media tell them.» European Citizen

«Our cultural and shared diversities are what make us rich with tolerance and openness.» European Citizen 111

«While people around the world are looking to Europe as inspiration, in Europe there is pessimism. There are many citizens that do not trust our project. I think there is an issue here about engagement with the citizens, to have a real pan- European dialogue to avoid prejudices, to avoid stereotypes, to avoid what some extremists are saying, that ‘Europe is the cause of the problem and not part of the solution’. We have constructed something very precious - let’s not destroy it. Don’t turn your back to Europe; make Europe better through democratic debate and participation.» President Barroso

«It is important for young people to know that they are EU citizens and to know about the possibilities that come from that. The EU should be on the curricula of schools in all 28 Member States.» Citizen

«Communication needs to be improved. People need to know about the EU’s added value.» European Citizen «We are building a European public space – but we are not yet there. While the problems become more and more global, politics remains national. We have to fill this vacuum and reach out.» President Barroso

113

Citizens’ Dialogues as a Contribution to Developing a European Public Space

Report from the European Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 114

As Europe is overcoming the financial and economic The Commission’s experience with Citizens’ Dia- crisis, more and more decisions that have a direct logues over those 18 months has shown that they impact on people’s lives are taken at European have the potential to effectively complement the level. This is therefore the moment to start a reflec- already existing tools to enable citizens to make tion on how to further strengthen the democratic full use of their rights as EU citizens, such as public structures of our Union. Before Europe implements consultations. The Citizens’ Dialogues are one more the big reforms this will require, national and Euro- occasion to give citizens a say in the decisions pean politicians need to have a broad debate with taken at European level. The debates gave citi- citizens about what our future Europe should look zens an opportunity to voice their opinions and ask like. This has to be a truly European debate, with questions on the issues most important to them citizens at its centre. (such as overcoming the economic crisis) whereas Commissioners and other politicians had the oppor- That is why the European Commission has tested tunity to listen first hand to the citizens, explain pol- and developed a new communication tool to com- icies and point out the tangible effects of decisions plement existing instruments that involve people taken at European level on citizens and their lives. directly: Citizens’ Dialogues. The concept builds The Dialogues have therefore established them- on the model of “town hall meetings” or local fora selves as an instrument to inform people, restore during which politicians listen to and debate with trust in European and national Institutions and make citizens about policies and decisions being taken. citizens aware that their voice does count in the EU. All in all, 51 Citizens’ Dialogues have been held in The fact that the Dialogues involve members of all Member States. 22 out of 28 European Commis- EU Institutions and actors at national level, and sioners participated usually together with repre- that the format has spread and multiplied within sentatives of the European Parliament and national Member States shows clearly that they can effec- or local politicians (see table in the Annex). This gave tively contribute to the development of a European the Citizens’ Dialogues a real European dimension, Public Space. A space in which Europeans speak which is enhanced by the fact that in many Member with each other rather than about each other, States, similar debates are now being organised at in which European issues are debated from the national, regional and local level. a European point of view, creating a European narrative that is based on our shared values and The series of more than 50 Dialogues started in that takes into account national and regional September 2012 and continued into March 2014, specificities. At the same time, this space will also framing the European Year of Citizens and placing allow to make clear to citizens that, like at the the debates at the heart of the European Year’s national level, they also have a specific choice of aims: marking the 20th anniversary of the intro- politics and policies at the European level. duction of EU citizenship with the Maastricht Treaty and preparing the ground for the European Parlia- ment elections in May 2014. This will be a crucial moment for citizens to decide which course they want Europe to take. 1 2 3 4 115

5

7 6

11

8 10 9

12

13 14

1. Maria Damanaki - Crete / 2. Karel De Gucht - Ghent / 3. Štefan Füle - Prague / 4. Siim Kallas - Tallinn / 5. Tonio Borg - Valletta / 6. Janusz Lewandowski - Warsaw / 7. László Andor - Györ / 8. Viviane Reding - Helsinki / 9. José Manuel Barroso - Liège / 10. Michel Barnier - Paris / 11. Dacian Cioloş - Bucharest / 12. Neven Mimica - 18 Zagreb / 13. Günther Oettinger - Koblenz / 14. 17 Johannes Hahn - Eisenstadt / 15. Connie Hede- 15 gaard - Copenhagen / 16. Andris Piebalgs - Riga 16 / 17. Cecilia Malmström - Turin / 18. Androulla Vassiliou - Brussels / 19. Olli Rehn - Tallinn / 20. Maroš Šefčovič - Košice / 21. Janez Potočnik - Ljubljana / 22. Antonio Tajani - Ventotene

19 20 21 22 116

POLITICAL CONTEXT: A CHANCE TO ENHANCE DEMOCRACY 117 TAKING BIG STEPS FORWARD

The financial and economic crisis has been a cat- zens about how EU policies can help them, how to alyst for change. Bold steps towards a deeper exercise the rights EU citizenship gives them and Economic and Monetary Union have brought more about how they can use our system of represent- coordination and decision-making to the European ative democracy to have their say at the European level. The European Union has made a huge leap level. The debate with citizens on the political forward. It has put in place new instruments and change we need has to take place before rather policies to address the effects and root causes of than aer new structures are put in place. the crisis and prevent difficulties from escalating in the future – for example by creating the European Approaches from sectoral EU policies to rebuild Stability Mechanism with a lending capacity of citizens’ trust in EU governance through dia- Euro 500 bn; introducing the European Semester logues, for instance, in the area of research, are an to coordinate Member States’ economic and fis- important complement to the Citizens’ Dialogue cal policy much more strongly; and by putting in initiative.3 place central parts of the Banking Union to make the financial system more stable and prevent taxpayers from having to pay for bank managers’ mistakes. These changes need to be followed by reforms which will make these new structures much more democratic, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The “Blueprint for a deep and genuine Economic and Monetary Union”1 outlined which institutional changes are required and how political awareness and influence can be built. It constitutes the basis of proposals to make progress towards a Fiscal Union and ultimately closer Political Union.2 The crisis has reinforced a fall of trust in govern- 1 COM(2012) 777. ance and political leadership at both national and 2 COM(2012) 777 final/2; cf. also State of the Union address 2013. 3 One good example is the VOICES initiative (www.voicesforinnovation.eu), a Europe-wide face-to- European levels. To counter this, more efforts must face citizen consultation process in which citizens’ ideas are gathered and then taken on board in the development of research and innovation policy. Similarly, the «Special Initiative for Citizen be made to engage with, listen to and inform citi- Engagement in Science ‘Have your say…about science’” and the «Mobilisation and Mutual Learning Action Plans» strengthen public and multi-actor engagement in research and innovation. 118 THE NEED TO REBUILD TRUST

Citizens’ Dialogues are a central part of The rationale of the Citizens’ Dialogues this debate. They started at a time when Eurobarometer surveys were showing that The economic crisis as a catalyst for change: the crisis was contributing to a decline in trust in the EU from 57% to 31% and in national institutions from 41% to 23% between spring 2007 and autumn 2013.4 Similarly, over the last few years the EU’s public image deterio- rated and Europeans became less optimistic about the future of the Union.5

The decline in trust runs parallel to a wide- spread feeling among Europeans that their 118 voice does not count. While the number of Europeans who would agree with the state- ment ‘My voice counts in the EU’ has fallen from 38% in spring 2009 to only 29% in autumn 2013, the percentage of those who disagree grew from 53% to 66%.6 Only in one Member State — Denmark — does more than half of the population feel that they can effec- tively influence the EU agenda. In some of the Rebuilding trust and complementing the economic Member States that were particularly severely reforms by making the EU more democratic, affected by the crisis — Cyprus, Greece and ensuring transparency and accountability! Portugal — only 11 to 18% of citizens share this opinion.7

4 Standard Eurobarometer 80 (autumn 2013), p. 5. 5 Ibid., p. 9, although the negative trend has slightly shied in the autumn of 2013. 6 Ibid., p. 7, although the negative trend has slightly shied in the autumn of 2013. 7 Ibid., p. 8. (see graphics on pages 12-13) 119

The European Union The (NATIONALITY) Parliament The (NATIONALITY) Government

Q10. I would like to ask you a question about how much trust you have in certain institutions. For each of the following instiutions, please tell me if you tend to trust it or tend not to trust it. - Tend to trust - %EU

Standard Eurobarometer 80 - Autumn 2013

Total Agree Total Disagree Don’t know

QA19.a.3. Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. My voice counts in the EU

Standard Eurobarometer 80 - Autumn 2013 120 CITIZENS’ DIALOGUES: A NEW FORMAT WITH A EUROPEAN DIMENSION

The Citizens’ Dialogues were conceived as open door events that invited citizens to share their views in “town hall”-style meet- ings across the Union. The Dialogues were organised as 1.5-2 hour sessions with three discussion topics: the recovery from the eco- nomic crisis, citizens’ rights and the future of Europe. Moreover, other issues specific to the country in question and the area of expertise of the Commissioners holding the debate were discussed. In general, the open nature of the debates allowed citizens to raise any issue they wished to address.8 Information on the events was widely published in regional media, through the websites of the Commission’s Representations and via social media. The Dialogues were completely open events, therefore the participants cannot be judged as a representative sample of the EU population as a whole. The views expressed by citizens during the events were, however, in line with the results of the representative surveys regu- larly conducted by the Commission. The aim of the Dialogues was to enable citi- zens to directly address their questions on the future of the Union and EU policies to European and national politicians. Citizens were offered an opportunity to voice their opinions, obtain concrete information, but also to see that EU policy has a human face.

8 http://ec.europa.eu/debate-future-europe 121

The reaction of citizens and politicians involved via Twitter (with the specifically created hash- as well as the media coverage show that this tag #eudeb8) and the Commission’s Facebook objective – which evidently corresponded to accounts. The platform www.debatingeurope. participants’ expectations – was achieved. eu provided an opportunity for follow-up dis- Moreover, the direct exchanges have also cussions.9 Several debates were also trans- proved an apt tool to demonstrate to citizens mitted live by regional or national TV stations that European politicians, like national politi- of the host Member State. cians, stand for a particular political outlook and policies. In particular social media activity before, dur- ing and aer each event proved to be more From the beginning, the events had a European than opening up a physical event to the inter- character. For most Dialogues, Commissioners net world. It made it possible to link Dialogues were joined by Members of European across Member States and to enable partici- Parliament as well as national, regional and pants of previous debates to get involved in local politicians. Members of the European the following Dialogues. An Online Citizens’ Parliament were particularly engaged in many Dialogue involved citizens all over Europe by of the debates, sometimes sharing the cen- using TV, a webstream and social media. tral stage with Commissioners, sometimes contributing with questions or statements. Some Dialogues physically involved citi- Similarly, a number of high level national and zens from several countries: for instance, the regional politicians, such as the President of debate in Esch was targeted at citizens from the Republic of Bulgaria, the Vice-Chancellor the “Grande Région” covering Luxembourg and of Austria and Minister-Presidents of some of neighbouring parts of France, Belgium and the German and Austrian Bundesländer were Germany, and the Trieste Citizens’ Dialogue part of the debates. Mayors of the host towns involved participants from Italy, Slovenia, played a crucial role in getting in touch with Croatia and Austria. citizens. They helped people to bridge the gap between local and European issues and to see As a conclusion to this series of Citizens’ the European dimension of local problems and Dialogues, a pan-European event is scheduled the local dimension of European policy issues. for 27 March 2014 with participants from each host town of the more than 50 Dialogues held This approach underlined that the broad debate between September 2012 and March 2014 on European issues should involve all levels, in all Member States. This full-day event will from the European to the local. It helped to take place immediately before the final phase turn the Dialogues into truly European events, of the 2014 European Parliament election contributing to the development of a European campaign, and it will allow participants to dis- Public Space. This was enhanced by a number cuss with a number of European and national of tools and techniques: politicians. It is an opportunity to demonstrate that European politics, like national politics, is All debates were web-streamed live in the lan- about voters choosing their preferred policies. guage(s) of the host region and in English, and the moderators asked questions or relayed 9 It was a deliberate choice to extend the debate to an existing online platform rather than creating a new one. The debatingeurope platform already had more than 100,000 comments received via social media, mainly followers at the beginning of 2013 who were identified as potential participants for the 15 online debates organised around physical Citizens’ Dialogues. 122

The Online Citizens’ Dialogue

An Online Citizens’ Dialogue10 involved citizens all over Europe, using social media to engage in an EU-wide debate. It was preceded by a hangout with bloggers11 from different Member States who are engaged in political debate on the web and social media. These two online debates generated over 15 000 posts on social media, nearly 5 000 views on YouTube and 40 media items.

The Online Citizens’ Dialogue itself was organised in cooper- ation with Euronews. A central aim was to open the event to as many people as possible, so questions were taken from several of those who could not join the hangout which due to technical reasons was open to a limited number of citizens. The Online Dialogue took the form of a Google Hangout, streamed live on YouTube. It followed a prime-time ‘Global conversation’ interview live on Euronews (a fusion between a classic television broadcast and an internet discussion forum).

The volume of online conversation generated by the Online Dialogue and the chat with bloggers was significantly higher than at regular Citizens’ Dialogue events, which is an inter- esting lesson for the future in terms of alternative ways to engage with different groups of citizens. Keeping in mind the specific audience reached on the web, it is apparent that this kind of event is complementary to physical, face-to-face exchanges.

10 The Online Dialogue is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHYDoO9sVKc 11 Available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7qKlqDsKa8 123 ENHANCING THE OUTREACH

An integral part of the concept of the Citizens’ Dialogues was that all citizens could participate without needing any in-depth knowledge of the European Union or its policies. With very few exceptions, the Dialogues were attended by citizens who spoke for themselves and not on behalf of specific interest groups. Participants were not pre-selected: they were simply members of the public interested in Europe and in having an exchange with European and national policymakers.

To make the Dialogues more meaningful for participants, in many Member States (including the Czech Republic, France, Lithuania and Spain) the Commission organ- ised preparatory and follow-up debates (either physical meetings or on the internet). These supported participants in setting priorities for the main Dialogue and main- tained the interest generated by the discussions.

For the Dialogues in Sweden and Italy an effective approach was developed with thematic dialogues (with or without EU Commissioners) organised in different regions ahead of their main national Citizens’ Dialogue. This enabled in-depth preparation of those themes that were of particular importance to people in those countries.

Most Citizens’ Dialogues had one or more media partners. These were in most cases local or regional newspapers and local and regional radio and TV stations. In some cases, national public TV transmitted Dialogues live fully or as features shortly aer the events (for example national TV in Bulgaria, in Greece, in Portugal, Sweden and Croatia broadcast the dialogues entirely or in parts live). 124 THE RESPONSE

On average around 350 citizens were physi- A regular feature in many of the Citizens’ cally present for each Dialogue (with a max- Dialogues was to publish, on the day of the imum of 800 in Trieste). In total, more than event, supplements about Europe, its ins- 16 000 citizens took part in the Dialogues. titutions and the rights that citizens en- Over 105 000 participated via the live web joy, in regional newspapers with a combi- stream and on social media and many more ned circulation of over 12 million copies. have followed it via TV. The great potential Together with specific interviews of the Commis- of social media was particularly visible at the sioners participating in the event, in national or Dialogues in Dublin, Tallinn and Barcelona regional newspapers, this led to a potential where the number of people who followed the reach of 43 million newspaper readers and event actively on the internet was up to 100 51 million readers of the related websites.13 In times higher than the number of people in the addition, several million Europeans were able room.12 to receive information about the Dialogues through TV, radio, print and online media: there Still, this represents only a fraction of the was live coverage of events in some Member EU’s total population. This shows that the EU States and an average of 38 media items per is still beginning to develop this communica- event, mostly in mass media.14 tion tool. There is great potential as the for- mat is spreading, with similar debates increas- Very oen media coverage was not only con- ingly being held at national, regional and local fined to the country where the debate was level. But already, the Dialogues are an effec- held but also extended to other countries (for tive addition to the communication tools the instance in the case of the Dublin, Heidelberg Commission (and other EU institutions) are or Liège Dialogues). Clearly, the events have a using to establish direct contact with citizens, significantly larger outreach when covered by for example public consultations on plans for mass media, in particular TV and radio. It also new legislation and more specialised initia- became apparent that apart from the cover- tives such as Share Europe Online or Back to age on the actual debate, many media items School. focused on particular political points made by the Commissioners and their partners.15 12 See graphic on p.24 12 13 Gross rating points (GRPs) newspaper impressions: 42 643 868; GRPs web site impressions: 51 202 539. 14 See graphic on p.25 15 See graphic on P.26 125

Participation Webstream Social media debatingeurope

Forms of participation in the Citizens’ Dialogues

Media items published aer the Citizens’ Dialogues (Cadiz-Amsterdam) 126

Geographic outreach - number of countries covering the Debates

What is more, the questions and comments received aer the Dialogues in the Representations and in the Europe Direct Call Centre demonstrate that the debates had an effect that goes well beyond that of the classic one-way-delivery of a speech. Citizens stayed and engaged aer the actual events, encouraged by the interactive nature of the debates. They raised questions and also expressed criti- cism of specific EU policies as well as the general political outlook of Commissioners.

Geographical spread of media items (Cadiz-Amsterdam) 127 MEASURING CITIZENS’ ATTITUDES

To complement the physical meetings, Eurobarometer surveys for the Commission and for other EU institutions documented the views of Europeans on the future of the Union and their expectations regarding ongoing and upcoming policy initiatives.16 The network of Europe Direct information centres as well as the Europe Direct call centre played an important role in preparing and following up the Citizens’ Dialogues: They Average YES Average NO Average DON’T KNOW informed citizens about Dialogues in or near their region and provided a better understanding of citizens’ concerns in their geographical areas to those holding the debates. Moreover, Commissioners encouraged citi- zens to send unanswered questions and feedback to Europe Direct aer the events and ensured that the senders received a reply. From an early stage, the Commission asked all those who participated in the debates for their opinions. Electronic voting devices were used to get citizens’ feedback on a number of crucial questions, like “Do you feel your voice is heard in the EU?» and «Do you think that Europe will come out of the crisis stronger?». These questions were published in all EU languages and issued by the Commission’s Representations at other events with citizens and by the Commission’s Visitors’ Centre in Brussels. During the 18 months during which the Dialogues took place, more than 6 000 reactions were received and analysed.17

Feedback from the Citizens’ Dialogues, together with the prepara- tory and follow-up debates, confirmed one significant result of the Eurobarometer surveys: two out of three Europeans feel that their voice is not being heard. Some 56% of participants in the Citizens’ Dialogues shared this opinion. This corresponds to the very strong wish of nearly 9 in 10 participants (88%) to have more Citizens’ Dialogues. In Member States particularly severely affected by the crisis, the Dialogues gave citizens an opportunity to express their concerns and to Surveys among participants of Citizens’ Dialogues (Cadiz-Bucharest) directly confront and challenge EU and national or regional politicians, but also to experience that politicians were not shying away from some- times confrontational debates. At the same time, the events offered Commissioners and other politicians the chance to demonstrate that 16 E.g. Standard Eurobarometer 80 (autumn 2013); they are willing to listen, and that they are making efforts to explain the European Parliament Eurobarometer 79.5 (August 2013) actions being taken to overcome the crisis. 17 See graphic on p. 30 128 TOPICS RAISED AT THE DEBATES

The Citizens’ Dialogues addressed a broad variety of themes. The subjects discussed revealed which issues are most important to Europeans – and what they expect poli- tical leaders to do to address them. In many cases views and questions voiced in the room reflected those visible in survey results.

For instance, both the surveys and the debates highlighted that citizens across all Member States, whether they are personally affected or not, are concerned about the economic and social impact of the crisis (in particular about the danger of a ‘lost generation’ of young people facing unemployment). The most important observation in this respect is that participants in the debates in all Member States generally thought that solidarity and responsibility have to go hand in hand. Citizens across the Union gave a strong signal that for them the EU is about solidarity.

The rights of EU citizens conferred to The citizens’ voice: them by the Treaties were a prominent part of the Dialogues. Participants fo- Are you of the opinion that Europe should cused in particular on the right to free do more to help us coming out of the crisis? movement and policies that boost job 66.9% of participants replied ‘yes’ at the Berlin Citizens’ Dialogue (10 November 2012)18 creation through education and training.

Europe is Greece and Greece is Europe. That means Union. Tweet at the Dublin Citizens’ Dialogue (10 January 2013)

What is the meaning of solidarity? We must not lose a whole generation. We are a Union of people! Young man at the Thessaloniki Citizens’ Dialogue (22 March 2013).

18 The average figure for all Dialogues was 65.7%. 129

The citizens’ voice:

How can we achieve justice and a 75% employment target as long as the gender pay gap persists? Woman at the Dublin Citizens’ Dialogue (10 January 2013)

PRISM and TEMPORA have been a wake-up call. Surveillance laws in the EU need to be put to the test. The ECJ said that rules on data collection and storage are not effective and this means a breach of fundamental rights. Man at the Heidelberg Citizens’ Dialogue (16 July 2013)

I’ve been in ERASMUS. I’m now in EVS [European Voluntary Service] and I come across people from around Europe and I feel great sharing time, ideas and dreams with them … We like to be together and we suffer together as well … We ask for the ones in charge now to give us the opportunity to be part of this intercultural way of life. Comment posted aer the Brussels Citizens’ Dialogue (4 May 2013) on debatingeurope.eu

The freedom of movement is attacked by populist politicians. The EU needs to act regarding the discrimination of Romanian citizens in some Member States. Participant in the Online Citizens’ Dialogue (16 January 2014)

As far as the future of Europe is concerned, more than half of citizens (54%) participating in the events of the European Year of Citizens are in favour of more European integration. Moreover, three out of four participants in the Citizens’ Dialogues (74%) supported the idea of a closer Political Union.

The citizens’ voice:

What we need is real Political Union. It is high time to have unified political parties in Europe that represent the people. It is time to take a gigantic leap towards federalism. Young man at the Brussels Citizens’ Dialogue (4 May 2013)

We need a central federal government … or else we’ll be divided and consumed one by one, including such giants as Germany, France and the United Kingdom.’ Comment posted aer the Brussels Citizens’ Dialogue (4 May 2013) on debatingeurope.eu

The elections to the European Parliament would be a great moment to draw the big picture and show what is our common identity. Participant in the Online Citizens’ Dialogue (16 January 2014) 130

Many comments made by citizens during the Dialogues and the follow-up debates highlighted their view that economic integration must go hand in hand with more democracy. Participants believe in European representative democracy: 87% of them claimed that they will cast their votes in the 2014 European Parliament elections. A direct election of the next Commission President would be welcomed by about two in three participants (61%).

The citizens’ voice:

15 000 scholarships have been taken away. Students live in poor conditions or have to give up their studies completely. There are hungry people. The Commission and the Troika are responsible for this. Student at the Coimbra Citizens’ Dialogue (22 February 2013)

European leaders must change the approach and also (re-)estab- lish the democratic values. Economy is a very important thing but Brussels must work for the prosperity of the people. — Yes! As a reformed federation of citizens. European integration has outgrown the intergovernmental circus. — It is not a democracy, no! The day I can vote directly on law and on what happens, I probably will. Opposing comments posted aer the Brussels Citizens’ Dialogue (4 May 2013) on debatingeurope.eu

Europe is the hope and the dream of young Ukrainians. Participant in the Online Citizens’ Dialogue (16 January 2014) 131

A striking theme that emerged, in par- ticular aer the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the EU at the end of 2012, was peace. Against the backdrop of the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War in 2014 — and with memories still fresh of the Balkan Wars less than a generation ago — both citizens and politicians highlighted that the most important achievement of the Union was to bring an end to centuries of bloodshed on the continent.

Many participants, in particular young people, expressed pride in sharing a European history and belonging to a European culture. Like many of the other events during the European Year of Citizens, most of the Dialogues demonstrated that Europeans have a genuine interest in the values on which the Union is founded. They expect European integration to foster democ- racy, the rule of law and human rights The citizens’ voice: and to guarantee a fair society that provides equal opportunities for all. We are happy that you came to our island where the people who were banned from the mainland by the fascist government Finally, feedback received from the Dia- had to meet secretly in the caves or on the beaches. During the logues since September 2012 suggests war Altiero Spinelli and the others developed here their vision of that citizens want to have a choice — at Europe when it seemed that there was no hope. the next European Parliament elections Mayor Giuseppe Assenso of Ventotene at the Citizens’ Dialogue (27 May 2013) and beyond — among competing politi- cal ideas. These would address the main Discrimination in any form (whether favourable or unfavourable) underlying themes of , democracy robs the soul of justice, equity and fair play. Comment posted aer the Tallinn Citizens’ Dialogue and solidarity. (14 September 2013) 132

CONCLUSIONS AND THE WAY FORWARD: HOW TO DEVELOP THIS TOOL FURTHER 133

Citizens’ Dialogues are a new instrument, an experiment in pan-European communication that has started on a small scale. The 51 Dialogues between September 2012 and March 2014 were a learning process for all involved. They offer a valuable basis to develop the initiative, in particular with regard to the outreach. Open debates between European, national and regional politicians - who take policy decisions - and the European citizens - whose daily lives are impacted by those decisions - give the EU institutions a human face. They also help Commissioners and other politicians to gain new insights.

In view of the important institutional and political decisions to be taken in the coming years, it is in the interests of both Citizens and politicians to continue with debates of this kind aer the 2014 European Parliament Elections. To ensure a true European debate, all levels – European, national, regional and local – should participate.

And already, this format has shown the first signs of being taken up at national level, with national politicians in countries such as Germany, Bulgaria and Ireland launching Dialogues of their own. Former politicians, academics and think tanks are also starting to organise debates. This suggests that there is a strong demand among citizens for this kind of interaction – and real potential for this to turn into a lasting European project. This is supported by the fact that in several Member States, among them France, Italy, Poland and Sweden, the preparation and organisation of Citizens’ Dialogues has led to the creation of informal networks. These networks can multiply the effects of this initiative and keep the debate alive by bringing together EU politicians, national and regional governments, Commis- sion Representations and European Parliament Information Offices, individual citizens and civil society organisations.

A debate has started. The Citizens’ Dialogues have demonstrated that European citizens are ready and willing to discuss European issues and ‘to bring a truly European perspective to the debate with national constituencies.’ The pan-European Citizens’ Dialogue on 27 March 2014 — with participants from all cities that have hosted a debate as well as citizens who took part in the Online Dialogue — should give a further push to this.

The Dialogues are thus one part of the broad, European debate needed before we make the bold chang- es required to build an even more democratic Union. Already, they have been one instrument to make clear to Europeans that they have a real choice in the upcoming European Parliament elections - and that their vote does indeed count. RADOŚĆ DEMOCRACIA GLÜCK CONSTRUCTION GO RAZEM JUSTICE GEMEINSCHAFT ZUKUNFT UTOPISCH ENSEMBLE ΕΥΚΑΙΡΙΑ PRAVDA ΑΕΙΦΟΡΙΑ LYCKA PLURALITAT WIR VISIONE HIONTACH FRATERNITÉ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ EUROPA INTERESSANT RADOŚĆ IDENTITY ESPOIR FORZA CONSAPEVOLEZZA FRIEDENSMODELL SCHUMAN ΕΝΩΣΗ DINAMISMO BEGEGNUNG UNIONE ΕΛΠΙΔΑ YOU LIBERTÉ INSPIRIEREND COMUNICAZIONE BEGEGNUNG T CAMBIAMENTO ΕΥΚΑΙΡΙΑ SOLIDARNOŚĆ VIELFÄLTIGKEIT HOPE COMMUNITÀ CONFIANZA CULTURA IMPULSIV BEITRAG ΜΕΛΛΟΝ DÓCHAS ΣΥΝΥΠΑΡΞΗ ZUSAMMENHOLEN SOLIDARITÄT TOGETHER ΔΙΑΛΟΓΟΣ EMPATHY PARTYCYPACJA IMBRINCADA RESPONSABILITATE FREUDE ENTHUSIASMUS European Commission Directorate-General for Communication Publications 1049 Brussels BELGIUM

Manuscript completed in June 2014 Photographs: © European Union unless otherwise indicated

136 pp. - 29.7 x 21 cm

ISBN 978-92-79-38047-1 doi:10.2775/69354

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