DOCSLIB.ORG

The Future of Europe

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Future of Europe The Future of Europe The cities and regions need the European Union. The European Union needs its cities and regions. #eulocal Table of Contents Introduction 3 “State of the European Union: the view of Regions and Cities” address by CoR President Karl-Heinz Lambertz, 9 October 2018 5 “Reflecting on Europe: the voice of local and regional authorities to rebuild trust in the European Union” - CoR opinion adopted 9 October 2018 10 The “Reflecting on Europe” campaign: a dialogue between citizens, cities, regions and the European Union 22 Endnotes 35 The 8th European Summit of Regions and Cities 36 Introduction This brochure is a collation of three documents published by the European Committee of the Regions on 9 October: 1. “The State of the European Union: the view of Regions and Cities” address given by the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Karl-Heinz Lambertz on 9 October 2018. This years’ annual “State of the European Union: the view of Regions and Cities” address was held during the European Committee of the Regions’ plenary in Brussels It was followed by a debate on the future of Europe with the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, and the Committee’s members 2. “Reflecting on Europe: the voice of local and regional authorities to rebuild trust in the European Union”, European Committee of the Regions’ opinion adopted 9 October 2018. In 2016, the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, requested the European Committee of the Regions to formally contribute to the reflection of the future of the European Union 3 The opinion is the culmination of two years of debates and consultation with local and regional au- thorities and their citizens’ collecting their views on the future of Europe The opinion was led by the European Committee of the Regions’ President, Karl-Heinz Lambertz, and its First Vice-President, Markku Markkula 3. “Reflecting on Europe” summary report of the 180 citizens’ debates and an EU-wide online survey held between 2016-2018 The content of this brochure forms the basis of the European Committee of the Regions’ position on the future of the European Union It sets the groundwork for the preparations of the “(Re) New Europe: 8th European Summit of Regions and Cities” which is being organised by the European Committee of the Regions, its Romanian Delegation and the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Bucharest on 14-15 March 2019 More information about the Summit is available at: www.EUlocal-Summit.eu 4 «The cities and regions need the European Union. The European Union needs its cities and regions.» CoR President Karl-Heinz Lambertz In the presence of the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani «The State of the European Union: the view of Regions and Cities» address by CoR President Karl-Heinz Lambertz So often, when we meet local and regional rep- We see Europe in three dimensions, with resentatives and actors, we hear them say: “with- its 100 000 or so local authorities and 300 out the EU, it wouldn’t have been possible” regions. This third dimension is the demo- cratic foundation on which we must rebuild “Without the European Union we couldn’t Europe, with and for our citizens. have built this bridge” Yes indeed, our cities and regions need the Union “Without the European Union, we couldn’t have set up this exchange scheme for univer- And it is precisely because they need the EU that sity students” they cannot accept any project for the future of the Union in which regional development is only “Without the European Union, we couldn’t partly supported by Europe, or not at all How have built this metro link” could we, as European local and regional elect- ed representatives, allow the Union to neglect or I realised a long time ago that what the European even abandon its cities and regions? It is simply Union has enabled us to achieve in my city of not possible To weaken our municipalities, our Eupen and my region, it is also doing right across cities, our regions is to weaken our Union This Europe In the past I have fought for Europe’s sup- must not be part of our blueprint for the future port in helping my region to develop, and today I Quite the opposite: by strengthening our territo- 5 am fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with you to en- ries we strengthen our Union sure that our cities and regions can build Europe A year ago, together with our partners in the Our Union’s most concrete achievements go far Cohesion Alliance, we launched a call for a beyond the Erasmus programme, which is so stronger Europe for its cities and regions often - and rightly - cited as an example Both back home but also here in Brussels, our role is Cohesion is not the exclusive business of our to remind people of these everyday successes, Assembly: many of which would not have been possible cohesion is everyone’s business. As shown by without cohesion policy the fact that 8 000 signatories have put their names to the call by the Cohesion Alliance, When the European institutions are campaign- which now covers almost the entire Union. ing for Europe, it is crucial that they highlight the Union’s direct contribution to improving the Among them are of course many represent- lives of Europeans atives of local and regional authorities, but also signatories from very different back- No State of the Union address would be complete grounds, ranging from the Union of European if it mentioned only the Member States, leaving out Football Associations (UEFA) to the European the local and regional level The role of our Assembly Association of Craft, Small and Medium-Sized of elected representatives is to remind the other Enterprises or the European Patients’ Forum European and national institutions that the Union does not begin and end with the Member States Cohesion is not a relic of the past and young The State of the Union is also - and perhaps people in Europe know that I am delighted above all - the state of its municipalities, its that the European Youth Forum has recently cities and its regions. joined our Alliance I can think of no more im- portant or noble task than that of bequeath- ing to those who come after us a prosperous We do not see Europe as two-dimensional, with Union founded on the values of freedom, jus- only the institutions and the Member States tice and solidarity Mobilising the Alliance has achieved results As creating great uncertainty, just when Europeans matters stand, cohesion policy covers all regions need prospects for the future - an essential principle that was once under threat But, make no mistake, we must remain on An exhausted Europe, lacking the means our guard to act, would represent a victory for those want to see its demise. Because cohesion is a policy that helps our terri- tories to develop; They are lying when they blame the Union for a bridge collapsing or for the under-funding of Because cohesion is a policy for the future, their own health system And by destroying the designed to tackle the great challenges of our Union they would also be weakening their own time, while also meeting day-to-day demands; cities and regions The local and regional elected representa- Paradoxically it is the very same people who are tives’ fight to preserve the cohesion of the reluctant to do their bit, whether in terms of re- Union continues. specting common values or contributing to the budget, who also condemn Europe’s weakness - How can the European Commission loudly de- for which they themselves are partly responsible clare that: And when Europe proposes solutions, they are “[…] cohesion policy is vital to Europe, its citizens, never happy It is always too much … or too its economy and its cities and regions […]”1 little They seek the destruction of a Union that has brought us more than 60 years of peace We while proposing a 10% cut in this same policy’s must never forget that “nationalism means war” budget? To which I would add the obvious corollary, that “Europe means peace” We reject these disproportionate cuts, just as our colleagues in the European Parliament’s Our municipalities, cities and regions, and their elect- ed representatives are a factor for trust and stability Committee on Budgets recently did Common for the Union at a time when divergences and an- sense tells us that, whether we are talking about tagonisms are growing at national and European 6 cohesion, the Common Agricultural Policy or level This stability is vital if we are to continue build- any other policy, especially with a European ing a shared future Local and regional elected repre- budget that is already inadequate, we cannot sentatives very often display pragmatism, not to say do more with less courage They cannot take refuge in a virtual world of 280-character electronic polemics Every day, they We likewise reject any weakening of the role are in the front line, facing up to practical realities of cities and regions, such as centralising man- They have to act agement arrangements Centralisation is not a method for the future It is a relic of the past Sometimes, it is possible for a local representa- And, as pointed out by the representatives of tive to do what a head of state or government French local and regional authorities in their claims is impossible or even intolerable When the 2 Marseille appeal , decentralisation is a model Hungarian Prime Minister refuses to do anything to under which decisions and investment can be take in migrants or promote integration, then our more closely aligned with real needs colleague Bart Somers invites him to his
Load more

Recommended publications
  • European and International Affairs 2017
    European and international affairs2017 Fair winds keeping local governments on course 4 City Council Commission on Europe | Municipal development cooperation 5 An active player in Europe and worldwide 6 Strategy Standing up for Europe 8 Municipal development cooperation 9 White paper on the future of Europe 10 European structural and investment policy 2021–2027 11 EUROCITIES study of cities’ external cultural relations 11 Consultations in 2017 | Successful lobbying activities 12 Urban Agenda for the EU: Partnership for procurement 14 Dialogue News from the Europe Direct Information Centre 17 City Council resolution on the campaign „Munich4Europe“ | Europe Day 2017 18 Projects Award for waste avoidance concept 20 Circular economy dominates 2017 Annual Conference 21 Smarter Together: Getting around in tomorrow’s cities 22 CIVITAS ECCENTRIC: Solutions for sustainable mobility 23 Let it FLOW! | Urban mobility KIC 24 BuyZET | METAMORPHOSIS | URBACT – Good practice label for “Gscheid Mobil” project 25 Global learning to get fit for Europe 26 Erasmus+ and EUMUC: Over 180 internships in Europe 27 Martinsdorf vicarage in Transylvania | Stays abroad for teachers 27 Diversity in action in Munich | Youthful encounters 28 Building Committee trip to Amsterdam | Pooling experience on horticulture and landscape gardening 29 Munich education delegation in Québec | Youngsters from Munich in Washington 29 LOS_DAMA! huge success | EUSALP | ASTUS 30 European fire prevention regulations | Special ATF unit 31 SWM district cooling project in central Munich 31
    [Show full text]
  • Europcom 2019
    10th European Public Communication Conference 7 & 8/11/2019, Brussels Programme #europcom cor.europa.eu/europcom.go EuroPCom 2019 Right after the arrival of the newly elected European Parliament and the new College of the European Commission, the timing could not be better for communication experts to gather and capitalise on the opportunity provided by the start of this new term of office. Those who communicate Europe at national, regional and local level as well as in the EU institutions are coming together to exchange new ideas and discuss methods and tools. Let us look forward together and think of a fresh start to communicate in and on Europe! Three main clusters ELECTIONS CITIZENS TOOLS AND TRENDS Looking back at Engaging (with) citizens and Tools and trends to the European elections fostering local and regional communicate Europe communication Formats Workshop Mini Trainings Ideas Labs Bringing communicators "Hands-on" sessions on Open, fully participatory together on a specific topic selected practical skills lead sessions, providing space and presenting practical case by an experienced trainer. for active interaction, co- studies. creation and cooperation. The Ideas Labs are set up by participants based on a call for interest. Market Place EuroPCom Talks Interactive opportunity Short inspiring keynote for participants to bring in speeches. their projects and ideas, to exchange experience and best practices with other participants and to learn from each other. 7 November 2019 10.30-12.00 1 Opening session HEMICYCLE, PAUL-HENRI
    [Show full text]
  • Official Journal of the European Union C 461/1
    Official Journal C 461 of the European Union Volume 61 English edition Information and Notices 21 December 2018 Contents I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions RESOLUTIONS Committee of the Regions 131st CoR plenary session and opening session of the EWRC week, 8.10.2018-10.10.2018 2018/C 461/01 Resolution of the European Committee of the Regions — The economic policies for the euro area and in view of the 2019 Annual Growth Survey . 1 OPINIONS Committee of the Regions 131st CoR plenary session and opening session of the EWRC week, 8.10.2018-10.10.2018 2018/C 461/02 Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions on Reflecting on Europe: the voice of local and regional authorities to rebuild trust in the European Union . 5 2018/C 461/03 Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Establishment of a European Labour Authority 16 2018/C 461/04 Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — The contribution of EU cities and regions to the CBD COP14 and the post-2020 EU Biodiversity Strategy . 24 2018/C 461/05 Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Communication on a European Strategy for Plastics in a circular economy . 30 2018/C 461/06 Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Mainstreaming sport into the EU agenda post- 2020 . 37 2018/C 461/07 Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Fair taxation package . 43 2018/C 461/08 Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Digital Education Action Plan . 52 EN 2018/C 461/09 Opinion of the European Committee of the Regions — Building a stronger Europe: the role of youth, education and culture policies .
    [Show full text]
  • Tackling Populism in Europe with a New Form of Public Diplomacy
    TACKLING POPULISM IN EUROPE WITH A NEW FORM OF PUBLIC DIPLOMACY Western pluralistic democracies as we know them seem to be dissolving. Even before Brexit, the idea of “Europeanness” was being questioned. But what is weakening European democracies, and who is attacking it? Do we need less integration in Europe just because transnational democracy is not possible anymore? Or is the crisis mainly rooted in the weakness to fight populism? How much is the political leadership and the establishment responsible? How can cross-border actors and modern diplomacy keep a democratic Europe together and strengthen democracy where it is under attack? A new form of public diplomacy might be needed to strengthen cross-border pluralism and democracy. Bernd Hüttemann* Spring 2017 * Bernd Hüttemann is Vice President of the European Movement International and Secretary General of the European Movement Germany. He is also a visiting Lecturer at the University of Passau and the Berlin School of Economics and Law. This article is based on a speech for Avrupa Hareketi at Tüsiad in Istanbul on 16 February 2017. 37 VOLUME 16 NUMBER 1 BERND HÜTTEMANN iovanni Sartori underlined rightly that democracy needs to be complicated but must G be still easy enough to be explained. Europe’s landscape of societies is very di- verse. The idea that “there are not Member States, but Member Countries,” is an of- ten-undervalued reality in most of the EU and its candidate countries.1 There are mixed private-public systems including many more actors than just state authorities, with extensive differences. The classic ex- ample of a “statist country” is France, with a strong technocratic leadership which gains public support by a simple majority of the electorate.
    [Show full text]
  • Reclaiming the Idea of Europe? Brexit, Soft Euroscepticism and EU
    Reclaiming the Idea of Europe? Brexit, Soft Euroscepticism and EU Contestation in Germany1 Maximilian Conrad, University of Iceland ([email protected]) Emmanuel Brunet-Jailly, University of Victoria Helga Hallgrímsdóttir, University of Victoria Paper prepared for the panel “Pro-European backlash? Responses to Euroscepticism and Right-Wing Populism in Europe” at the 2019 EUSA conference in Denver, CO Work in progress – please do not cite without consulting the authors Abstract: In the years since the global financial crisis and the Eurozone debt crisis, European integration has become considerably more contentious, even in countries with a previously strong sense of “permissive consensus”. In Germany, the emergence and ongoing transformation of the “Alternative for Germany” from a single-issue, anti-common-currency party into a far-right populist party is the clearest expression of this increasing contentiousness. Beyond the AfD’s fundamental rejection of European integration, however, anti-EU contestation in Germany takes place on a predominantly issue-specific basis, contesting austerity policies or free-trade projects such as TTIP, CETA and most recently JEFTA. Drawing on the fundamental distinction between “hard”/“unqualified” and “soft”/“qualified”/“contingent” Euroscepticism, this paper analyzes the nature of Euroscepticism in the positions of civil-society organizations involved in such contestation processes, arguing that the broad distinction between hard and soft Euroscepticism is insufficient to capture the diversity of positions on the soft Eurosceptic spectrum. Drawing on a distinction between three soft forms of Euroscepticism, the paper furthermore analyzes to what extent opposition to the EU in its current form translates into specific communicative practices defending the idea of European integration against hard Euroscepticism and right-wing populism, in particular in the context of Brexit and the upcoming elections to the European Parliament.
    [Show full text]
  • The Impact of Eurosceptics in Government on Youth Support
    THE GREAT DEFENDERS?: THE IMPACT OF EUROSCEPTICS IN GOVERNMENT ON YOUTH SUPPORT Katja Greeson A thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Political Science, Concentration European Governance. Chapel Hill 2019 Approved by: John Stephens Liesbet Hooghe Gary Marks © 2019 Katja Greeson ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ii ABSTRACT Katja Greeson: The Great Defenders?: The Impact of Eurosceptics in Government on Youth Support (Under the direction of John Stephens) The age gap in support for the European Union, wherein young people are more likely to support the EU, is a well-known phenomenon. However, little is known about how changing national political contexts moderate this effect, particularly in regard to increasing electoral success of Eurosceptic parties. The purpose of this article is to assess how the presence of Eurosceptic parties in government changes the tendency of young people to support integration and pro-EU parties. I also test whether the type of Eurosceptic party (GAL vs. TAN and “soft” vs. “hard”) in government matters. Based on a multilevel analysis of 2016 European Social Survey data for 18 countries, I conclude that young Europeans are more likely to support the EU and pro-EU parties in countries where the Eurosceptic party in office is a TAN or “hard” Eurosceptic party. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES ……………………………………………………………………………..…v INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………………..…1 ARGUMENTS AND HYPOTHESES ………………………………………………………...…3 DATA AND METHODS ………………………………………………………………….……11 RESULTS …………………………………………………………………………………….…20 DISCUSSION ……………………………………………………………………………...……28 REFERENCES …………………………………………………………………………….……32 iv LIST OF TABLES Table 1 – Categorization of Eurosceptic Parties by TAN vs.
    [Show full text]
  • Reinforcing the Case of Pulse of Europe to Overcome Contemporary Challenges for the European Union
    May 11, 2017 Reinforcing the Case of Pulse of Europe to Overcome Contemporary Challenges for the European Union Julia Theilen Graduate Student, International Communication St. John’s University, New York May 11, 2017 Dear fellow citizens of the European Union, how would you feel if, starting tomorrow, you could not drive freely without border controls from Germany to France anymore, to explore Paris for a weekend? What if tomorrow, our European Single Market would not exist anymore and consequently, there would be no common standards ensuring our health through regulations on clean drinking water, reducing air pollution or restricting the use of pesticides in agriculture? How would you tell your children that they cannot go on the semester abroad to Amsterdam or the student exchange to Barcelona that they had been excited about for so long? What if your own degree would not be accepted in Belgium anymore so you don’t qualify for an internship or a job there? What would happen to our economy and labor market without a common, stable currency? How would you feel about no more pan-European warranty periods and standards for labelling provisions or food hygiene, starting tomorrow? I guess, you would hope that tomorrow never comes. But hope alone does not preserve the European Union and all the benefits it brings to our everyone’s and future generations’ daily lives. To address the recent challenges the EU is facing, your active engagement is required. It starts with speaking out your support for, and belief in the European project. Citizens’ Initiative Pulse of Europe: Values, Activities and Strategy To mobilize the silent majority of supporters of the European Union – that is the mission that drives the citizens’ initiative Pulse of Europe (PoE).
    [Show full text]
  • A SOUL for EUROPE Conference 2017 Who Is Assuming Responsibility for Europe – How Citizens, Cities and Parliaments Should Cooperate for Europe
    Under the high patronage of the European Parliament Conference Report, 10 & 11 November 2017 A SOUL FOR EUROPE Conference 2017 Who is assuming responsibility for Europe – How citizens, cities and parliaments should cooperate for Europe DAY 1: 10 November 2017, Allianz Forum Berlin Welcome Words Satu Kuitunen, Frédéric Meseeuw A Soul for Europe Strategy Group Gerry Woop State Secretary for European Affairs, City of Berlin Volker Hassemer Chairman Stiftung Zukunft Berlin Satu Kuitunen, Frédéric Meseeuw, Volker Hassemer, Carin Tiggelhoven, Elmar Brock, Gerry Woop, Juan Gabriel Vásquez, Emil Boc, Laura Kleiner © A Soul for Europe, seesaw-foto.com Satu Kuitunen: If we want a strong inclusive and welcoming Europe, we cannot expect the sceptics or those who feel left behind from the European Project to come and find us. We need to go and find them and this kind of events, inspiring conversations, are one way. “ (…) “These kinds of gatherings that we have here are an excellent opportunity to basicly challenge our values and have our opinions challenged. Under the high patronage of the European Parliament Public Debate Emil Boc Mayor of Cluj-Napoca Elmar Brok President Union of European Federalists and MEP Karl-Heinz Lambertz President Committee of the Regions Gerry Woop State Secretary for European Affairs, City of Berlin Juan Gabriel Vásquez Writer The panel was moderated by Carin Tiggeloven, Lauer Kleiner, Members of the initiative “Wir sind Europa!”, Volker Hassemer, Chairman of Stiftung Zukunft Berlin. Carin Tiggeloven, Elmar Brok, Gerry Woop, Karl-Heinz Lambertz, Juan Gabriel Vásquez, Emil Boc, Laura Kleiner © A Soul for Europe, seesaw-foto.com The A Soul for Europe Conference started with a public debate on the topic Who is assuming responsibility for Europe – How citizens, cities and parliaments should cooperate for Europe.
    [Show full text]
  • Energising European Democracy: Time for Transnational Lists Open Letter Britain's Decision to Leave the European Union Is Both A
    Energising European Democracy: Time for Transnational Lists Open Letter Britain's decision to leave the European Union is both a drastic wake-up call and a unique opportunity to reinvigorate democracy in Europe. If Britain leaves, they will be giving up 73 seats in the European Parliament, thus providing us with a unique, historical opportunity to take a big leap forward by building a truly European democracy that unites people across borders. Our proposal to energise European democracy is to give some of the seats left over from Britain's departure to set up, for the first time ever, “transnational lists”. Transnational lists would push all European political forces to present comprehensive programmes that take into account the needs of all European citizens instead of running with contradictory proposals that are split across different countries or regions. This would revive democratic debates inside the political groupings and help to build a truly European public space. At last, people in Europe could vote for whoever they thought would best represent them, rather than having to choose between existing national or regional parties. Citizens who have more in common with their peers across borders than their fellow nationals would finally be more connected and better represented. Even starting with a limited number of seats, this has the potential to change politics dramatically, until eventually all citizens across Europe would have the possibility to hold all elected European politicians to account for the decisions they take in Brussels. This is not a new proposal, and in fact, the European Parliament already voted in favour of this idea back in 2015, when reforming the European electoral law.
    [Show full text]
  • REACHING out to EU CITIZENS: a NEW OPPORTUNITY ‘About Us, with Us, for Us’
    REACHING OUT TO EU CITIZENS: A NEW OPPORTUNITY ‘About us, with us, for us’ A report by Luc Van den Brande Special Adviser to the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker October 2017 Manuscript completed in October 2017. Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use that might be made of the following information. The opinions expressed are those of the author only and should not be considered as representative of the European Commission’s official position. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2017 © European Union, 2017 Reuse is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. The reuse policy of European Commission documents is regulated by Decision 2011/833/EU (OJ L 330, 14.12.2011, p. 39). For any use or reproduction of photos or other material that is not under the EU copyright, permission must be sought directly from the copyright holders. Print ISBN 978-92-79-60668-7 doi:10.2775/319 NA-01-16-703-EN-C PDF ISBN 978-92-79-60667-0 doi:10.2775/401533 NA-01-16-703-EN-N CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION: A NEW RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EU AND ITS CITIZENS ...............................................6 2. A CITIZEN-FOCUSED AND CITIZEN-OWNED EUROPE .....................................................................................................10 2.1. Citizens’ participation ......................................................................................................................................................................10 2.2.
    [Show full text]
  • Master Thesis
    Master Thesis Contagious Euroscepticism: Examining the impact of far-right parties on mainstream party positioning towards European integration in Germany, France and the UK Author Johannes Kröhnert Erasmus Mundus Master of Arts in Public Policy Thesis Supervision Prof Agnes Batory Dr Nicole Lindstrom Professor of Public Policy Senior Lecturer Central European University University of York CEU eTD Collection Number of words: 13,182 Submitted on 12 July 2018 Y3850523 - 2 - Abstract This thesis examines if and how the rise of far-right parties has influenced the salience and positions of mainstream parties on the issue of European integration. Have they accommodated the far-right’s Eurosceptic positions, or have they reinforced their support for European integration? A content and a textual analysis of German, French and British party manifestos from 2005 to 2017 is conducted to answer this question. The findings suggest that although all mainstream parties have increased the salience of European integration, the direction and intensity of positional shifts varies considerably between them. German parties are the most Europhile and have either shifted towards a more pro-European position or reinforced it over time. French parties are more critical of EU economic integration and have shown very different responses to EU political integration. A clear Eurosceptic shift is visible for British parties only with both mainstream-right and left parties being affected. The results highlight the role of domestic factors for understanding political contestation on the European integration issue. In addition, the thesis contributes to a better theoretical understanding of EU party competition by developing and applying a new model of party-based Euroscepticism.
    [Show full text]
  • EUROPEAN PUBLIC SPHERE Catalogue of Ideas
    EUROPEAN PUBLIC SPHERE Catalogue of Ideas 3 First and foremost, a big thank you to all those making the European Public Sphere proj- ect possible: local and remaining partners, funders, supporters, interns and last but not least to our brave participants with their brilliant ideas. Another huge thank you also to all those involved in realising this first Catalogue of Ideas: THE EUROPEAN PUBLIC SPHERE Democracy International interns Mirte, Katharina, Michelle, and Shanne and Mehr Demokratie interns Amun and Sophie. 4 THE EUROPEAN PUBLIC SPHERE CATALOGUE OF IDEAS TABLE OF CONTENTS Room for Civic Participation in Europe 1 The European Public Sphere - Our intinerary Data Collection and Criteria 2 Structure 5 The regions Democracy 7 Economy 20 Environment 23 EU Copyright Reform 29 Food 30 Geopolitics 32 Inclusion 34 Media & Communication 36 Migration 38 Integration 41 Unity 44 Values 46 About us 49 Reviews 51 Annex 72 5 6 Room for Civic Participation in Europe “In varietate concordia” is the motto of the European Union. It comes to life when citizens, not just the European institutions, feel it. This is perhaps more crucial today than ever before. Travelling Europe and experiencing local cultures is important for our peaceful cohabitation, but we often hear that our community cannot be saved. The gulf between the political elites of the European Union and its citizens stems essentially from the fact that both political decision-makers and organized civil society are disconnected in a two-way communication system. The disconnect of communication and understanding between civil society, citizens and politicians has harvested toxic ideologies that are detrimental to the European project.
    [Show full text]