The plenary session of the Conference on the Future of Europe on 29 and 30 April last met and agreed on a series of 49 detailed proposals covering a wide range of topics, from climate change to health, migration and the EU in the world. It was preceded by an extraordinary journey that lasted a year, with discussions, consultations and collaborations between citizens from all over Europe, on what kind of Europe they would like to live in.
The representatives of the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments expressed the their consent to the proposals. The citizens participating in the plenary also expressed their views on these proposals.
As Co-Chair of the Conference, the Vice President for Democracy and DemographyK. Dubravka Suica, led the Commission’s contribution to achieving this important goal of the current term. Ms Suitsa said: “Our Conference is in its final chapter. I can proudly say that, working together in this innovative exercise of consultative democracy, we are achieving tangible results together. By their commitment, our citizens have been a source of inspiration and have shown us the direction they want Europe to take. For the EU institutions, it is now our job to make this a reality. In the aftermath of the pandemic and the reality of a brutal offensive war on European soil, it is more important than ever to see democracy in action and citizens in action.»
The Vice President Mr. Maros Shevtsovichwho chaired the working group for the healthstated: «We can never be sure of the future. Recent events — a global pandemic, an illegal war on our doorstep, a struggle to curb climate change before it is too late — show how uncertain this future can be. Europe’s strength in the face of any challenge lies in our ability to discuss and exchange views, to rally around our core values, which in turn strengthens our democracy and democratic institutions. The Conference is an excellent example of this power. I would especially like to thank the citizens who participated wholeheartedly in this process with determination and enthusiasm. By working with citizens on future EU policies, we gain a very unique experience that helps us broaden our way of thinking. Without them, the Conference could not have succeeded.»
The Vice President Mrs. Viera Yurovachair of the working group on values, the rule of law, fundamental rights and security, commented: “First of all, I would like to congratulate the citizens, whose energy and creativity contributed to the success of the Conference. The people have shown the direction they want the EU to take. They want a more ambitious, determined and dynamic EU, which will focus more on citizens’ problems and less on its processes. The people want the active protection and respect of democracy and its values. We must now ensure that we can meet these requirements. All EU institutions and Member States must take them seriously. We can not afford to waste citizens’ confidence in shaping Europe’s future».
Next steps
The Conference on the Future of Europe will formally conclude on 9 May – Europe Day – in Strasbourg, when the Co-Chairs of the Executive Committee of the Conference will present their final report to the Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, which will contain these proposals. The three institutions will then consider how they can effectively follow up the report, each within its own remit and in accordance with the Treaties.
Elena Papadimitriou
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
