Brussels, 23/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - European citizens have been invited to drive forward the debate on the single market. From 23 September to 23 October, they will be able to take part in an online debate and put forward their ideas, thanks to an initiative by the European Parliament and the European Commission aimed at “consumers who have too long felt that the single market was only for the big fish, not for them”, as the commissioner responsible, Michel Barnier, put it on 23 September.
Online debates, in 24 languages, will be held with European experts and MEPs on the issues of jobs (23-25 September), social rights (30 September-2 October), banks (7-9 October) and e-commerce (14-16 October). Interested citizens can also vote and comment on the political proposals put forward by individuals, organisations and companies. The commissioner said it was all about communicating with Brussels on definite ideas. He said that over 300 ideas had already been received and would be examined one by one. “The most interesting ideas will be looked at by our directorates general and I hope that several will lead to proposals for EU legislation”, he stated. “Brussels doesn't know everything and; despite what some people here sometimes think, it isn't always right. Ordinary people have great ideas, and I would like them to be heard at the highest level of the European Union”.
Single Market Month will conclude with a debate, to be broadcast on Euronews on 23 October, between five invited participants and Commissioner Barnier at the European Parliament. The multilingual online platforms are accessible at http://www.yourideasforeurope.eu (MD/transl.fl)