The Italian section of the European Federalist Movement advocates the creation of a “permanent mechanism” for consulting citizens on the future of the European Union, in a declaration on the ‘Conference on the Future of Europe’ at its initiative, which was subscribed to by some 40 Italian and European civil society organisations.
According to these organisations, events and debates designed to gather citizens’ opinions should be inclusive, allow for feedback and, above all, place participants “on an equal footing” with representatives of European and national institutions.
In particular, the idea was put forward of organising a Europe Future Fringe festival, along the lines of the experience in Edinburgh, which would take place in parallel with the work of the Conference with the support of civil society, again with a view to stimulating reflection on the future of the EU.
The Italian section of the European Federalist Movement believes that this reflection should focus on six key themes: – the role of the EU in a globalised and unstable world; – the division of competences between the European, national and regional levels; – the fiscal capacity of the EU; – achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals by 2030; – the political and institutional boundaries of the EU; – European democratic governance.
While a majority of the Conference participants called for reform of the treaties, “the best way forward is to recognise the leading role of the European Parliament, in cooperation with national parliaments”. At the end of this constitutional process, “a pan-European referendum” should be held on the same day throughout the EU to allow citizens to express their views, say the signatory organisations.
On Wednesday 22 January, the Commission will present its vision for the ‘Conference on the Future of Europe’, while the Member States will continue their discussions on the issue (see EUROPE 12407/10).
See the statement: http://bit.ly/2RDNua9 (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)