The citizens’ representatives who took part in the Conference on the Future of Europe officially handed over, on Monday 9 May in Strasbourg, the proposals they had drawn up during a year of deliberations which cover a wide range of issues such as European democracy, migration, the fight against climate change and an economy that serves the people.
“Don't let us down!” was the cry heard several times in the hemicycle of the European Parliament. An Italian student, Laura Maria Cinquini, urged political professionals to read the proposals concocted by “ real-life experts” and to implement them all without choosing any according to their interests or political agendas. On Monday, EUROPE was in Strasbourg to interview citizens about their expectations and hopes for the follow-up of the Conference proposals (see EUROPE 12948/2).
It is already agreed that an event will be organised in the autumn with the participants in this unprecedented Europe-wide citizens’ consultation exercise to explain to them what the EU institutions intend to do to implement the proposals made (see EUROPE 12497/18).
See the conclusions (in French) of the Conference on the Future of Europe: https://aeur.eu/f/1k7
Several political leaders noted that on the same day citizens were celebrating Europe’s reconciliation and reflecting together on their common future, in Moscow, the Russian army was staging a show of force in the Red Square. They assured that the proposals submitted will not go unheeded.
“Citizens love Europe, but they are critical of how it works”, said Guy Verhofstadt (Renew Europe, Belgium). Convinced that people “are not afraid of change”, he welcomed calls for a “more integrated, more democratic Europe, able to act more quickly and decisively to meet the challenges of tomorrow”.
Stating that Europe’s future was linked to Ukraine’s, the European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, noted the “gap” between what people expect and what Europe is currently capable of delivering. “This is why we need a Convention” to reform the functioning of the EU, she said, echoing the specific resolution the European Parliament had adopted the previous week (see EUROPE 12945/7).
A continuation of the citizens’ panels
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, praised the citizens’ consultation process, which started exactly one year ago (see EUROPE 12716/1). She said she hoped that such an approach would be integrated into the process of drafting legislative proposals initiated by the institution by giving citizens’ panels “the time and resources needed to make recommendations” prior to the presentation of a major legislative initiative.
As early as “next month”, Ms von der Leyen said, the Commission will set out “what is needed to bring (the) proposals to life”. Some of the ideas put forward, she noted, give new impetus to ongoing (introduction of minimum wages in the EU, ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package) and future (reduction of packaging waste, ban on forced labour products) projects.
Ms von der Leyen confirmed that she would specify what the Commission intends to do to implement the Conference’s proposals in mid-September during her State of the Union speech. She supported the European Parliament’s request for the establishment of a Convention whose work should not be limited by “taboos” or “ideological red lines”.
A debate at the June European Council
Officially sworn in for a second term, French President Emmanuel Macron - citing Robert Schuman’s 1950 declaration - praised the conference’s “creative efforts” to design a Europe that is equal to the challenges and threats it faces.
This work resulting from this “democratic breathing” does not mark an end, but the opening of a new stage: “it will be up to us, in the next EU Councils and in the Commission’s agenda, to draw all the conclusions”, he said. And added: “The challenge you pose to us is to be as effective in times of peace and without crisis. This means deciding quickly, in a united manner, investing heavily in the right places and leaving no one behind. This is what being European is all about”.
According to Mr Macron, the Conference’s proposals for greater EU independence and effectiveness are in line with the “strategic independence agenda” that the EU27 set for themselves at the end of March in Versailles to address the vulnerabilities highlighted by the 2008 financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine (see EUROPE 12909/1). And any reform of the EU will have to be accompanied, he said, by a strengthening of democratic processes. “Democracy is fragile, the Rule of law precarious. Let us together rebuild its strength through new commitments”, he stressed.
According to the French President, reforming the European treaties is a matter of course. He approved the proposal of the Parliament to convene a Convention. Noting the importance of defining in advance the final objective of such an initiative, he mentioned the end of unanimity in the EU Council for “major public policies”, the clarification of the EU’s objectives (“growth, full employment, climate objectives, social justice”), the strengthening of democratic control and a right of initiative for the European Parliament.
It is also worth noting that Mr Macron has spoken out in favour of avant-garde countries wishing to integrate further in certain policy areas through ‘enhanced cooperation’, as was the case with the creation of the single currency and the Schengen area of free movement of people. The aim is not to exclude, but to create “a ripple effect”, he said, “struck” by the fact that the desire to remain united at all costs prevents us from being more ambitious.
Thirteen Member States warn against hasty reaction
Implementing the proposals that go to the heart of the EU’s functioning will not be easy. On Monday, thirteen Member States - including Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia and Sweden - warned against rushing into institutional reform, which they said could distract the EU from dealing with its pressing geostrategic challenges.
“We recall that Treaty change has never been a purpose of the Conference. What matters is that we address the citizens’ ideas and concerns. While we do not exclude any options at this stage, we do not support unconsidered and premature attempts to launch a process towards Treaty change”, they declared.
The thirteen Member States said they want to study the Conference’s proposals in detail and give them a serious follow-up. However, they stress that any response must respect the respective competences of the EU institutions as well as the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.
See the letter: https://aeur.eu/f/1k5 (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)