Brussels, 07/11/2005 (Agence Europe) - "The main thing" with this new kind of forum "is to launch a new form of communication" on Europe's challenges, and to "lead to something constructive", said Anne-Marie Sigmund, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and the opening of the consultative forum which the Committee and the European Commission are holding in Brussels on 7 and 8 November, in an attempt to bring the European institutions closer to the citizens. The idea is to decentralise the debate at national and local levels, in the hope, amongst other things, of a future initiative involving the new Member States under the Austrian Presidency in the first half of 2006. She reiterated the role played by the EESC, which is capable of causing a "multiplication effect" during the period of reflection underway on the future of Europe.
The Commissioner for Social Affairs, Vladimir Špidla, took the opportunity to raise the questions which are relevant to this debate: is there a "European public space"? How can we "overcome the feeling of distance" of the European citizens towards Europe? Echoing the recent "plan D" of the Commission, Mr Špidla stressed the need for the European institutions to "lend an ear" to listen to the concerns of the citizens (see EUROPE 9048). Mr Špidla congratulated the EESC on its role as a "bridge" and transmitter of information. We are getting to a time when declarations must give way to "effective actions on the ground", added the Commissioner, who feels that the results of the informal European summit of Hampton Court show that among the Heads of State and Government, there is a "real feeling that Europe must reconnect with the concerns of the citizens", such as "unemployment, social exclusion and globalisation". He feels that the "value added by the work carried out by the Union" and the " scale and importance of the partnership" with organised civil society should be emphasised.
"The circle is the best shape possible for communication between men and women", explained Professor Fieguth, of the University of Kehl, during the debate. The forum which opened on 7 November creates a limitless and unconventional space favourable to reflexion and imagination, but it will not lead to any definite decision-making. The 300 people taking part themselves determined the subjects to be tackled in their reflexion workshops, focusing on such issues as: How should the European citizens be encouraged to talk? Should Europe be taught in schools? What is the message to be sent out? What is the role and responsibility of the media? How do we get young people involved? What is meant by European citizenship?