Brussels, 21/02/2007 (Agence Europe) - In October, 200 Europeans citizens defined three discussion themes related to the future of Europe (EUROPE 9284). The “Consultation of European citizens” has now entered its second phase with 27 national consultations taking place. In each of the European Union's member states, a panel that is as representative as possible, will spend a weekend's reflection on energy and the environment, social welfare and the family, the role of Europe in the world and immigration. Results from these national consultations will be compiled in a document, “European Citizens' vision on the future of Europe”, during a final event in Brussels, next May. This document will then be sent to political decision-makers in the perspective of the June European Council, which will attempt to define, under Germany's impetus, a road map aimed at finding a way out of the institutional impasse.
National consultations will take place according to the following calendar: 10-11 February in Bulgaria, Estonia, Ireland, Czech Republic and Slovenia; 24-25 February in Germany, Belgium, Cyprus, Hungary, Latvia and Slovakia; 10-11 March in Denmark, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Poland, Netherlands and Portugal; 24-25 March in Austria, Spain, Finland, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, United Kingdom and Sweden.
Co-funded by the European Commission as part of “Plan D: Democracy, Dialogue and Debate” (EUROPE 9048 and 9310), the project is sponsored by the Fondation Roi Baudoin in collaboration with the European Policy Center (EPC), European Citizens Action Service (ECAS) and the network of European foundations. It is also supported by Compagnia di San Paolo, Riksbankens Jubileumsfond and the Fondation Robert Bosch. (Info: http: //http://www.european-citizens-consultations.eu ) (mb)