EU member states and institutions have given themselves just 8 months to find out what the citizens of Europe really want, with the official launch of “Plan D” (Democracy, Dialogue and Debate) on Monday.
A range of initiatives will take place with the aim of drawing in citizens from all parts of society into the debate on how the EU should face the challenges of the 21st century.
Part of Plan D will also be to inform citizens about how the EU works.
Results of the findings will be presented to the European Council in June 2006 and will mark the end of the first phase of the “period of reflection” following the rejection of the EU Constitution by voters in France and the Netherlands.
The European Commission and member states have been spooked not only by the rejection of the Constitution by two founding EU members but by Eurobarometer findings that only 54% support the notion that they benefit from EU membership and 53% feel that their voice is not heard in the EU.
Why it might work this time
There are a number of reasons why Plan D should be more successful in finding out what citizens really want than the Convention on the Future of Europe that preceded the drafting of the Constitution and also involved non-political actors.
Perhaps most importantly, is the fact that national governments will be more heavily involved than before, as they have the primarily role in stimulating debate.
With far more resources to engage the national media than the European Commission, and far more experience in how to attract the attention of their own nationals, this should ensure that debates take place in a way that citizens find interesting, rather than only taking place among intellectuals in the small hours of the morning on the high-brow TV channels.
The fact that national governments and national parliaments also have “ownership” of the project should also temper the tendency of national politicians to “blame it all on Brussels”–a tendency that has arguably contributed significantly to the rise in Euroscepticism across the EU.
Thirteen key initiatives
Thirteen key initiatives have been highlighted.
European Commissioner visits: Commissioners will make more frequent visits to their own and other member states to discuss policy. National parliaments will see more frequent visits by European Commissioners, who will act as a bridge between EU and national policies.
Open to the public. The European Commission Representative Offices in each country will become “open to the public”, inviting visits from various groups and being available for regular question times with citizens.
Europe Direct centres, the new generation of centres which act as a focal point for information for all citizens, will also play an important role. There are now four Europe Direct centres across Cyprus.
European Round Tables will be organised among target groups to discuss particular issues and the conclusions relayed to the European institutions.
Goodwill ambassadors: Following the UN model of using stars such as actors or athletes to promote the image of the UN, the EU will recruit “goodwill ambassadors” to host and stimulate debates on specific issues. (Imagine the impact on Britain if David Beckham could be persuaded to have an EU flag as a hair-cut).
More consultation over laws: Following the example of the Directorate General for environment, the Commission will enhance its obligation to consult citizens, using media such as the internet to collect feedback from citizens, consumers and business on proposed legislation.
Citizens’ panels: Money will be made available to encourage European citizens’ panels, representing a cross-section of society to debate specific policy areas and to provide feedback to policy-makers.
Open up the European Council: At least in the area where it co-legislates with the European Council, the European Council (heads of government) has promised to open up meetings and votes to the public.
Increase voter participation: All institutions will look at ways to increase voter participation in European-related elections, particularly among the young and minorities. Let’s hope that someone works out that if you can have an individual and secure bank account online, you can vote securely online too.
Future of Europe Eurobarometer: a Eurobarometer survey specifically on the subject of the future of Europe will be commissioned.
Enhancing Internet debates: the Commission will make wider use of the Internet both to inform and to encourage debate.
Using focus groups: The Commission will make more use of focus groups as a first step in the policy-making process, with a particular emphasis on getting the views of young people.
Fiona Mullen
