This report examines the extent to which European citizens engage in participatory
democracy, and the extent to which they believe that political decision-making can be
influenced through their own actions and through those of civil society organisations.
Participativna demokracija
Pages
The EESC believes that there is much more to European citizenship, and that a political system such as the EU must cultivate and strengthen the political, social and cultural dimensions of the Union. If we want people to feel truly connected to Europe, we need to develop their ability to exercise political power ("power" in the sense of participation in governance). We can develop that ability by providing knowledge about the political system and using mechanisms that allow for participation from the bottom up.
Inaugural speech by President Luca JAHIER
Presentation by Gordon Sillence (A)
Presentation by Gordon Sillence (B)
Presentation by Zaharias Ioannides
Presentation by Panayotis Gkofas
Welcome speech by Mr Moiseos
Speech by Ms Pantelakis
Speech by Mr Frydman
Speech by Mr Michaelides
Speech by Mr Perikleous
Speech by Mr Georgiadis
We were all happy when the European Commission designated 2013 as the European Year of Citizens. Citizens play a central role in Europe’s future and integration. What could be more appropriate and timely to dedicate a European Year to them?
Staffan Nilsson's opening remarks at the Liaison Group meeting
This conference is very timely; demographic trends pose major challenges to the labour market. It suffers from structural problems. Young people, in particular, find it difficult to gain a footing in the labour market, despite skills they have. It is not only the case in Europe. It is also a major problem in Tunisia, where the demographic trend is the opposite: it is a very young population with high skills and no jobs.
President`s conclusions at the ETF Coroprate Conference 2012
On the eve of the European Summit on 23 May, the President of the European Economic and Social Committee once again calls for leadership, clarity and resolve in order to ensure the future development of the European Union.
Civil Society Day at the EESC, Brussels
Speech by Juca JAHIER
"From April 2012, European citizens will enjoy a new right, which will give them a stronger voice in EU affairs when the European Citizens’ Initiative enters into force. From that moment on, they will be able to express their demands in a new, unprecedented way. By collecting one million signatures across Europe, they can call upon the European Commission to propose or change European legislation. The European Economic and Social Committee has been an advocate of citizens’ rights to participate since the beginning of the European project.
The Workers' Group of the European Economic and Social Committee believes this is an urgent need to deliver a clear message to EU institutions and Member States' leaders: the Group is firmly against Merkel-Sarkozy's proposals related only to a strengthening of the Stability and Growth Pact in the Lisbon Treaty. The resolution mentions the orientations that should be adopted and the measures that should be taken.
In this issue:
- Articles on the state of play of associations by our Members
- Guest article by Raffaella Bolini, Co-President, European Civic Forum
- Statement of the Group on Climate Change
- What happened to the EESC opinion on Europe’s beating cancer plan? - An interview with rapporteur Małgorzata Anna Bogusz