The Brussels groups of the young European democracy initiative Dialog’09 (www.dialog09.org) cordially invites you to an open debate on the “European Public Sphere”. We would like to discuss this topic (read more below) with you and:
- Antonia Carparelli (Deputy Head of Commissioner Walström’s Cabinet)
- Marc Gruber (European Director, Internat. Federation of Journalists)
- Daniel Feher (Spokesperson, Dialog’09)
The event will be held in English and moderated by Christoph Nick (Press Officer for the German Greens in the European Parliament).
When: Monday, 19th June, 19-21h.
Where: “Arthur’s” (26, rue de Treves, 1050 Bruxelles - opposite to the
exit of Gare du Luxemborg)
In 2005, it became clear that the foundations of the European Union are rapidly altering. Within weeks after the decisions in France and the Netherlands, public opinion in several countries, including Germany, changed from a large support of the constitution to its complete rejection. The Shadows of World War II are receding. People and peoples now ask for more in European politics than just peace and mutual understanding. They want transparency of decisions, visible political responsibility and the power to honour or to punish European politicians for their work. In short: They want democracy on the European level. Clear-cut and comprehensible.
The European Institutions can not live in the void. They need the support of Europeans. If more democracy on the European level is the answer - what can be done to foster it? To change treaties and to elaborate constitutions is only but one answer. To create a European public sphere is the other.
A year ago, reacting to the rejection of the Constitutional Treaty in the referenda in France and the Netherlands, European governments called for a “period of reflection” before deciding what to do with the halted ratification process. While the time since has rather been a “period of silence” on that very point, some institutions, member states and organisations from civil society tried to focus the debate on the causes of the crisis instead of technical aspects of ratification procedures. The European Commission released a “Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate” and a “White Paper on the EU communication strategy”. It started a web-forum and proposed a “Citizen’s Agenda”. The interesting question is: What have member states, politicians, journalists and citizens made out of this opportunity? Is there a common space for a European dialogue?
Dialog’09 would like to to reflect on the points raised above and to discuss the answers delivered by the European instutitions at the Council’s June 2006 Summit - together with our guests and with you!
Due to limited space at the venue, we kindly ask you to confirm your participation by a short note to Daniel stating your name and organisation.
