EU’s post-elections trajectory: What role for citizens and civil society?

10 July 2024
Policy Dialogue
#euelections2024 #civilsociety #citizenengagement
Speakers: Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General, ALDA; Apostolos Samaras, Attorney at Law and Research Fellow, Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP); Noelle O’Connell, European Movement Ireland
Moderator: Johannes Greubel, Senior Analyst, Head of Transnationalisation Programme and Connecting Europe Lead, European Policy Centre
In the aftermath of the European elections of 6-9 June and with the new leadership already taking shape, this in-person Policy Dialogue unpacked the EU’s future trajectory and its expected political, institutional, and societal implications for the Union and its citizens. While Europe continues to face a poly-crisis and poly-transition that call for ambitious and difficult choices across policy areas (e.g. from climate change and defence to new technologies and economic pressures), citizens’ engagement and contribution remains underutilised. What should be the main priorities of the next Commission? Why and how should citizens’ participation help in the setting and formulation of the upcoming EU policy and reform agenda? What role should civil society play in that same process?
The panel addressed these and other related questions. The event also featured a short presentation of the results of the EUact2 project, “Towards a democratic and inclusive Europe - EP elections and active citizens’ participation and contribution”, funded by the European Union.

[@martypatterson7382]

Mrs. Valmorbida, I don't exactly know what the agenda the citizens in your country are voting for, or what your agenda is, or why they are different, but I do know that your visible reaction of disgust for their choice of vote, is not only appalling, but quite revealing as to why so much of the world is in flames... figuratively and soon enough more than likely, literally. The problem with appointed bureaucrats, as well most elected officials these days, is a an almost immediate case of acute amnesia. This includes the promises to garnish enough votes to fill the office, in addition to, the sole purpose and responsibility, of whoever should fill that office. That would be, "The Will of The People". It doesn't matter if you don't like it. That is the only reading you've been given a position funded by The People, is to carry out the will of The People, and for the benefit of The People. Not chase your own goals by subverting The People. In the old days the politicians and bureaucrats, were content to steal their way into financial independence, and lie their way back into re-election, but at least they understood that too ignore, and in most cases, nail down polices which directly oppose that same will. Today's policymakers, live in such a bubble, that they can't get it right. It's impossible to fix a problem if you can't even acknowledge its existence. Instead of wrinkling your nose and trying to come up with a reason why they're so stupid, maybe you can try to STFU, and start listening to what "The People" are telling you.....