COLLEGE MEETING: A Europe that listens: Citizens’ Dialogues and Citizens’ Consultations

Ahead of the European Council, the European Commission is today releasing a progress report on Citizens’ Dialogues and Citizens’ Consultations. The report is based on contributions from citizens and will feed into EU Leaders’ discussions on 13-14 December 2018.

Since the start of the Juncker Commission, 160,000 citizens of all nationalities, ages, races, religions and from across the political spectrum have now taken part in over 1,200 town-hall style debates in city halls, universities, factories and other places all across the European Union. The message from citizens is resounding: Europeans want an active role in shaping the future of their Union. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said: “Debate and dialogue has been part of this Commission’s work from day one. We launched a permanent dialogue with citizens, with my whole team of Commissioners covering every part of our Union to hear hopes, fears, expectations and new ideas. The feedback we got shows how keen Europeans are not only to speak their mind but to be involved in decision-making. Europe must become stronger and more united, but this is only possible if it becomes more democratic.” Today’s interim report on the White Paper process will be presented to Member States at the December 2018 European Council. A final report will then be presented at the first EU27 Summit in Sibiu, Romania, on 9 May 2019, just a few weeks ahead of the European elections. The full press release is available online.