How can I participate ?

In May 2009, citizens from all EU countries have presented their recommendations for our social and economic future to European leaders and candidate Members of the European Parliament. Citizens all over Europe came together to draw up 15 recommendations on what they believe the EU can do to shape our economic and social future in a globalised world.

During the following three months, a series of regional debates will take place. This is the final stage of the project during which citizens' recommendations are being dicussed and presented to European leaders.

The first one was held on the 28th of September 2009 in Copenhagen. Representatives of the European institutions, newly elected MEPs, stakeholder and experts from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania came together to discuss the opportunities and challenges of climate change and energy dependency for the European Union and its citizens.

* How can the climate change objectives of the EU be reached?
* How can regional energy self-sufficiency be achieved?
* What role can the EU play for the future of Europe?
* In a world so hungry for fossil fuel and producing so much waste, how can habits and behaviours be influenced by preservation of the environment?
* How can the EU balance its economic interests (especially in light of the recent economic crisis) and its leading role on climate change issues?

The second regional debate was held in Bratislava on the 27th of October with participants from Slovakia, Hungary, Greece, Romania and Bulgaria. Discussions focused on health care and health promotion.

* Do we need common European health care system, or just common standards for national systems?
* Do we need an independent, central EU supervising authority?
* What is the role which can be played by industry and civil society in improving European health care?
* What mechanisms should be created for EU-wide recognition of qualifications for medical and health care professionals?
* Is the EU prepared for pandemics?
* What coordination / common approach is needed?
* What can the EU do to foster good health in an ageing society? What are the mean obstacles to more effective health promotion and disease prevention policies?

A third debate will be on the 6th of November 2009 in Nice involving Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus and Malta. They will discuss the challenges and different European perspectives on education. The increasing complexity of educational systems will be considered, as well as the role of mobility (mobility programmes, free movement and knowledge exchange opportunities) as a complex system with social, economic, financial and cultural implications.

The fourth regional debate will be held in Dublin on the 20th of November 2009 involving Ireland, the UK, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The theme of the debate will be “Social Welfare” and will focus on questions such as:

* The role that can be played by the European Union to achieve better protection of the most vulnerable and in fighting against poverty.
* The need for creating convergence among social insurance and welfare systems, in order to ensure a common EU social system.
* At a time when many people feel left out and cannot afford the bear minimum, what can the EU do?

 Berlin will be the host of the fifth and last regional debate on the 30th of November 2009 during which representatives from Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia and the Czech Republic will consider issues related to employment conditions and labour.

* How can disparities of working conditions throughout Europe be reduced?
* Do we need a common and harmonized Labour Code to improve working conditions?
* What role can be played by industry and civil society?
* How can equal pay for equal work be realized?