What others say about the European Citizens' Consultation
What policy-makers say
"I hope this is the beginning of a movement that will help to revitalise democracy in all of Europe. I promise that the Commission will listen and learn."
Margot Wallström, Vice-President of the European Commission
"I welcome any opportunity to have a serious and informed debate on Europe, away from the shrill headlines of our overwhelmingly eurosceptic media. It is also important for politicians to hear the voice of ordinary citizens and not just the representations made to them by powerful organisations and lobbies"
Richard Corbett, MEP
"Most MEPs seeing connecting with the public as a vital part of their role as elected representatives. Deliberative forums like the European Citizens Consultation can play an valuable role in giving people space to engage with the political process and make their voices heard."
Linda McAvan, MEP
"The citizen lies at the heart of the European project. As society moves away from believing everything should be done by the state or by the market, we are increasingly looking to civil society to engage with policy makers to define the future. This is why the European Citizens Consultation is so important."
Gary Titley MEP
What participants say
"I don't like the recent developments in the EU at all, but this meeting is a unique opportunity to voice your opinion. So that's why I accepted to come."
Kenneth, participant in the UK
“Europe ended in a ditch. But they had the good idea to ask us.”
Francis, participant from Belgium
“I have a flu and I’ve taken medicines just to be able to be here. But it’s worth it. The discussion is motivating me so much. I would never have discussed these issues if I hadn’t been selected to be here."
António Luís, participant from Portugal
“Being here is a pleasure and a privilege: I feel part of an important project for our children and I believe this is a useful contribution towards their future.”
Silvio, particpant from Italy
What the experts say
“The project absolutely satisfied the expectations of the citizens to provide input to political decision-making and participating in the political sphere.”
“The project demonstrated the feasibility of organising citizen participation on a complex issue also at the European level and provided sufficient evidence that such a process can produce reliable, substantial and instructive results.”
R. Goldschmidt, O. Renn and S. Köppel, University of Stuttgart
“The ECC has shown that it possible and (potentially) effective to conduct a transnational participatory democracy project involving all member states in the EU."
N. Browne, Central European University, Budapest