Public Debate

Last weekend (21/22 March) 100 randomly selected UK citizens debated Europe’s response to the financial crisis with politicians and experts at the European Citizens’ Consultation 2009 in London.

100 citizens came up with 10 policy recommendations which will be given to decision-makers in Brussels.

Minister for Europe, Caroline Flint, said:

“I welcome the 2009 European Citizens Consultation, which is a great chance for the public to share their views on Europe and directly influence policy makers in Brussels.”

Top 10 proposals:

The EU commission to take urgent action to set up a centralised energy research body which would focus on self-sufficiency, sustainability and efficiency of energy production sourced within the EU.

For increased public awareness, the EU should be made more transparent, accountable and accessible. Co-ordinate existing agencies to scrutinise and publish legislative and financial activities in the conduct of anyone on the EU payroll, specifically via free publication. The EU should publish independent fully signed-off audited accounts as a pre-requisite to receiving continued national funding.

The EU should collectively promote Research and Development into future energy needs through the creation of an R+D agency that will promote and emphasise collaboration between public/private bodies and member states. Future energy needs will be its specific remit. Transparency should be created by having on-going public consultations and on-line publications of R+D findings.

The EU should facilitate the acceleration of the flow of secure information required in the prevention and detection of crime across member states by increased funding for, and better utilisation of, new integrated technology and improved training of European awareness for police officers.

The EU should develop, coordinate & promote a set of guidelines and research focused on sustainable production of goods and services leading by example in its own procurement practices. The EU should incentivise optimum efficiency in land & natural resource use to accelerate viable sustainable production of goods and services. The EU should make available financial incentives to academia and industry to develop R&D research exchange programmes and undertake comprehensive EU-wide information and education programmes.

The EU should fund and coordinate projects to increase awareness of its organisations, functions, policies and services. Each member state should launch a comprehensive multimedia campaign to publicise 'Europe Direct' as an easy-access information portal which should be linked to events around 'Europe Day'.

In order to deal more effectively with illegal immigration, the EU should take overall strategic and financial responsibility for the strengthening of external border controls including the faster processing of cases and standardisation of treatment of people in transit.

The EU should fund and provide an on-going teachers information pack available to all schools to develop understanding of and cooperation between individual member states and institutions in a European context. It would include learning resources, school linking support and invitations to regional events to widen participation in Model EU.

The EU should promote financial security through a common framework for improved financial services regulation. The EU should encourage member states to create an 'Independent Regulatory Authority' that implements and oversees regulation. It should have the power to uphold an enforceable code of conduct, which encompasses social and economic responsibility.

MEPs and EU officials to increase open debate. Methods to include monthly surgeries in public spaces (e.g., supermarkets); online e-petitioning, debate and proposal; public voting on proposals to give MEPs direction (possibly online); public meetings; large scale consultation events such as ECC 09. The EU should foster a bottom-up approach.