Civil-society organisations have a crucial role to play to both voice citizens’ needs in policy developments and to fight against populism and misrepresentations about the EU.
However, this can only work if candidates MEP run honest campaigns and take the time to inform the general public about EU competences and what the European Parliament effectively does.
This event aims at presenting different campaigns currently run by civil society organisations, showing how they mobilise their members and target audience in the light of the elections, and discussing with candidates MEP their plans to get in touch with citizens in their constituency.
This offers the opportunity to discuss concrete actions candidate MEPs could undertake before the poll and to debate on how to promote during the next term participation of citizens in the elaboration, implementation and monitoring of policies at all levels i.e. based on the principle of civil dialogue.
Joining forces with different EU networks members of the European Year of Citizens Alliance, we call on the candidates MEP to engage in trustful conversations with citizens and mobilise them to vote in a meaningful way.
European Parliament elections are the periodical momentum to test both politicians’ and citizens’ engagement and capacity to debate on how best shape our societies and improve European integration for the benefit of all.
In the light of the democratic crisis and growing mistrust towards the European Union, it is of utmost importance to mobilise EU citizens to not just participate in the elections but take informed and responsible decision in May.
The event will take place on 18 March at the European Parliament, room A5G315, from 10.00 to 11.45, Room A5G315
AGENDA
10.05 – 10.40 How do civil society organisations involve EU citizens in their campaign? Presentation of EU networks’ initiatives for the European elections 2014
- “Towards an age-friendly EP”, AGE’s campaign
- “Family Vote 2014”,campaign of the Confederation of Family Organisations in Europe (COFACE)
- “Y Vote 2014”, campaign of the European Students’ Forum (AEGEE)
- “Come out”, ILGA Europe’s campaign
- “50/50” campaign, campaign of the European Women’s Lobby (EWL)
- “Vote for Diversity”, campaign of the European Network against Racism (ENAR)
- “Accessible European Elections, Inclusive European Societies”, Campaign of the European Disability Forum (EDF)
- “Champions for a Social Europe”, EAPN’s Campaign
10.40 – 11.10 How do candidates MEP get in touch with EU citizens during their campaign? Statements from MEPs
11.10 – 11.40 Debate with the audience
11.40 – 11.45 Closing remarks, Claude Moraes MEP
