Future of Europe: Vice-President Reding to debate with citizens in Vilnius

The future of Europe, citizens' rights and the recovery from the economic crisis are the topics to be discussed at the 41st Citizens' Dialogue with Vice President Viviane Reding and 200 citizens in Vilnius which will take place tomorrow, on 13 December 2013.

"Next May will be an important month for Lithuanians – not only will you elect a new President, but you will also elect a new European Parliament, making a choice on the course our Union will take in the coming years," said Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Commissioner Reding. "The Dialogue tomorrow will be a unique opportunity to prepare the ground for these elections by discussing face to face the issues most important for Lithuanians, issues that will determine the future of the European Union."

Citizens from all over Lithuania will participate in the Vilnius Dialogue alongside Lithuanian politicians, business leaders and cultural figures. The Mayor of Vilnius Artūras Zuokas will kick off the debate alongside Vice-President Reding. The Dialogue will be moderated by Edmundas Jakilaitis (national television LRT).

The debate will take place on 13 December from 12:00 to 14:00 (11:00 to 13:00 CET) in Vilnius Town Hall followed by a press conference, and it can be followed live via webstream. Citizens from all over Europe can also participate via Twitter by using the hashtag #EUDeb8 and on Facebook.

On the same day, Vice-President Reding will participate in the closing conference of the 2013 European Year of Citizens, hosted by the Lithuanian presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Background

What are the Citizens' Dialogues about?

In January, the European Commission kicked off the European Year of Citizens (IP/13/2), a year dedicated to citizens and their rights. Throughout the year, members of the Commission have been holding debates with citizens about their expectations for the future in Citizens' Dialogues all over the EU.

So far, 40 Citizens’ Dialogues have already taken place across the European Union, with a Commissioner present on each occasion. A total of more than 50 such meetings are planned (see annex), all attended by national and European politicians. Follow all the dialogues here.

A lot has been achieved in the twenty years since the introduction of EU Citizenship: a recent Eurobarometer survey shows that 65 % of Lithuanians feel European (62% on average for EU citizens). However, only 52% say that they know what rights EU citizenship brings. At the same time 58% of Lithuanians would like to know more about their rights as EU citizens.

This is why the Commission has made 2013 the European Year of Citizens, a year dedicated to citizens and their rights. The Citizens' Dialogues have been at the heart of this year.

Why is the Commission doing this now?

Because Europe is at a crossroads. The coming months and years will be decisive for the future course of the European Union, with many voices talking about moving towards political union, a Federation of Nation States or a United States of Europe. Furthermore, European integration must go hand in hand with strengthening the Union's democratic legitimacy. Giving citizens a direct voice in this debate is therefore more important than ever.

What will be the outcome of the Dialogues?

The feedback from citizens during the Dialogues will help guide the Commission as it draws up plans for a future reform of the EU. One of the main purposes of the dialogues will also be to prepare the ground for the 2014 European elections.

On 8 May 2013 the European Commission published its second EU Citizenship Report, which puts forward 12 new concrete measures to solve problems citizens still have (IP/13/410 and MEMO/13/409). The Citizens' Report is the Commission's answer to a major online consultation held from May 2012 (IP/12/461) and the questions raised and suggestions made in Citizens' Dialogues on EU citizens' rights and their future.

More information

Further information on the Vilnius Citizens' Dialogue

Debates with citizens on the Future of Europe

European Year of Citizens

Europeans have their say: Results of the consultation on EU citizens’ rights

Homepage of Vice President Viviane Reding

Follow the Vice-President on Twitter: @VivianeRedingEU

European Commission Representation in Lithuania

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