Future of Europe debate: Live online dialogue with Vice-President Viviane Reding

Throughout 2013, Citizens' Dialogues were held all across Europe. Now the debate is going digital. On 16 January 2014 at 20h CET, Vice-President Viviane Reding will debate with citizens from across Europe in an online dialogue streamed live on YouTube.

“This online dialogue is an opportunity for a truly European debate,” said Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Commissioner Viviane Reding. "The internet connects people around the world. It is thus the perfect place for Europeans to come together, exchange views and debate issues which affect each and every one of us. The Dialogue will be a unique opportunity to prepare the ground for the upcoming European elections by discussing the issues most important for citizens across Europe, issues that will determine the future of the European Union. Everyone can tune in – it just takes an internet connection and a click of the mouse."

To take part in this online dialogue, people can post their questions and comments on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ with the hashtags #askReding and/or #eudeb8.

Watch the online dialogue here.

Euronews will be moderating the debate, and will be inviting participants to take part based on the most interesting and challenging questions posed on social media. The debate will be preceded by a live Euronews ‘Global Conversation’ interview with Vice-President Reding, which you can watch here (available in 13 languages).

Background

What are the Citizens' Dialogues about?

2013 was the European Year of Citizens (IP/13/2), a year dedicated to citizens and their rights. Throughout the year, members of the Commission held debates with citizens about their expectations for the future in Citizens' Dialogues all over the EU. This will continue in 2014.

So far, 41 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.

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 this year’s 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

Link to the online debate

Further information on the Online 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

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