Future of Europe debate: Commissioner Hedegaard talks with citizens in Copenhagen

The future of Europe, climate action and strengthening citizen involvement in EU affairs were among the topics to be discussed with Connie Hedegaard, commissioner for climate action, at the 43rd Citizens' Dialogue. The Dialogue involved 400 citizens and took place in Copenhagen on 6 February 2014.

Commissioner Connie Hedegaard said: "Strengthening the dialogue between politicians and citizens is essential to the support for the EU. Brussels is also us. As a citizen you can actually influence the EU. I am pleased for this reason that so many citizens have signed up for the citizen's dialogue and got the opportunity to be heard."

Citizens from all over Denmark will participate in the Copenhagen Dialogue, alongside Danish politicians – among them candidates for the European Parliament elections. The Dialogue was moderated by Lykke Friis, Vice-Chancellor of Copenhagen University, who is also a former government minister and MP.

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 and into 2014, 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, 42 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, 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 71% of Danes feel that they are citizens of the EU (59% on average for EU citizens). However, only 58% say that they know what rights EU citizenship brings. 68% of Danes 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 a 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 prepares for the challenges facing the EU in the future. 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 and suggestions raised in Citizens' Dialogues on EU citizens' rights and their future.

More information

Further information on the Copenhagen 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 Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard

Follow Commissioner Hedegaard on Twitter: @CHedegaardEU

European Commission Representation in Denmark

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