EU
Future of Europe debate: Vice-President Viviane Reding to hold Citizens' Dialogue in Barcelona
What role should the EU play in the economic recovery? What rights do we have as European citizens and how do these rights affect our daily lives? What kind of Europe do citizens want for the future? These are some of the issues that European Commission Vice President Viviane Reding will discuss with around 250 citizens on 23 February in Barcelona for the 45th Citizens' Dialogue.
"In the midst of the crisis, Spain undertook painful reforms. Citizens might not be feeling the immediate results in their daily lives yet, but Spain is firmly on the path to recovery. I want Spanish citizens to know: The EU is not letting you down. Fighting youth unemployment is our top priority," said Vice President Viviane Reding. “I have known Catalonia for a long time. I know Catalans are ardent Europeans. I am therefore convinced that the debate in Barcelona will be passionate when it comes to the future of our Union but also Catalonia's future. I am looking forward to this Dialogue with citizens in Barcelona."
At the Dialogue, citizens will have the opportunity to debate with Vice President Reding, to ask questions and to put forward their views and concerns. The Dialogue will be moderated by TV3 journalist Carles Prats.
The event is fully booked but those wishing to attend can still follow the event on a big screen at the European Commission's Regional Office in Barcelona (information on enrolment here).
The Dialogue will take place on 23rd February from 18.00 to 20.00 in the Auditorium of one of Barcelona's most famous buildings, La Pedrera (Passeig de Gràcia, 92). The event can be watched live via webstream while citizens from all over Europe can also participate via Facebook and Twitter by using hashtags #EUDeb8 and #RedingBCN.
On 24 February, Vice-President Reding will inaugurate the recently restored historical complex of the Sant-Pau Hospital together with the President of the Catalan Autonomous Government Artur Mas, Spanish Minister for Internal Development Ana Pastor, Mayor of the Catalan capital city Xavier Trias and Archbishop of Barcelona Lluís Martínez Sistach. Half of the €22.5 million used for the restoration of the main pavilion of this UNESCO World Heritage Site came from EU funds (European Regional Development Fund) – a good example of how EU money can help to build infrastructure and create jobs locally.
Background
What are the Citizens' Dialogues about?
In 2013 the European Commission launched the European Year of Citizens (IP/13/2). Some of the activities associated with this year are continuing into 2014. Throughout 2013 and moving into 2014, members of the Commission have debated with citizens from all over Europe about their expectations for the future.
So far 44 dialogues with citizens have taken place across the European Union, with at least one Commissioner present on each occasion. A total of 50 such meetings are planned (see annex). You can follow them on the 'net here.
A recent Eurobarometer poll shows that 69% of Spaniards feel European (59% on average for EU citizens in all Member States). However, only 43% say that they know what rights EU citizenship brings while 60% of Spaniards would like to know more about their rights as EU citizens.
This is why the European Commission declared 2013 European Year of Citizens, a year dedicated to citizens and their rights. The Citizens' Dialogues have been at the heart of this year and they are continuing in 2014.
Why is the Commission doing this now?
Because Europe is at a crossroads. The coming months and years will be decisive for the future of the European Union with many voices offering differing opinions on which direction it should take.. European integration should go hand in hand with reinforcing the Union's democratic legitimacy. Listening to the voices of citizens is therefore more important than ever.
What will be the outcome of the Citizens' Dialogue?
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 these Dialogues is to prepare the ground for the 2014 European Parliament elections.
On 8 May 2013, the European Commission published its second Report on EU citizenship, which presents 12 new concrete measures to solve citizens' problems (IP/13/410 and MEMO/13/409). The Report on EU citizenship is the Commission’s answer to a major online consultation held from May 2012 (IP/12/461) and to questions raised and suggestions made in the Citizens' Dialogues on EU citizens' rights and their future.
More information
Further information on the Barcelona Citizens' Dialogue
Further information on the debate on social networks
Debates with citizens about the future of Europe
Europeans have their say: Results of the consultation on EU citizens' rights
Homepage of Vice President Viviane Reding
Follow Vice-President on Twitter: @VivianeRedingEU
European Commission Representation in Barcelona on Twitter: @euinbcn
ANNEX
The debate on Europe's future continues…
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