Have a say in Europe
Having a say on Europe is a Germany-wide series of events organized by the European Parliament . Citizens can question EU parliamentarians and discuss regional, national and European issues. In addition, institutions and organizations from the region present European projects.
Event concept
“Mitreden über Europa” was drafted in 1996 by the Information Office of the European Parliament and the Representation of the European Commission in Germany. In 2006 a four-year new season started. The series of events continued thereafter and finally another four-year season started in 2012. “Having a say about Europe” is a communication tool that aims to bring European politics far from you to the citizens.
In 2006 and 2007, an average of over 300 citizens took part in the events. All sections of the population are invited. For school and student groups there are other options before or after the discussion, such as interviews with the MPs. The podium usually consists of the regionally responsible EU parliamentarians, a representative of the European Commission and a prominent national representative. The citizens' forum is moderated and directed by a regional journalist. Event locations are public institutions such as state parliaments, town halls or universities. The process is always the same: the moderator asks each panel guest a question that relates to his area of responsibility or current topics. Then the discussion begins in the forum, which lasts a good hour. Attempts are made to refrain from making corrections and partisan debauchery.
subjects
The mostly topical and regional topics result from the interests of those present. Examples from past forums:
- Relationship between the European Union and the USA
- Reform Treaty of Lisbon
- geographical and integrational borders of the European Union
- Europe as an area of freedom, security and justice
- European economic and social model in global competition
- Europe's role in climate protection
- EU agricultural policy
- Europe as a cultural and educational area and a community of values
- Health and consumer protection
Have a say in 2014
The 2014 citizens' forums “Mitreden über Europa” focused on the Transatlantic Free Trade Agreement between the EU and the United States , the critical situation in Ukraine and the European elections in May 2014.
Events took place in Münster (January 30), Braunschweig (February 14), Nuremberg (February 14) and Cottbus (March 21) until April 2014 .
Have a say in 2013
The topics from the previous year will initially be continued in 2013 as the focal points for the citizens' forums “Have a say on Europe”, as they correspond to the interests of citizens. Furthermore, aspects of cross-border education and social justice in Europe are repeatedly taken up.
In 2013, events took place in Kiel (January 31), Ludwigshafen am Rhein (April 12), Dortmund (June 21) and Frankfurt am Main (June 27), Heilbronn (October 10) and Passau (November 28) .
Have a say in 2012
The forums in 2012 focused on the financial crisis , the economic situation in Europe and the new regulation of the financial markets as well as climate protection and sustainable energy supply .
The events took place in Heidelberg , Bremen , Potsdam , Rostock and Bayreuth .
Have a say in 2008: Reform of the European Union before the 2009 European elections
The forums in 2008 focused on the Lisbon Treaty , energy and climate change and the 2009 European elections, including the local and regional effects.
In 2008 events took place in Berlin , Bielefeld , Braunschweig , Cottbus , Erfurt , Karlsruhe , Nuremberg , Regensburg , Saarbrücken and Schwerin .
Have a say in 2007: German Presidency and 50 years of the Treaty of Rome
In 2007 the events were dominated by the German Presidency of the European Union and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome. Both events raised questions and topical issues that were discussed at the citizens' forums “Have a say on Europe”.
In 2007 citizens' forums “Have a say on Europe” took place in Aachen , Bremen , Dresden , Essen , Kassel , Magdeburg , Mainz , Ulm , and Würzburg .
Have a say in 2006: Debate on the future of Europe
In 2006 the failed referendums on the EU constitutional treaty were a particular topic of the events. They became part of a Europe-wide debate on the political crisis in the EU .
The European Commission and the European Parliament committed themselves to make an active contribution to promoting a far-reaching European debate. The European Commission made listening, explaining and acting locally a top priority in its “Plan D” (Democracy, Debate and Dialogue). The European Parliament organized regional discussion forums in all Member States, where citizens can discuss their expectations of Europe with MEPs.
In 2006 the citizens' forums "Mitreden über Europa" took place in Saarbrücken , Hamburg , Cologne , Heidelberg , Frankfurt am Main , Leipzig , Hanover , Koblenz , Munich and Potsdam .
Web links
