Event Summary: The EU's post-election trajectory: What is the role of citizens and civil society?
On July 10, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium, GLOBSEC, together with the European Policy Centre, organized an in-person policy dialogue titled "EU's post-elections trajectory: What role for citizens and civil society?" The event focused on the institutional, political and societal implications and future prospects following the recent European elections. Discussions revolved around key questions such as the main priorities for the next European Commission, the significance of citizens' participation in shaping and formulating the EU's policy and reforms, and the role of civil society in these processes.
A total of 47 participants attended the debate, comprising 34 women, 12 men, and one non-binary individual, representing over 17 countries (11 from the EU and six non-EU).
The event reviewed the EUact2 project, conducted in collaboration with partners from ELIAMEP, European Movement Ireland, and the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe.
Johannes Greubel, the Head of the Transnationalisation Programme and Project Leader of Connecting Europe at EPC, led the panel discussion.
Vladislava Gubalova, a senior fellow at GLOBSEC, reminded the audience that, based on the project, young people still believe in democracy and would like to belong, but they do not see themselves included, leading to non-engagement or disengagement. With societal polarisation and concerns over shrinking civic spaces, the responsibility of civil society is evermore greater and challenging.
Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA), suggested that there are multiple potential outcomes for the new leadership in Brussels. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging that far-right parties represent a large group of EU citizens. Therefore, it is crucial to listen to their voices in understanding the deep roots of their choices, to clearly explain the added value of the EU, and to "decode Europe." Valmorbida views citizen participation as a future decisive factor and a driving force for significant changes.
Noelle O'Connell, CEO of European Movement Ireland, continued this line of thought by highlighting Ireland's strong record of participatory democracy. She mentioned the disconnection felt by some citizens and the importance of initiatives like the Conference on the Future of Europe, where deliberative formats can be a learning instrument and an avenue to potentially strengthen the legitimacy of policymaking. O'Connell emphasized the need for the EU to navigate these post-election times carefully and not take citizens' opinions for granted. According to her, civil society organizations play a crucial role in this regard from the very bottom up.
Apostolos Samaras, an Attorney at Law and Research Fellow at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), presented the EU elections as often being perceived as second-tier within states despite their potential to produce significant results. Samaras stressed the necessity of creating a sense of proximity for citizens who often feel distanced from the EU. He noted that populist parties frequently ask the right questions that resonate more closely with citizens, even if they do not provide solutions. Therefore, the legal basis for the EU's values and principles cannot be left to interpretation but common understanding. This can be an essential task for civil society to counter extreme and populist narratives.
Key Takeaways:
- The impact of election results on society remains uncertain and will depend on the composition and leadership of the EU. This will determine the priorities and issues addressed over the next five years.
- It's crucial to tackle the EU's issues by addressing them at their root within individual member states, considering the results of elections to understand the core problems.
- Utilizing participatory formats in policymaking can restore citizens' trust in institutions and increase their interest in politics and democracy.
- Young people are interested in democracy but often feel excluded from policy processes. Increasing their participation beyond voting through deliberative methods is essential.
- Civil society organizations have a crucial role to play in advocating for a better EU.
- It is essential to create a closer connection between citizens and the EU, address the right questions that resonate with the public and foster a supportive climate for civil society.
- Adopting a bottom-up approach at local levels can help citizens feel like a part of their community and make decisions on topics that directly affect them, thereby increasing awareness and a sense of citizenship.
- There is a need for more initiatives like the Conference on the Future of Europe to involve citizens in decision-making processes and ensure their voices are heard.