Event report

Citizens’ Forum of the Pro-Europe Network Munich & Upper Bavaria as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe on 19.01.2022 in the town hall of the municipality of Großkarolinenfeld on the topic of “European democracy”: Welcome address: First Mayor Bernd Fessler keynote speech: Monika Hermann, Attorney at Law and Specialist for Administrative Law Moderation: Maic Staebler, Coach and Moderator, Organisation: Monika Hermann, Pro-Europa Network Munich & Upper Bavaria, Pulse of Europe — Rosenheim Due to the corona-related conditions, the number of participants was limited and prior registration was required. 14 people participated in the Citizens’ Forum. On the outcome of the citizens’ discussion: Question 1 (before the keynote speech) What do you think spontaneously about European democracy? · I remember the European elections. First we talked a lot about the lead candidate system. Then we chose and then someone else was chosen behind closed doors. It wasn't democracy. I don‘t know if I’m going to vote again next time. · What upsets me is the unanimity principle. One alone can block everyone else. That’s undemocratic. · The unanimity principle is important so that small states are not overruled. · The EU often sets something for all, which is not suitable for all. · There should also be blocking minorities. · It is part of democracy that there are different opinions and decisions are often a compromise that doesn't fit all. Europe offers us so many opportunities and we all benefit from it. · It is above all peace-making. · It is important for the EU to be united to the outside world (see Ukraine); but no one is allowed to be “overbursted”. · The EU does not respect the Treaties; it deprives the EU of credibility if it deviates from the EU Treaties (here we called the “no-bail-out clause”)· Germany is often shunning. Germany is also excluded from nuclear energy without coordination with the others. After the keynote speech on “European Democracy”, the discussion will be continued and agreed on prepared issues, with only a loose guide to the discussion. Question 1 Do you feel sufficiently involved in decisions at European level? If no, what would you wish for? Key arguments in the course of the discussion: · I feel much too little involved because I just don't have any information. The regional newspapers almost do not report on Europe. · I don't feel involved either. Europe should make much more substantive proposals (agriculture, energy, supply chains)· That is what the Commission does. I already feel involved. · Perhaps one should also allow more project-based elections on specific topics. Why are we only now discussing European democracy and not much earlier? Vote on the following question: Do you feel sufficiently involved in decisions at European level? · 10 against· 2 votes in favour· 1 abstention Questions 2, 3, 4 and 5 As the discussion on these issues was somewhat confused, the arguments relating to this issue are summarised below. Question 2: Should the role of the European Parliament be strengthened in the interplay of the European institutions? If so, how? Question 3: The elections to the European Parliament are governed only partially by European legislation. Essentially, the European elections are governed by national rules which vary from country to country. Should the European Parliament be elected on the basis of a single European electoral law? Question 4: So far, you only have one vote in the European Parliament elections, with which you can only vote national lists. In order to stimulate the formation of genuine European political parties, there are calls for the introduction of a second vote to elect transnational lists, each with a single programme across the EU. Would you like some of the seats of the European Parliament to be elected via transnational lists? Question 5: Should transnational lists be designed in such a way that they can form the basis for the emergence of genuine European political parties? Key arguments in the course of the discussion: · It is essential to strengthen the European Parliament; the Member States (Council and European Council) should no longer have power, or at least much less. · Existing parties and governments do not want to give power. · This requires much more stimulus from citizens to become more European. · Since there are only national parties, I do not know what they actually stand for in European politics. · That is why we need parties where the programme is thematically based, so that it is clear what they want for Europe. · On a transnational list, I don't know the candidates. · It would also be more important to choose a programme for Europe. · With today’s technological possibilities this is quite conceivable· Why does this not work in the groupings (such as the EPP)? There would have to be much more pressure to position themselves with common programs. · It is both necessary to strengthen the groupings as well as transnational lists in order to push for joint political programmes for Europe as a whole. But should we not hold the free seats in Parliament for the British until they return to the EU? That would be a good symbol. · One should not occupy the vacant seats in the European Parliament by election, but give away to citizens who then perform paid parliamentary work. · The nation states are not yet so old, perhaps it is now time for the European level to think of the EU as a new state level· But the EU is not credible because it does not comply with the European Treaties. · Treaty changes would be more often necessary because the EU needs to respond to crises and need to adapt. EU politicians have often acted correctly. It should be easier to amend the Treaties. Result of the vote on question 2: Should the role of the European Parliament be strengthened in the interplay of the European institutions? · 9 votes in favour· 0 against — 4 abstentions vote on question 3: Should the European Parliament be elected on the basis of a single European electoral law? 11 votes in favour· 1 against — 2 abstentions vote on question 4: Would you like some of the seats of the European Parliament to be elected via transnational lists? 11 votes in favour· 1 against — 2 abstentions vote on question 5: Should transnational lists be designed in such a way that they can form the basis for the emergence of genuine European political parties? · 10 votes in favour· 3 against — votes· 1 abstentions Question 6 Should the EU use elements of participatory democracy more extensively than before and promote transnational debates by and with citizens? Which methods would be useful from your point of view? Key arguments in the course of the discussion: · The political commitment of the people is already too little. · Civic participation is a problem because people do not get involved anyway. · The EU would need to communicate much better outside the EU and also serve social media more intensively in order to reach more young people. With good content offers you could inspire more people about the topics and motivate them to become more committed. · When I was still in school — and that’s not so long ago — I learned almost nothing about the EU, only when I was studying was my interest aroused. · If education is better, interest also grows. · There is also a need to establish much more contacts among the people of Europe. Erasmus is great, but far too little. · Digitalisation will make society much more diverse. It is therefore becoming increasingly difficult for policymakers to reach consensus and enforce things. We need new ideas for better tools for this “diversity management”. We need more modern and transparent forms of decision-making with citizen participation procedures and expert councils to make the many aspects that need to be taken into account in decision-making visible and audible. Otherwise, in the end, the stronger and the “brain necks” will prevail, which do not have or represent the interest of the general public. · But the experts must only be consultative and not lobbyists· There should be a lot more drawn decision-making bodies, otherwise more and more people feel they are not represented by anyone. · On all European issues, personal exchanges among citizens would also be important to vote on the following question: Should the EU use elements of participatory democracy more comprehensively than before and promote transnational debates by and with citizens? 13 votes in favour· 0 against — 1 abstentions