Event report

Foreword – Conference on the Future of Europe and EESC's role Launched in spring 2021 and with its conclusions expected to be ready in spring 2022, the Conference on the Future of Europe is the first event of its kind: a pan-European public forum for open, inclusive and transparent citizen-led debate on key priorities and challenges. People from across Europe can share their ideas via an innovative multilingual digital platform and at national and European citizens' panels. Contributions feed into the Conference plenaries in order to help shape our common future. The Conference thus provides a unique opportunity for Europe to reconnect and engage with its citizens. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) believes that the success of the Conference will depend on its ability to outline a new narrative for Europe, grounded in the realities of everyday life and creating a concrete rational and emotional link between the EU and its citizens. The aim is to rediscover a sense of community based on shared values, thereby generating new momentum to face current and future challenges. Given its deep-rooted links with employers, trade unions and wider civil society in all EU Member States, no institution is better placed than the EESC to put civil society back at the heart of the European political agenda. This is vital in ensuring that citizens regain trust in the European project. From the outset, the EESC has made it clear that the Conference must provide solutions that will make a tangible difference to the lives of the citizens of the EU. The Committee is thus determined to put forward its own strong and clear proposals, based on its vision for the EU in the coming decades. Against this background, the EESC sets out a narrative that ties Europe’s distant and recent past to the present and provides a vision for the future built on cooperation across borders and stronger links between the people of Europe. This vision is rooted in the values of solidarity, social justice, inter-generational cooperation, gender equality, sustainable prosperity and just green and digital transitions. It is imperative to leverage public support for these values in order to build a more equal and sustainable society and to place civil society organisations at the heart of Europe’s reconstruction and recovery. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a common European approach but has also exposed weaknesses in how Europe handles crises. The EU will need to strengthen its crisis-management capacity and the Conference offers a chance to formulate coherent responses to the political, health, economic and social challenges Europe faces. Civil society organisations are crucial in identifying solutions to today's challenges. EU and national authorities must recognise their role in building trust, shaping public opinion, acting as agents of change and promoting and defending European values, democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law in the face of illiberalism, populism and a shrinking civic space. Moreover, all parts of society must be involved in the design, implementation and assessment of EU policies. The Conference on the Future of Europe should be the vehicle through which we can bring about long-lasting change in the EU. To achieve this, increased involvement of citizens and organised civil society in the European public sphere is indispensable. Introduction Held on 24 February 2022, in view of the closing of the Conference on the Future of Europe, the EESC’s ‘Shaping Europe Together – the future is in your hands’ event was aimed at wrapping up the work done within the Conference and discussing the current situation, challenges ahead and ambitions for the future. The event brought together participants from different walks of life to discuss the future of Europe and the role played by civil society. Following an opening address by Christa Schweng, EESC President, and a keynote speech by Bijan Moini, lawyer and writer, Stefano Mallia, Oliver Röpke and Séamus Boland, the three EESC Group Presidents and rapporteurs who led the work on the resolution, made statements. Discussions covered ‘The Conference on the Future of Europe and the Europe we want: how to ensure a digital, green and resilient Europe’, and ‘Bringing the European project back to citizens: an institutional framework up to the challenges ahead’. They featured representatives of EU institutions, industrial associations and trade unions, as well as activists, authors and political scientists, among others. The event also included public Q&As, a poll, and screenings of videos on the perspectives of youth and civil society. Closing remarks were provided by Clément Beaune, French Secretary of State for European Affairs; Alice Krutilová, Director of the Department for the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU at the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic; and Eva Sjögren, Director General for EU Affairs at the Swedish Prime Minister’s Office. EESC's activities and its input to the Conference Through its own ad-hoc group and as an observer in the executive board and a member of the plenary, the EESC has played an active role in the Conference. A key part of its preparations was the drafting, and the adoption in April 2021, of its resolution on the Conference, entitled ‘A New Narrative for Europe’. The resolution underlines the need for Europe to reconnect with its citizens. It also sets out the EESC’s narrative for Europe, which will make it a great place to be and prosper, as well as the role of the Committee in creating a transnational debate that brings together debates at Member State level. Finally, the resolution draws conclusions on the kind of future that Europeans want: one in which civil society is in the driving seat. Official EESC activities related to the Conference began in June 2021 with a live Q&A debate entitled ‘Bringing the European project back to citizens’. The debate set out organised civil society's views and expectations regarding the Conference, highlighted the importance of engaging with people outside of the Brussels bubble and brainstormed in preparation for the citizens' consultations that were to follow. Opened by EESC President, Christa Schweng, the debate back then featured speeches by European Commission Vice-President, Dubravka Šuica and President of European Movement International, Eva Maydell MEP. Round tables covered shared fundamental values for Europe and beyond; sustainable economic recovery, skills and innovation; sustainable social recovery, job creation and just transition; and sustainable, inclusive and participative societies. In his final remarks, EESC Vice-President, Cillian Lohan said that the EESC consultations on the Conference would reach every corner of Europe. National consultations began in September 2021, with the EESC using its network to ask citizens about their concerns, hopes and thoughts about the future of Europe. The consultations feed into the online Conference platform, on which the EESC has published several ideas, and result in the compilation of recommendations and conclusions that the EESC will share in spring 2022 for follow-up by the EU institutions. Debates have also been organised centrally by the EESC, including, among many others, the Connecting EU seminar, held in Lisbon in November 2021 and entitled ‘What kind of Europe do you dream of?’ and the gid://decidim-dife/Decidim::Hashtag/6733/TúEresEuropa event, organised in Madrid, Spain on 10 November 2021 by the three EESC Groups jointly. Shaping Europe Together – opening session EESC President, Christa Schweng opened the event by asking whether it was the right time to be talking about the future of Europe given the Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier that day. Stressing the need for an approach based on democracy, shared values and the rule of the law, she answered with a resounding ‘yes’. She said that until recently, some, herself included, had believed that the European narrative of peace was no longer attractive to the younger generation, but the day’s events reminded us of the importance of peace. Referring to the EESC resolution on the Conference, she stated that, ‘Europe has to be considered as the guardian of shared fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law,’ adding that it must also be seen as a global promoter of sustainability and open and fair trade, a unique economic and social model based on fair competition and solidarity in an area without internal borders, and a driver of sustainable prosperity – all with a strong civil society at its heart. President Schweng said that the Conference was designed to show citizens that the EU is not so distant and to involve them in decisions that matter. She saw the initial months as a moderate success but believed that ambitions should go further, especially as concerns participation. The President pointed out that the work of the citizens' panels is concluding, the online platform is producing its report and discussion of concrete measures is beginning. Even so, questions on how conclusions have been reached must be answered, with citizens and organised civil society given a real say on the outcomes. She warned that not all proposals will make it into policy and it will be important to explain why, while proposals taken on board must be translated into follow-up measures otherwise the gap between citizens and the EU will grow. In the interests of transparency, she proposed an online dashboard clearly identifying which measures are taken, their timeline and who has to deliver on them. The President concluded by expressing her confidence that the event would help make the Conference a success and saying that, ‘current developments, sadly but paradoxically, can make us more united and this is what we now need more than ever.’ Keynote speaker, German lawyer and writer, Bijan Moini acknowledged that the event would be overshadowed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine before asking participants why they were participating. Answering for himself, he spoke about his parents’ departure from Iran for Germany after the 1979 revolution and 5 years before his birth. Only as a teenager did he grasp what it means to live in a free country. This gave him confidence that it is only a matter of time until all peoples of the world live in peace and dignity. Unfortunately, developments over the past 20 years, with democracy in retreat across the world, have led him to lose that faith. He added that the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the kind of devastation that the climate crisis could soon bring on a much greater scale, that we have yet to fully grasp the implications of the information revolution, and that globalisation has helped nurture injustice all over the world. For Bijan Moini, this means that faith must be replaced by determination: ‘Democracy does not just happen or, once established, stay in place. It needs to be built and polished (...) and when it is attacked it needs to be defended. (…) The EU, of which we all are part, is the right institution to overcome the challenges we face. Because it is democracy’s finest, most complex and most ambitious undertaking yet.’ He explained that the EU was formed by a succession of small steps – an approach that has been effective but no longer meets today’s challenges. So how can the EU continue to matter? He suggested two elements. Firstly, our capacity to change. The EU’s lack of self-confidence allows it to constantly reinvent what was forged after World War II. We must always be asking ourselves if the EU is fit to face what’s ahead and, if not, adjust it fast. Secondly, citizens must want the EU to matter. For this, they must be given ownership of it. In both respects, Bijan Moini believes that the Conference has struck the right note: it invites EU citizens to take the EU into their own hands. He then described his activities as head of the Everyone Foundation, in which he works with German writer, Ferdinand von Schirach. The Foundation has drafted six fundamental rights to address some of the most daunting challenges humanity faces. More than 250,000 people have signed a request to amend the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights to grant these six rights, showing that citizens want to change the EU for the better. Bijan Moini sees the EESC as a messenger between civil society and a political construct. He invited the EESC to use the Conference to think about how to meet Europeans’ expectations: stopping the climate crisis; saving truth, democracy and human self-determination; protecting human rights; and standing against warmongers. EESC Employers’ Group President, Stefano Mallia began his statement by saying that: ‘We woke up to a different world today. The people most affected at the moment are the people of Ukraine. They woke up to the sound of firing and took to their basements or rushed to the ATM to try and withdraw cash. A number of them are caught in traffic jams as they try to escape the conflict.’ He referred to a usually jovial Polish colleague who was very preoccupied. People in Poland were telling him of some Ukrainians fleeing their country and others going back to join the conflict and possibly die. Mr Mallia said that Vladimir Putin’s target – blaming Putin, not Russia – is not just Ukraine but stability in Europe, democracy and the peaceful international order. The EU must speak with a united voice, following words with actions, aware that actions have a cost. If Europe is to find peace, the EU must take steps to protect current and future members against hostile influences. Turning to the Employers’ Group manifesto on the future of Europe, Mr Mallia said that it stresses that the EU needs to devise more flexible instruments to act more effectively in the global arena. Qualified majority decisions should be taken in foreign and security policy. According to the latest Eurobarometer, 75% of Europeans are in favour of a common security and defence policy and 55% want an EU army. He concluded with the following words: ‘The Conference on the Future of Europe should be the vehicle through which we should continue building a project of peace and prosperity that delivers for its people.’ Workers’ Group President, Oliver Röpke acknowledged that, currently, everything seems secondary to developments in Ukraine. He had been at a worker’s rights demonstration which had turned into a demonstration for democratic values, peace and solidarity with all countries threatened by Putin. Expanding on this, he added that the Conference would deliver ideas to enable Europe to act in solidarity. It must be approached with open-mindedness and followed up to deliver ideas that have an impact on working people. ‘The most important achievements of the last century were based on peace; human, workers’, social and environmental rights; diversity and inclusiveness; fair and equal living and working conditions. Five years after the proclamation of the European Pillar of Social Rights we need to proceed to its real implementation,’ said Mr Röpke. He pointed to the need to bring citizens’ panels, trade unions, employers’ organisations and other civil society organisations together to give them a say on results; he also supported qualified majority voting. Mr Röpke ended by saying that everyone in the EESC shares the same values: solidarity, human rights, the rule of law. This is the moment to gather behind those values. Diversity Europe Group President, Séamus Boland started his statement by saying that when the Conference began, the question of what the future of Europe is would have been answered by ‘hope’: hope that we would improve our democratic processes, building on the work of the EU’s founding fathers. He explained that civil society organisations are formed to do what is needed without being told, and they do this very well. He was confident that the citizens’ panels would make good recommendations but implementation must be discussed with civil society organisations. Referring to the EU as ‘the biggest peace project in the world’, Mr Boland said, ‘We know that peace is a fragile flower. Right now, there are tanks trudging on that flower in Ukraine.’ He added that in war, objectives expand. Europe is thus at a crossroads. We must protect our values because if we lose them, we lose everything. Mr Putin may complain about injustices after the fall of the Berlin Wall, but if a person cannot resolve injustice through thought and dialogue, they cease to be a thinking human being. Ending with a quote from Bertrand Russell: ‘All war is a symptom of man’s failure to think’, Mr Boland said that the Conference should continue under the motto ‘equality and justice rooted in peace’. The Conference on the Future of Europe and the Europe we want: how to ensure a digital, green and resilient Europe Speakers in the first discussion session were EESC Vice-President, Cillian Lohan; Confederal Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, Liina Carr; Head of Cabinet of European Commission Vice-President Dubravka Šuica, Colin Scicluna; Secretary General of the European Round Table for Industry, Frank Heemskerk; and activist, Nini Tsiklauri. The session began with moderator, Beatriz Rios asking speakers about their expectations for the Conference and how to maintain citizens' trust in the EU institutions. Cillian Lohan said that, given other events, it is difficult, but still important, to have these conversations. The chance to listen to citizens is a huge opportunity, but managing expectations is key. Engagement was low in terms of percentage of population and we should see this as the start of a learning process that should be fine-tuned and will allow us to see which issues are raised and acted upon. Liina Carr said that when the idea of the Conference was proposed, hopes in the union movement were high but since then they have been fighting to be heard, with social partners kept separate from citizens. She added that, as an Estonian, she had been going to share Estonian chocolates with colleagues on that day to celebrate the 104th anniversary of the 1918 Estonian declaration of independence, but instead woke up to war. Colin Scicluna welcomed the fact that so many people have seen the Conference as an opportunity to engage. The declaration on the Conference adopted by the presidents of the European Parliament, Council and Commission said that it would open a space for debate with citizens, particularly those who are not organised. Citizens’ panels have been a revelation and when so many people are downcast, it’s timely to celebrate the creation of a democratic, deliberative space based on European values. Frank Heemskerk referred to a recent New Statesman article on how the more Putin attempts to bring Russia’s neighbours closer to Moscow, the more he repels them. The Conference is bringing people together – that’s the difference. He added that CEOs are reluctant to go into the ‘kitchen’ of European governance; they care about outcomes. He also stressed the need to deliver in terms of jobs, growth and prosperity. Nini Tsiklauri emphasised the need for a space where people can talk face to face but said that COVID-19 had made this difficult. Nonetheless, she had tried to bring the Conference to young people to enable them to change Europe on their own doorsteps. She wished the Conference could be extended for a year to give more people the chance to take part. A poll was then carried out, with the public asked what they considered the priority for Europe: to be greener, more equal and social, more digital, more resilient, more competitive, to speak with one voice, or anything else. Greener and more equal and social were popular options. Asked by the moderator how to make EU greener, Cillian Lohan replied that for a long time the green agenda was seen as separate to everything else. The approach is much more coherent now. Circular economy initiatives transform how businesses function, creating higher-quality products and cutting waste and raw material use. The EU is recognised as a leader in the area of growth based on sustainable development. We have the framework to share a model that works by engaging with citizens, civil society and social partners. The moderator asked Frank Heemskerk how he saw the private sector contribution to the fight against climate change. He answered that the private sector would only invest in areas that are profitable so the EU needs to use all available instruments to become more competitive. US companies are leading in so many sectors because the single market is fragmented, especially in the green and digital fields. This stops companies from growing. The Conference should thus focus on what we can do to strengthen the single market. Liina Carr supported the green and digital transitions but said that they cannot happen if we keep our old-fashioned understanding of economic governance. France adopted environmental legislation without a social dimension and there was an immediate backlash. Politicians and institutional actors must listen. The EU took unprecedented steps in the face of the pandemic which were agreed to on the condition that they were temporary, but we can’t go back to business as usual. Participants then watched a video giving a civil society perspective on the future of Europe, showing what the EESC is doing to engage with people across the EU to move the debate forward. It featured contributions by EESC members and civil society representatives from Croatia, Germany, Greece, Latvia and Slovakia. A public Q&A followed. The first question related to how to better protect citizens against power misuse and human rights violations. Colin Scicluna replied that we need to continue to emphasise the Europe of values as the most significant pillar of the European project. This needs to go beyond political statements to a point where citizens feel that this is something that protects them in every aspect of their lives. Given the EU’s dependence on Russian gas and the need for sustainability, Fabio Pintaudi asked how the EU will deal with these issues. Frank Heemskerk responded that the Green Deal is the right thing to do and we have to get US colleagues on board, but we need to come back to the single market. While the social aspect is vital, in many areas, such as 5G, Europe can do much better with a bit more harmonisation. Nini Tsiklauri saw a public comment saying that the EU is not interested in citizens’ viewpoints. She said that the EU tries to reach citizens but it is hard with people in so many countries. In her local work, she struggles to overcome people’s frustrations about the EU. She referred to two civic engagement tools that can have a role after the Conference: house parliaments, in which people gather in small groups to discuss issues; and direct lines to decision makers, which have been launched in 15 countries with aims to take them Europe-wide. Liina Carr added that when she talks to union members in Estonia, she tells them that Europe is not in Brussels, it is at home. National governments take part in EU decision-making so citizens must have their say at home. Bringing the European project back to citizens: an institutional framework up to the challenges ahead After an interlude with music from the Haven Quartet, the second discussion session began with a poll in which participants were asked about the most important thing for increasing citizens’ confidence in the EU. Options were: structured feedback mechanisms after the Conference; clear communication around policies, funds and tangible results; that citizens feel listened to and their needs reflected in EU policies; open dialogue between citizens and institutions; a common cultural project around European identity; avoiding jargon; and institutional change. Clear communication and feeling listened to were popular choices. Speakers for the second session were EESC Vice-President, Giulia Barbucci; MEP and European People's Party Vice-Chair, Siegfried Mureşan; trade unionist, Kim Söderström; student and youth activist, Martyna Pawlak; and Finland's citizen representative in the Conference, Ninni Norra. The first question was for all speakers: according to the latest Eurobarometer, six in ten Europeans think that EU membership is good for their countries. What are the key steps to maintain citizens' confidence? Giulia Barbucci replied that people must see their proposals from the Conference taken into consideration. The institutional framework is incomplete and proposals could include qualified majority decisions and more power for the European Parliament as it is elected by citizens. The moderator wondered if we have to restructure the EU to make sure that citizens are better represented. Siegfried Mureşan said that, of the three big crises of the past 15 years – the financial and migration crises and COVID-19 – none were caused by the EU but citizens expected it to provide solutions and it did. But the EU doesn’t do enough during the good times because it focuses on one topic at a time. ‘If we don’t strengthen in all areas we will be vulnerable in the face of the next crisis,’ he said. Mr Mureşan added that, with regard to the Conference, some ideas can be implemented; some are already in place so the EU must improve its communication; the EU is already working on some; and for some, the EU has no competence. The EU must be honest with citizens on what it can do or there will be disappointment. Kim Söderström said that many members of his union have concerns about the single market. As conditions differ between countries, workers are put in competition with one another, leading to downward pressure on wages, a lack of security and exploitation. Martyna Pawlak felt that only people who were already interested in the EU were aware of the Conference. Young people do not know what the EU does because information is lacking or hard to understand, and there is a lack of political education focused on the EU in schools. The EU needs to communicate in more accessible language and in a way that is targeted at different groups of people. Giulia Barbucci responded that the EESC has done a lot of work organising events at national level to transmit information on the Conference and the EU. A recent Eurobarometer shows that 9 out of 10 young people view the EU positively. She is proud that the EESC speaks with young activists and organises the annual ‘Your Europe, Your Say!’ event for young people to make proposals to the EU institutions. In response to a question from the moderator on how to come up with policies that represent everybody, Siegfried Mureşan replied that a European public debate is needed. Heads of state and government are concerned with national public opinion, whereas MEPs have to make concessions for different countries. He said that the EU must communicate more clearly about the benefits of the single market and he agreed on the need to strengthen the social pillar. But to afford this the economy must be competitive, which means investing in research and innovation and unleashing the potential of the single market. Asked what he would like to see change about the EU, Kim Söderström referred to an instance of an eastern European firm engaging in wage dumping in Sweden. Consequences of this include lower incomes, lower tax revenue and less social security. Higher standards are needed as populists are taking advantage of this. Replying to a question on how the EU can strengthen participation of young people, Martyna Pawlak said that young people are very involved in activism and see the benefits of the EU but don’t blindly trust governments and institutions, which is good as it means such bodies are held to account. In her work with the ‘Stand for Something’ campaign to get young people involved in the Conference, she visited schools where students asked if the campaign would actually do anything. She also recalled meetings with politicians in which young people made suggestions. The politicians said they were great ideas but later voted against them. The moderator asked Ninni Norra about her experience of the Conference. She answered that changing schedules, poor communication and a lack of assistance raise questions as to whether the Conference is a platform where citizens and decision makers can meet as equals. Events were organised in ways that were not suitable for all Member States and there was insufficient transparency. She added that sanctions against Russia are needed but EU workers must not become victims and the EESC must protect EU citizens’ rights. Asked what the EU should do to translate discussion into action, Ninni Norra said that a 2-year project has been squeezed into 1 year and people involved in the Conference did not know what their roles were. You cannot revolutionise EU decision-making like that. What the Conference represents could mean a better tomorrow so she wants to keep the idea alive by taking care of the proposals rather than extending the Conference. EESC member, Paul Rübig asked how much speakers hear about the Conference in public debate, whether there is debate on Europe’s future in schools and universities, and how to communicate better with citizens. Martyna Pawlak: replied that mandatory political debates in schools would be beneficial. She had seen no mention of the Conference in Ireland apart from in her work with Stand for Something. Moving forward, it is important to make sure that governments are on board with actions like the Conference. Siegfried Mureşan said that 2 or 3 years ago, journalists in Romania would not write about climate change because it was not seen as a priority. Young people knew about it but got their information from social networks rather than traditional media. It could be the same with the Conference. The Conference was scheduled to end before the 2022 French Presidential Elections. Delays due to COVID-19 meant that this was not possible so it became less of a priority for the French Presidency. The possibility for people to feed ideas into the decision-making process should be permanent. Politicians have to talk about topics that are important to people and meet young people where they are, as well as showing that negative perceptions of the EU institutions are inaccurate. In response to a question on how to increase a sense of belonging among citizens, Giulia Barbucci said that the EU’s founding fathers built on peace and the European social model. We cannot change these roots. The Conference gives us a chance to build the Europe we want, based on solidarity. We need concrete answers for the younger generation and the EU is best placed to provide them. The final question related to how best to strengthen links between citizens and institutions. Martyna Pawlak replied that it is necessary to have open communication with, and a say in, EU decision-making for ordinary citizens. Current information is too vague and has too much jargon. Participants were then asked a Slido question on what Europe means to them. Responses included unity, diversity, togetherness, peace, solidarity, cooperation and human rights. The session ended with a video in which young people from national youth councils outlined their visions for a shared future based on values including collaboration, community, equal opportunities and change. Closing session In his closing words, Clément Beaune thanked the EESC for its commitment to the Conference and said that its support on finalising proposals would be needed until the Conference closes on 9 May. He stressed that the work would go beyond 9 May as all citizens involved in the panels would want to know what is going to come of their ideas, with implementation requiring debate and institutional decisions. To the EESC, he said, ‘You, representing civil society, will provide impetus and act as a guardian to make sure that we meet your expectations and the ideas are implemented. This is a vast, unique European exercise.’ Minister Beaune pointed out that when France launched its Presidency, it organised 18 regional conferences where citizens were asked what they wanted to change, develop or criticise. Also, 50,000 young people took part in an initial online consultation. Participants emphasised the environment, values, democracy and the rule of law. These are priorities for the future along with social Europe, climate and regulation of large digital firms. Clément Beaune concluded that the Conference shows the importance of debate: 90% of French people who took part are proud of it and 80% feel their contribution was useful. Their ideas will feed into the work of the European Parliament and Council. Alice Krutilová noted that the issues in the debates were the same as those discussed in working groups involving the EU institutions. ‘I’m glad to see the overlap between what citizens and various stakeholders have in their hearts and minds with regard to the Conference on the Future of Europe and what the institutions discuss,’ she said. The Conference was welcomed in the Czech Republic and the topics were well chosen. Although inputs came from many sides, the structure is set up to achieve tangible results. With the Czech Presidency taking place in the second half of 2022, the focus is on working with the French and Swedish Presidencies to define and implement the results. Given the complexity of the EU, Ms Krutilová agreed on the need for education to make people feel involved. There is a big role for politicians in this as, if they blame the EU for everything, citizens won’t see its benefits. She had been pleasantly surprised by the numbers of people wanting a bottom-up process and to engage in discussion about Europe, and she hoped that the Czech Presidency would boost knowledge about the EU. Ms Krutilová ended by saying that the Conference won’t bring about institutional reform, and that while we are currently focused on Ukraine, we must not forget that we are in the middle of a pandemic and a climate crisis. Eva Sjögren began her remarks by saying that, ‘The Conference has created momentum for increasing citizen engagement in dialogue about the EU. Engaging in close dialogue with citizens has been the key strategy for the Swedish government.’ She added that this would continue after the Conference, in line with Sweden’s tradition of citizen engagement. A decentralised approach has helped reach people from different walks of life, with the government consulting civil society organisations and NGOs to consolidate priorities. Swedish Minister for EU Affairs, Hans Dahlgren took part in discussions in some 75 schools and events were held in cooperation with the European Parliament. Ms Sjögren explained that priorities from the discussions were policies to prevent climate change and promote the rule of law, democratic values and social equality. There was also much interest in the EU’s role in the world but little appetite for institutional and treaty change. In wrapping up the Conference, Ms Sjögren outlined three points to consider: citizens who have spoken at the Conference must be listened to without any political filter; the exercises are not an expression of what the entire EU population thinks; and while the Conference has advantages for citizen participation, it is not a decision-making body of the EU. EU institutions and national parliaments must see which points to take forward to respond to all citizens, including those that did not engage. Sweden takes over the Presidency in early 2023 and sees it as a chance to work in the interests of the entire EU. To wrap up, Christa Schweng thanked all participants and everyone involved in the Conference for their ideas on how to shape a European future based on mutual understanding, cooperation, shared values, democracy and the rule of law. She underlined that none of these principles could be taken for granted, as demonstrated in the previous few hours. In response to a question from Bijan Moini, she said that we are here to uphold and strengthen what the EU stands for. This is what the Conference is about: gathering the views of citizens, employers, workers and civil society on the future of the EU. The contributions are now in the hands of the Conference structure: the working groups, the plenary, the executive board and the presidency. There is an enormous number of proposals and selection will be arduous. Positions developed by the EESC and ideas received from organised civil society are highly relevant. Discussion during the Shaping Europe event shows widespread agreement on the potential positive effects of the conference. President Schweng concluded by stating that we are at the beginning of a long-term process. The Conference will be a success if concrete policy recommendations are made in areas where the EU can make a real difference; if the recommendations are translated into tangible results for businesses, workers and citizens; and if we achieve a level of European democracy which genuinely involves civil society and its representatives. She was confident that the event had contributed to achieving this goal and would continue to work towards it.