An ECAS Brainstorming Seminar

'Civic Participation and the EU'

Monday 2nd December 2013
14:00-18:00
Representation of Saxony Anhalt to the EU
80 Boulevard Saint Michel
B-1040 Brussels

Download the draft programme
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The aim of this event is to help shape ECAS' future programme, as well as to focus on a reform agenda for the European elections for the coming year in order to bring about real citizen participation in EU decision-making. The discussion will revolve around three different themes: the right to know, to be heard and to participate in the future evolution of the EU.

These topics raise a group of interesting questions: How can the various channels of communication in the EU better known and more interesting to civil society and citizens? Why is it that a relatively limited number of people complain, petition or address the European Ombudsman? Is this primarily a question of more awareness-raising? How can access and consultation be improved? Do citizens feel that their voices count with EU decision-makers? And can initiations such as ECAS' Charter on European Citizenship help the situation?

Among those speaking at the conference will be newly-elected European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly, who is providing the keynote speech in one of her first engagements with an NGO. This should be a fantastic opportunity to explore the views of a newly-appointed senior official.

For more information, please contact Alex Lea at alex.lea@ecas.org