Can Europe change? And what could be her future in a changing world? 49 sentences. 320 meters. 43,734 suggestions. 16,274 ideas. The Conference on the Future of Europe is now a fact, since May 9, the day that celebrates peace and unity in Europe, as it was founded after the B & # 8217; During World War II, the Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission received the final report on the proposals of the Conference on the Reform of the European Union. It was the culmination of a painstaking effort to change Europe and enter a new course, as the times are constantly changing and the conditions we are experiencing require solid foundations to be laid in order for Europe to continue to exist. The report focuses on 49 proposals and includes specific objectives and more than 320 measures for the EU institutions to take action in nine areas:
- Climate change and the environment
- health
- stronger economy, social justice and jobs
- the EU in the world
- values and rights, rule of law, security
- digital transformation
- European democracy
- immigration
- education, culture, youth and sport
“Citizens, especially young people, are at the heart of our vision for the future of Europe and have been directly involved in shaping the outcome of the Conference. We are at a critical juncture for European integration and no proposal for reform should be ruled out from the outset. “We must not be afraid to unleash the power that Europe has to change people's lives for the better,” said Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament. The European Parliament welcomed and adopted the conclusions of the Conference. MEPs acknowledged that its proposals call for an amendment to the Treaties and called on the EP Committee on Constitutional Affairs to draw up proposals for EU reform, a process which will be carried out through the recommendation of the Convention, in accordance with Article 48 of the Treaty on European Union. Join. Speakers representing a large majority among EP political groups emphasized that the expectations, priorities and concerns of the people had been clearly heard in this unprecedented exercise of participatory democracy, and that the result had to be respected. Many stressed that citizens need to be more involved in decision-making processes at EU level, along with stronger democratic representation. Others pointed to specific areas in which citizens' proposals require radical changes, such as the establishment of truly European elections, as well as new EU powers in areas such as health, energy, immigration and defense. Some speakers criticized the conference, arguing that the process was distorted and that the proposals did not reflect public opinion.
Successive crises
However, the question is one: The way is now open for the proposals of the citizens who discussed the future of Europe to be turned into European reforms, a world-historical event, as characterized by the Cypriot MEP Lefteris Christoforou. And European reforms are needed to shield Europe from crises. The crises that for years now have been strengthening the European Union, albeit slowly or piecemeal. And they “force” it to develop new tools to better respond to the next challenge, economic, institutional, refugee, legitimacy, populism. This happened with the financial crisis of 2009 which “gave birth” to innovative economic mechanisms. This was done with the pandemic created by the Recovery Fund, the pan-European Vaccination Program and the Digital Certificate. And at the moment Europe is facing one of the most serious and multidimensional crises in its history: energy, economic, political-economic, but above all security crisis. And there is also the new complex crisis that Europe has to face, which is of course the migration flow, as a consequence of the difficult food supply, the increase of prices, but also of the climate change. Now, it is obvious that Europe wants to change and the goal, as it became clear through the positions of MEPs and citizens, is to shield Europe. In short, in addition to economic and political ties, everyone is calling for stronger security issues, so that Europe can protect its borders by providing opportunities for all, as this will allow Europe to be shielded, as it will not be left in the lurch. but will take action to play a role in the international political arena, which will be very important for smaller states such as Cyprus.
The nine main pillars
Climate change and environment
- Safe, sustainable, equitable, climate-responsive and affordable food production, with respect for the principles of sustainability, the environment, and the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, while ensuring food security
- Strengthen the resilience and quality of healthcare systems by ensuring equal and universal access for all Europeans to affordable, preventive, curative and quality healthcare
Stronger economy, social justice and jobs
- The EU needs to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the EU economy, single market and industry by taking into account green and green digital transition with a strong social dimension
European Union in the World
- The EU to achieve greater autonomy in key strategic areas such as agricultural products and the energy production and supply sector, in the context of the ongoing green transition
- The EU to improve its ability to make quick and effective decisions, especially in the context of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
Values and rights, rule of law, security
- The EU systematically defends the rule of law in all Member States
- Tackle misinformation by further promoting media independence and pluralism
- Take action to harmonize living conditions across the EU and improve the socio-economic quality of life Citizens
Digital Transformation
- Ensure that all European citizens can benefit from digitization, empowering them with the necessary digital skills and opportunities
- EU to have more powers to strengthen cybersecurity, tackle illegal content and cybercrime
European democracy
- Strengthening European democracy by amending EU electoral legislation to harmonize electoral conditions (voting age, election date, constituency requirements) for European elections, as well as the transition to pan-European or transnational voting
- The European Parliament should have the right of legislative initiative
- All matters decided by unanimity should henceforth be decided by qualified majority. The only exceptions are the admission of new members to the EU and the changes in the fundamental principles of the EU
- Strengthening the EU's role in legal migration and the reform of the European asylum system, based on the principles of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibilities
Education, culture, youth and sport
- The EU and its Member States must emphasize the special needs of young people in all relevant policies, in order to provide them with the best possible conditions for study and work and for the beginning of an independent life, while at the same time participating in democratic life and decisions, including at European level.
