During last week’s European Parliament plenary session, Members of the Renew Europe Group drafted and voted in favour of a report on citizens’ dialogues and participation in EU decision-making.

“A strong citizen involvement in EU life is the key to the development of our parliamentary democracy and will give a stronger basis and legitimacy to face the great challenges of our century. This report on citizens’ participation lays the groundwork for citizens' involvement in the future of Europe”, explained Pascal Durand MEP (Renaissance, FR), Renew Europe Shadow Rapporteur on this file in the European Parliament Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO).

Renew Europe is convinced that citizens’ participation in the democratic life of the EU can no longer be limited to European elections held every five years. Several tools for citizens’ participation exist. However, they are imperfect, ineffective and, above all, too little known. It is the duty of the EU to improve them. For Renew Europe, the Conference on the Future of Europe is an opportunity for the European institutions to increase citizens’ participation by drawing directly on their ideas. This opportunity cannot be let pass.

Finally, Renew Europe notes that some groups in the European Parliament – such as Identity and Democracy and the European Conservatives and Reformists – have not followed through on the fight for a more democratic Europe that they proclaim on social media and TV screens. Indeed, MEPs from these Groups either voted against the report or abstained. Renew Europe, on the other hand, has risen to the occasion and will continue to act in favour of citizens’ participation.

ALDE Party is also committed to fostering an honest debate about the Future of Europe. This Conference is an unprecedented democratic exercise, and we believe that citizens need to be at the core of deciding Europe’s future.

You can get involved today by visiting our website and sharing your ideas and by telling us your ideas and suggestions for the Future of Europe!

Photo credit: Renew Europe