Democracy International – the global coalition of direct democracy and citizens‘ participation – is disappointed that EU leaders did not decide to convene an EU convention at this week’s EU summit in Brussels.
At the meeting EU heads of state and government adopted a roadmap to reform the European Monetary Union, but the council conclusions do not include in any form citizens and civil society in the future of the EU.
To ensure real democratic legitimacy and a true democracy in the European Union, Democracy International calls upon the European Parliament, the Council and the governments of the Member States to convene a Convention as foreseen in Article 48 of the EU Treaty.
Key demands are that the EU Convention has the greatest possible democratic legitimacy and that adequate time is given for serious and thorough deliberation. Also, the Convention must operate with full transparency, have all its meetings open to the public, and include in its deliberations proposals from civil society. EU citizens must approve the proposals that the Convention will elaborate by direct vote.
For Democracy International, an EU Convention and EU referenda are the means to secure a prosperous and long-lasting future of the EU.
Press Contact: Cora Pfafferott, +49 2203 102 1475 (office), +49 176 95437 379 (GSM)