Conference on the Future of Europe
The future of the EU is in our hands and there are opportunities available to make our voices heard.
"Participating in the COFOE was a life- changing experience for me, I learned a lot and it greatly changed my aspirations and levels of interest in international politics. Apart from the amazing human experience where my group and I worked together like one big European family, I felt very engaged in the project. was given the opportunity to directly impact the policies and future of the European Union. It was a big responsibility and that is why I and other citizen representatives gave it our utmost efforts." "One of the most memorable moments was the time when our group faced an unprecedented crisis from the debate in the Plenary. We had to prepare a properly thought-out answer and prepare a coordinated "attack plan" for the following debates. We lacked time to organise and it was beyond our abilities. But nonetheless we stacked many tables in the cafeteria, got everyone around them and had our small "revolution" as we call it."
Mansef Kampos, at the Conference on the Future of Europe.
" I think our biggest learning from the European Local Coalition project that EuropaNova Germany e.V. is currently working on, as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFOE) is the following: the average EU citizen is not aware enough of and educated enough around the EU in general, specifically the EU institutions, the mechanisms and, most importantly, that they can and should participate in policy-making.
The future of the EU is in our hands and there are opportunities available to make our voices heard. The CoFOE was an example of this, but unfortunately it seems like citizens - at least in Germany - were not made aware of this.
The European Local Coalition project has two parts: an online platform built with Civocracy and a series of events. The goal is to increase civic participation and education around the role of the EU and the European Parliament.
Our events series was very successful - we had really insightful discussions around the democratic process, ecological transition and digital transformation. These are all topics that have a huge impact on EU civil society and where we can push forward and make a difference. Topics that are close to my heart involve the participation of young and marginalised people, treaty change and transnational lists - all of which were discussed with MEPs and representatives from civil society organisations during our events.
A specific idea that came up during this project was the development of a true European public sphere, where citizens feel represented, involved and responsible.”
The team at EuropaNova Germany e.V. is passionate about bringing the EU closer to its people.
Anna and Amélie from @europanovagermany on their participation in the Conference on the Future of Europe.
