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Has the message from NGOs on the new strategy for the European Union got lost on the way?

Monday, 08 March 2010 15:38

UE 2020

Last December the Commission launched a consultation on the EU Strategy 2020 – a strategy which lays out the main directions for the EU over the next ten years.

The Commission has thus set itself objectives, including that of “making the EU a smarter and greener social market economy”[1].

Citizens had until 15 January 2010 to share their opinions through this public consultation. And for the most part, bodies from the organised civil society have responded.

After studying the opinions expressed (over 1,500 submissions)[2] in the run-up to the next European Council meeting, the Commission issued a press release highlighting the primary conclusions… which caused a hue and cry among European NGOs.

Finally, it’s back to work for the European Commissioners!

Monday, 08 March 2010 15:31

Barroso

It was no great surprise that on February 9th, the European Parliament invested the new Commission with a five year mandate by 488 votes (to 137 against and 72 abstentions).

Following a long holiday period and with the European Union facing one of the most serious economic crises in its history, the Commission must now tackle some arduous tasks; in particular that of successfully emerging from the crisis. Mr Barroso has listed the priorities: “emerging successfully from the crisis, being at the forefront of climate and energy action, supporting new sources of growth and social cohesion to renew our social market economy” [1].

Consultation on the Citizens’ Initiative: you’ve had the floor, what’s the outcome?

Monday, 08 March 2010 15:23

The citizens’ initiative...does it mean anything to you?

The Lisbon Treaty introduces a new form of public participation in European Union policy shaping, the European citizens’ initiative, which enables one million citizens who are nationals of a significant number of Member states to call directly on the Commission to bring forward an initiative of interest to them in an area of EU competence.[1]

Before Europeans can start exercising this new right, a few ground rules and procedures have to be laid down in an EU regulation.

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Being citizen

Has the message from NGOs on the new strategy for the European Union got lost on the way?

Finally, it’s back to work for the European Commissioners!

Consultation on the Citizens’ Initiative: you’ve had the floor, what’s the outcome?

The citizens’ initiative...does it mean anything to you?

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