NEWSLETTER #18
20 September 2006
www.democracy-international.org
recipients: 2059
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Content
0) Editorial: Berlin wants direct democracy
1) Netherlands: Campaign for more democracy in Europe
2) Berlin: 84 %
3) Mini-Treaty for the EU?
4) New books
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
0) Editorial: Berlin wants direct democracy
by Ronald Pabst
Berlin wants ; Berlin says ; Berlin has decided
When one hears these phrases, they are usually used to describe
the actions of the German government, and not those of its
citizens. I am happy to report that Berlin wants to improve direct
democracy I am even happier to report that it is the citizens who
made this decision.
In this edition of the newsletter, not only will you find exciting
news for direct democracy in Berlin, but also more information
about the EU campaign for direct democracy-- launched by our
Dutch friends. Additionally, you will find a link for more
information
regarding the Mini-Treaty for the EU. We would also like to
invite you to have a look at two recent publications on direct
democracy.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
1) Netherlands: Campaign for more democracy in Europe
At the beginning of this month, the Referendum Platform
launched a campaign to promote the introduction of the
European Citizens Initiative. More than 1,000 signatures
have already been collected.
www.democracy-international.org/dutch-eci.html
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
2) Berlin: 84%
The results speak for themselves-- the citizens of Berlin
desire more democracy.
84% voted in favour to alter constitutional articles 61 and 62
in order to lower the hurdles for citizens-initiated referendums.
www.democracy-international.org/berlin-84.html
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
3) Mini-Treaty for the EU?
Currently the future of the EU Constitution is uncertain;
however, the idea of a simplified, pared-down constitution is
gaining increased support. This strategy would avoid new
referendums.
www.democracy-international.org/mini-treaty.html
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
4) New books
The Initiative and Referendum Institute Europe has recently
published two new books that may be of interest to our
members. Both deal with the latest developments in direct
democracy.
www.democracy-international.org/new-books.html
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Ronald Pabst / Lars Bosselmann / Jennifer Shore
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
To unsubscribe from this newsletter click
here and follow the instructions:
www.democracy-international.org/newsletter.html
Your address will be withdrawn from our files immediately.
We regret seeing you go.
