Newsletter N°27 - July 2022
EDITORIAL
European Democracy: What to do now
Dear reader,
European democracy faces a task that is vital to its survival.
Ukraine and the states of the Western Balkans must be admitted quickly to the European Union. This makes it all the more important to strengthen the EU's ability to act. This requires a renewal of the European Treaties. Above all, the principle of unanimity must be reconsidered. In almost all matters, for example, a majority of 3/5 of the EU member states would be sufficient.
But: this is not possible without the active participation of Europe's citizens. It needs their cooperation and, in the end, their consent. My proposal:
in order to win the trust of the citizens, a transnational treaty referendum must be sought already today. On one day - in the whole of Europe!
Already, the European Parliament is vigorously calling for a reform convention. But the EU heads of state and government are dithering and hesitating.
On 23 and 24 June, the EU Council had the opportunity to take the next steps towards a reform process.
Unfortunately, the momentum was missed. As is so often the case, no concrete follow-up steps were agreed.
"The institutions, within their respective competences and in accordance with the Treaties, must ensure effective follow-up to this report. The European Council notes that work has already been carried out in this regard " are the vague statements to be followed up at a General Affairs Council on 14 July.
I will not put up with this. We at Democracy International must not put up with this!
We demand a reform convention and a transnational referendum!
Support us in this. As a member or donor!
Kind regards,
Daniel Schily
Co-founder and board member, Democracy International e.V.
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Upcoming events and projects from our community
- Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy:
21.-25. September 2022, Lucern, Switzerland. Register here
- DigiDEM Project:
Wenn To help and participate in the EU crowdsourcing legislation for better air quality, click here
- What Is Our Responsibility for Our Government’s Wars?:
A Zócalo Public How Should Societies Remember Their Sins?: A Zócalo Event Series, Supported by The Mellon Foundation click here
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| A European Convention: What does it mean? |
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In order for the EU to continue to be a trusted power, there must be change - change by means of a European Convention. Democracy International has been advocating this for the past ten years - and now our time might have come.
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| Home stretch: less than 100 days to the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy |
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Finally! Over 300 direct democracy supporters from academia, administrations and civil society will meet up in Lucerne, Switzerland from 21 until 25 September. It’s not too late to join us!
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Podcast: Rules of the Game
- EPISODE 23: Chile's New Constitution with Gabriel Negretto
Listen here: PODCAST
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| European Citizens’ Initiative: 10-year anniversary! |
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The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) was proposed with the intent of giving more power to the people. Evaluating 10 years of the ECI with a glimps on what is to come.
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| Ukrainian Vibes on Tour |
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Difficult History, Civic Participation, Environmental and Humanitarian Consequences of the War are topics that will be discussed in the upcoming Ukrainian Vibes - European Public Sphere tour
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| ‘Hundred new laws restricting press freedom have been passed in Russia’ |
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Russian-Ukrainian journalist Galina Timchenko founded an online multimedia platform that continues to write what the Russian media is no longer allowed to publish due to censorship regulations.
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| Rebuilding Ukraine: how much can the Lugano summit achieve? |
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How to set Ukraine on the path to recovery will be the focus of a major international conference in Lugano, Switzerland, that starts on Monday.
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Swiss Info: official partner Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy 2022
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