Civil Society 2014: Europeans want fairness, cooperation and solidarity

"Europe needs more solidarity, a human economy and greater civil society involvement." This is the main conclusion of yesterday's Civil Society Day 2014, where centre stage was given to what Europeans expect from Europe.

Civil Society Day is an annual event organised by the European Economic and Social Committee. In three workshops ("An economy for Europeans, not Europeans for the economy", "A social Europe for citizens", and "Active European citizenship"), more than 200 participants from a range of civil society organisations discussed what kind of Europe we actually need.

Two months before the European elections and at a time where just 31% - the lowest figure ever recorded - still believe in the European project, civil society representatives set out their views on how they feel Europe has to move forward. Input from this discussion will feed into the action plan for Europe that the Committee is currently drafting. "We have five years to save Europe", warned Cristian Pirvulescu, a Romanian EESC member. "The answer cannot be nationalism or populism but a resource-efficient, sustainable and inclusive policy that also takes on board the needs of an ageing and declining European population."

Europeans' voices have to be heard

"A voice is much more than a vote," stressed MEP Jean Lambert from the UK, who supports the inclusion of civil society in the political processes. "Before decisions are made in Brussels, there have to be ample discussions with the people concerned all over Europe. Civil society participation has to be enhanced. The EESC is the right forum to deliver civil society requests, while closely working with the European Parliament."

Resources have to be redistributed fairly

"Inequality within and among European Member States is so disappointing," said a representative of a student group. "This makes the European project so unattractive for young people." While the EU funds cattle to the tune of 12.7 euro per head, it invests just 1.26 euro per person in Europe's younger generation. While businesses still pay huge sums to shareholders, investments are put on hold.

A new action plan for Europe - Creating a Europe that serves Europeans

Conny Reuter, co-chair of the Liaison Group[1] and Secretary General of SOLIDAR, called in the group's final statement for investment in a sustainable economy, education and training instead of austerity measures. "While 800 billion were invested in the bailout of the banks, only 6 billion were provided for the fight against youth unemployment. The balance sheet of this Commission is disappointing on the social and civil side."

To avoid another equally dreadful balance in five years' time, the EESC is drafting an action plan for Europe, giving the European Commission recommendations on what has to be changed for Europe to regain its status as the driver of a sustainable economy, social justice and solidarity.

In its action plan, the EESC proposes that 2015 should be designated the year of a European Convent on participatory democracy and active citizenship.

[1] The liaison group was set up to enable more structured interaction with European civil society organisations and networks. It is chaired by President Malosse and Conny Reuter.