Second European Citizens' Panel of the Conference on the Future of Europe on values, the rule of law and security

“Democracy, values, rights, responsibilities, and the rule of law are the foundations of the European Union, the base on which it stands,” said Gašper Dovžan, State Secretary and Co-Chair of the Executive Board of the Conference on the Future of Europe, ahead of the beginning of the second European Citizens' Panel in Strasbourg today.

Two hundred citizens, many of whom are young people, will be discussing democracy/values, rights, the rule of law and security in the European Parliament in Strasbourg until Sunday. These topics are among the priorities of the Slovenian EU Council Presidency. "For we are well aware that the Union is not only the euro or the common market, but above all a union of values. Respect for the fundamental values and principles of the Union, including the rule of law, is a common responsibility of all its member states and EU institutions,” noted State Secretary Dovžan in his address.

The challenges facing Europe in recent years have made clear the need for open, inclusive and transparent debate about our common future. The conference is a unique open forum that enables all Europeans to say what the Union should do and how it should do it to the benefit of all. “The Conference provides an opportunity for us to get to know each other better and become aware of this enriching diversity within the EU that we need to respect and listen to,” the State Secretary added.

The aim of the Conference on the Future of Europe is to provide an opportunity to reflect on how to make the European Union even better, stronger and more resilient. During the Slovenian Presidency, the Council will keep working towards the ultimate success of the Conference.