Speaking today at the conference plenary in Strasbourg to discuss the recommendations made by two citizens’ panels, Ms O’Reilly praised the people involved in the conference and the quality of the ideas coming from it.

However, the Ombudsman also warned of the need to ensure there are tangible outcomes.

“The idea to hold this conference was rooted in belief about the EU’s capacity to listen and learn from the European public,” said the Ombudsman.

“Some clear themes have already emerged, with proposals for greater EU action on issues such as climate change and the rule of law, as well as a demand for more transparent decision making. However, without clear action on these ideas, the conference may be seen simply as gesture politics, a hollow exercise in ‘citizen-washing’."

“While voting is the most important act of citizen engagement, this conference should also be an important part of how citizens get involved in the democratic life of the EU.” 

“The ideas arising from the citizen panels are the result of serious and thoughtful deliberation. It is reasonable to expect that many will lead to concrete action by the EU, and especially by the national governments which have been hesitant in their support thus far,” said Ms O’Reilly.

Background

The Conference on the Future of Europe was officially launched on 9 May 2021 and is expected to run for one year. There are four citizens’ panels, comprising 200 citizens, that are discussing set topics.

The plenary, consisting of 433 participants, including from the EU institutions, will meet for the final time in February to discuss recommendations from the third and fourth citizens’ panels.  A report will then be sent to the Commission, Council and Parliament, which will discuss the follow-up to the conference.