European Citizens' Summit in Brussels, 10 – 11 of May 2009

Europeans from all 27 Member States meet political leaders to debate the future of the European Union.

Brussels, 11 May 2009 - We are delighted to notify you of the European Citizens' Summit on Monday 11 May from 1 pm to 4.30 pm at the "Palais d'Egmont", Place du Petit Sablon, Brussels. This event is the culmination of the first phase of the European Citizens' Consultations (ECC) 2009, a unique pan-European debate involving citizens from all 27 Member States in discussions on the future of the European Union and how to respond to the current economic and financial crisis.

ECC 2009, launched in December 2008 and run by a unique consortium of more than 40 independent European partner organisations, has involved 250,000 online users and 1,600 randomly selected citizens from all 27 Member States in a long and thorough deliberative process and collected their recommendations to Europe’s leaders.

These recommendations, currently being voted on by the citizens who took part in national debates in all 27 Member States to select their top priorities, include calls for wide-ranging measures to boost Europe’s economy, including tougher supervision of the financial markets, more focused spending on research and innovation, and increased investment in sustainable energy. Other issues raised included the fight against poverty, promoting a better work/life balance, and action on education. The final results of this process will be presented at the European Citizens’ Summit on May 11 by the citizens themselves.

After an introduction by Olivier Chastel, Belgium State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, the citizens will discuss their recommendations with:

• Wilfried Martens (EPP)

• Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck (ELDR)

• Poul Nyrup Rasmussen (PSE)

• Philippe Lamberts (European Green Party)

• José Manuel Barroso (European Commission)

• Hans-Gert Poettering (European Parliament)

• Mario Sepi (European Economic and Social Committee)

• Luc Van den Brande (European Committee of Regions)

• Alexandr Vondra (Deputy Prime Minister Czech Republic, EU Presidency)

Margot Wallstroem, Vice-President of the European Commission will then make some concluding remarks. The debate will be moderated by Pat Cox, President of the European Movement International. 

For the programme of the event, please click here

For more information, please see the website of the

European Citizens'Consultations