E3G

‘Europe in the World’ on Caffe’ Europa

By Chris Littlecott

Following the launch of the Italian version of our ‘Europe in the World’ pamphlet, Caffe’ Europa web magazine has published the pamphlet’s concluding section on the political challenge facing Europe.

This was where we set out some ideas about how Europe could invest in democratic mechanisms that would buttress the creaking structures of party politics.

Firstly, we suggested that the European Parliament should end its monthly commute between Brussels and Strasbourg, instead investing the money saved in democratic innovations.

Then, and setting a challenge on a bigger scale, we proposed that European citizens should be involved in setting the priorities for the EU budget. This could start with a deliberative poll and culminate in feedback from all citizens on the day of the next European Parliament elections

It’s great to see these ideas put forward by Caffe’ Europa, as it is published by RESET, who have been closely involved in Italian efforts to promote deliberative polling.

Last year RESET were co-organisers of poll in Regione Lazio on the local healthcare system. Further details are available in English from this press release, and an article by RESET’s Mauro Buonocore.