natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
2.9 The need to enhance participation is all the more urgent given that, notwithstanding everything that has occurred in the recent past, the European Union's citizens expect much of it.
2.9 The need to enhance participation is all the more urgent given that, notwithstanding everything that has occurred in the recent past, the European Union's citizens expect much of it.
The same Eurobarometer survey, cited previously, indicated that some 60 per cent of European Union citizens favour increased integration within the Union (various other opinion polls produce similar findings).
The same Eurobarometer survey, cited previously, indicated that some 60 per cent of European Union citizens favour increased integration within the Union (various other opinion polls produce similar findings).
The results also indicate that, in the face of urgent challenges such as the fights against unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, Europe's citizens would like to see the Union's role reinforced.
The results also indicate that, in the face of urgent challenges such as the fights against unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, Europe's citizens would like to see the Union's role reinforced.
2.10 Already, in October 2004, the Committee argued that, in order to overcome the Treaty's shortcomings and also in order to ensure its ratification through the rallying of civil society, a number of measures could be taken to build on the proposed institutional framework and improve it through operational measures.
2.10 Already, in October 2004, the Committee argued that, in order to overcome the Treaty's shortcomings and also in order to ensure its ratification through the rallying of civil society, a number of measures could be taken to build on the proposed institutional framework and improve it through operational measures.
In particular, the Committee argued that:
In particular, the Committee argued that:
• the provisions on participatory democracy should be made the subject of a series of communications defining the consultation procedures and the role of the EESC;
• the provisions on participatory democracy should be made the subject of a series of communications defining the consultation procedures and the role of the EESC;
• civil society should be consulted on the content of the European law defining the procedures for implementing the right of citizens' initiative.
• civil society should be consulted on the content of the European law defining the procedures for implementing the right of citizens' initiative.
The EESC could be asked to deliver an exploratory opinion on this subject;
The EESC could be asked to deliver an exploratory opinion on this subject;
• the principle of participatory democracy should be applied to the EU's key strategies for promoting growth, employment and sustainable development.
• the principle of participatory democracy should be applied to the EU's key strategies for promoting growth, employment and sustainable development.
2.11 In this way the Committee has sought to convince EU governments and institutions of the vital need to rally civil society and civil society organisations behind the spirit, as much as the letter, of the Constitution.
2.11 In this way the Committee has sought to convince EU governments and institutions of the vital need to rally civil society and civil society organisations behind the spirit, as much as the letter, of the Constitution.
2.12 The Committee notes that the "broad debate" envisaged by the Heads of State or Government in their June declaration is not currently occurring.
2.12 The Committee notes that the "broad debate" envisaged by the Heads of State or Government in their June declaration is not currently occurring.
The Committee feels that such a broad debate should be relaunched as soon as possible.
The Committee feels that such a broad debate should be relaunched as soon as possible.
However, the Committee also feels that such a debate would be counter-productive unless public opinion is somehow reassured about the nature of the European integration process and, in particular, about the democratic aspects of that process.
However, the Committee also feels that such a debate would be counter-productive unless public opinion is somehow reassured about the nature of the European integration process and, in particular, about the democratic aspects of that process.
2.13 The reflection period decided upon by the Heads of State or Government of the Member States in June should naturally be used to consider ways of overcoming the political and institutional situation which has resulted from the referendum results in France and the Netherlands.
2.13 The reflection period decided upon by the Heads of State or Government of the Member States in June should naturally be used to consider ways of overcoming the political and institutional situation which has resulted from the referendum results in France and the Netherlands.
2.14 But in the Committee's opinion the reflection period should above all be exploited to help establish the foundations of a popular shared vision about the future of Europe and of a new social contract between Europe and its citizens, of a new consensus which would also establish the framework within which the policies necessary to guarantee growth, employment and prosperity can be placed.
2.14 But in the Committee's opinion the reflection period should above all be exploited to help establish the foundations of a popular shared vision about the future of Europe and of a new social contract between Europe and its citizens, of a new consensus which would also establish the framework within which the policies necessary to guarantee growth, employment and prosperity can be placed.
In this context, Member State governments should "take home the EU".
In this context, Member State governments should "take home the EU".
2.15 It is vital to demonstrate that "participatory democracy" and "civil dialogue" are not empty slogans but, rather, essential principles on which the success of the European Union's policies and therefore of its future depend.
2.15 It is vital to demonstrate that "participatory democracy" and "civil dialogue" are not empty slogans but, rather, essential principles on which the success of the European Union's policies and therefore of its future depend.
2.16 It is therefore indispensable to involve civil society as broadly as possible, at national, regional and local level, in all future debates and discussions, to encourage the Union's citizens to express their concrete expectations and, in order to do this, to put in place a genuine strategy of listening and of dialogue about the Union's policies and about the vision they have of their shared future.
2.16 It is therefore indispensable to involve civil society as broadly as possible, at national, regional and local level, in all future debates and discussions, to encourage the Union's citizens to express their concrete expectations and, in order to do this, to put in place a genuine strategy of listening and of dialogue about the Union's policies and about the vision they have of their shared future.
2.17 In this context the Committee will closely examine the European Commission's "Plan D", all the more so because it is convinced that, to date, no real debate has taken place and that the method, timetable and resources planned for stimulating the debate – not only in all the accession countries but also at intra-Community level – will be crucial.
2.17 In this context the Committee will closely examine the European Commission's "Plan D", all the more so because it is convinced that, to date, no real debate has taken place and that the method, timetable and resources planned for stimulating the debate – not only in all the accession countries but also at intra-Community level – will be crucial.
The EESC welcomes the views repeatedly expressed by European Commission Vice-President Margot Wallström that communication is a two-way process and that "Europe" must listen more.
The EESC welcomes the views repeatedly expressed by European Commission Vice-President Margot Wallström that communication is a two-way process and that "Europe" must listen more.
In the Committee's understanding, "listening" does not necessarily mean "following", but it does mean "involving" and it should mean “understanding”.
In the Committee's understanding, "listening" does not necessarily mean "following", but it does mean "involving" and it should mean “understanding”.
"Communicating Europe"
"Communicating Europe "
3.1 More generally, the Committee has welcomed the emerging understanding that the European Union should equip itself with a genuine communication strategy and that it should overhaul and enhance its communication tools.
3.1 More generally, the Committee has welcomed the emerging understanding that the European Union should equip itself with a genuine communication strategy and that it should overhaul and enhance its communication tools.
The Committee welcomed the European Parliament's 26 April 2005 report on the implementation of the European Union's information and communication strategy, and welcomed the European Commission's 20 July 2005 adoption of an action plan to improve communicating Europe by the European Commission.
The Committee welcomed the European Parliament's 26 April 2005 report on the implementation of the European Union's information and communication strategy, and welcomed the European Commission's 20 July 2005 adoption of an action plan to improve communicating Europe by the European Commission.
3.2 The Committee has itself adopted and regularly revised a strategic communication plan.
3.2 The Committee has itself adopted and regularly revised a strategic communication plan.
In addition, in December 2004 the Committee's Bureau approved an overall strategic approach to the challenge of "Communicating Europe".
In addition, in December 2004 the Committee's Bureau approved an overall strategic approach to the challenge of "Communicating Europe".
In both contexts the Committee has sought to enhance the bridging function of its members and of the organisations they represent.
In both contexts the Committee has sought to enhance the bridging function of its members and of the organisations they represent.
The Committee was a committed participant in the 2004 so-called "Wicklow initiative", notably tabling a strategic document, "Bridging the Gap", at the Amsterdam informal ministerial meeting on how organised civil society in general and the Committee in particular should be more fully involved in the communication process.
The Committee was a committed participant in the 2004 so-called "Wicklow initiative", notably tabling a strategic document, "Bridging the Gap", at the Amsterdam informal ministerial meeting on how organised civil society in general and the Committee in particular should be more fully involved in the communication process.
3.3 The Committee welcomed the November 2004 European Council's request to the European Commission to elaborate a coherent communication strategy for the Union.
3.3 The Committee welcomed the November 2004 European Council's request to the European Commission to elaborate a coherent communication strategy for the Union.
The Committee, in close cooperation with the European Commission, is organising a stakeholders' forum on the communications challenge designed to enable civil society organisations to feed their views into the reflection process currently under way and which the European Commission may also consider when drafting its expected consultative White Paper on the communications challenge.
The Committee, in close cooperation with the European Commission, is organising a stakeholders' forum on the communications challenge designed to enable civil society organisations to feed their views into the reflection process currently under way and which the European Commission may also consider when drafting its expected consultative White Paper on the communications challenge.
3.4 The Committee, which organised a similar stakeholders' forum to address the policy issue of sustainable development in April 2005, is ready and willing to organise similar such consultative and listening exercises on major policy issues, thus enhancing organised civil society's voice and helping "Brussels" better to listen.
3.4 The Committee, which organised a similar stakeholders' forum to address the policy issue of sustainable development in April 2005, is ready and willing to organise similar such consultative and listening exercises on major policy issues, thus enhancing organised civil society's voice and helping "Brussels" better to listen.
3.5 In this context, the Committee emphasises the central role it hopes the European Parliament will continue to play as the first, and most vital, element in the democratic bridging exercise.
3.5 In this context, the Committee emphasises the central role it hopes the European Parliament will continue to play as the first, and most vital, element in the democratic bridging exercise.
The Committee is ready to act as a partner o the European Parliament, as it did during the Convention process, organising hearings and forums of its own initiative or on those issues where the Parliament wishes particularly to consult with organised civil society.
The Committee is ready to act as a partner o the European Parliament, as it did during the Convention process, organising hearings and forums of its own initiative or on those issues where the Parliament wishes particularly to consult with organised civil society.
3.6 Such considerations lead the Committee to emphasise two fundamental considerations.
3.6 Such considerations lead the Committee to emphasise two fundamental considerations.
First, whilst the Committee welcomes the increasing emphasis on communications strategies and communications tools, it should be recalled that any communications approach can only be as good as the content of the message it contains.
First, whilst the Committee welcomes the increasing emphasis on communications strategies and communications tools, it should be recalled that any communications approach can only be as good as the content of the message it contains.
Thus, communication is a complementary mechanism and not an end in itself.
Thus, communication is a complementary mechanism and not an end in itself.
Second, whilst the Committee is fully committed to the twin processes of establishing a European-level communication strategy and enhancing communication tools, Union-level activity must be seen as complementary to the communications processes taking place within the Member States.
Second, whilst the Committee is fully committed to the twin processes of establishing a European-level communication strategy and enhancing communication tools, Union-level activity must be seen as complementary to the communications processes taking place within the Member States.
Thus, such a European-level strategy is vitally necessary but it is far from sufficient.
Thus, such a European-level strategy is vitally necessary but it is far from sufficient.
3.7 In this context, the role of representative and consultative institutions at Member State level – national parliaments and national economic and social councils notably among them – as well as at regional and local level should be stressed.
3.7 In this context, the role of representative and consultative institutions at Member State level – national parliaments and national economic and social councils notably among them – as well as at regional and local level should be stressed.
Start making participatory democracy a reality now!
Start making participatory democracy a reality now!
4.1 The reasons and the logic which led the Committee to vote in favour of the Constitutional Treaty by such a large majority – particularly its provisions on the democratic life of the Union – remain the same.
4.1 The reasons and the logic which led the Committee to vote in favour of the Constitutional Treaty by such a large majority – particularly its provisions on the democratic life of the Union – remain the same.
The Committee continues to believe firmly that the best way to guarantee the Union's democratic life is to anchor such provisions in a fixed constitutional settlement.
The Committee continues to believe firmly that the best way to guarantee the Union's democratic life is to anchor such provisions in a fixed constitutional settlement.
However, the current period of uncertainty should not prevent all of the European Union's actors from taking measures as of now to start making participatory democracy a reality.
However, the current period of uncertainty should not prevent all of the European Union's actors from taking measures as of now to start making participatory democracy a reality.
All of the Union's institutions should therefore reflect actively on how they can:
All of the Union's institutions should therefore reflect actively on how they can:
– give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action;
– give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action;
– maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations and civil society;
– maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations and civil society;
– carry out broad consultations with parties concerned in order to ensure that the Union's actions are coherent and transparent.
– carry out broad consultations with parties concerned in order to ensure that the Union's actions are coherent and transparent.
In addition, the European Commission should consider anticipating the provisions of Article I-47 (4) of the Constitutional Treaty by consulting civil society on the content of the European law defining the procedures for implementing the right of citizens' initiative (the EESC could be asked to deliver an exploratory opinion on this subject).
In addition, the European Commission should consider anticipating the provisions of Article I-47 (4) of the Constitutional Treaty by consulting civil society on the content of the European law defining the procedures for implementing the right of citizens' initiative (the EESC could be asked to deliver an exploratory opinion on this subject).
4.2 For its part, the European Economic and Social Committee reasserts its determination to play an important, if complementary, role in enhancing civil dialogue not only through traditional consultative mechanisms but also through its bridging function between Europe and organised civil society.
4.2 For its part, the European Economic and Social Committee reasserts its determination to play an important, if complementary, role in enhancing civil dialogue not only through traditional consultative mechanisms but also through its bridging function between Europe and organised civil society.
The Committee draws attention in this context to the need for fresh thinking about ways of interacting with organised civil society.
The Committee draws attention in this context to the need for fresh thinking about ways of interacting with organised civil society.
The Committee is ready, willing and able to act as a full partner in all activities designed to enhance civil dialogue.
The Committee is ready, willing and able to act as a full partner in all activities designed to enhance civil dialogue.
Capture public imagination and deliver on the Lisbon Strategy!
Capture public imagination and deliver on the Lisbon Strategy!
4.3 European economic conditions are a key factor in determining public attitudes towards the European integration process.
4.3 European economic conditions are a key factor in determining public attitudes towards the European integration process.
The European Economic and Social Committee reaffirms its support for the Lisbon Strategy but insists that the Union and its member states must be seen to be delivering on their commitments.
The European Economic and Social Committee reaffirms its support for the Lisbon Strategy but insists that the Union and its member states must be seen to be delivering on their commitments.
The Committee is convinced that the Lisbon Strategy is the best possible guarantee of the Union's future economic prosperity and social, environmental and cultural well-being, yet it has singularly failed to capture the public imagination in the way that, for example, the "1992" campaign to create the Single Market managed to do.
The Committee is convinced that the Lisbon Strategy is the best possible guarantee of the Union's future economic prosperity and social, environmental and cultural well-being, yet it has singularly failed to capture the public imagination in the way that, for example, the "1992" campaign to create the Single Market managed to do.
The Member States must accept and honour their responsibilities in this context.
The Member States must accept and honour their responsibilities in this context.
The Strategy must be rendered less abstract and its aims (if not its title) introduced into domestic political parlance.
The Strategy must be rendered less abstract and its aims (if not its title) introduced into domestic political parlance.
Civil society and civil society organisations must be involved.
Civil society and civil society organisations must be involved.
4.4 For its part, the European Economic and Social Committee will continue to work under the mandate granted it by the 22-23 March European Council, "to set up with Member States' economic and social committees and other partner organisations an interactive network of civil society initiatives aimed at promoting the implementation of the strategy".
4.4 For its part, the European Economic and Social Committee will continue to work under the mandate granted it by the 22-23 March European Council, "to set up with Member States' economic and social committees and other partner organisations an interactive network of civil society initiatives aimed at promoting the implementation of the strategy".
Bridge the gap – enhance communication
Bridge the gap – enhance communication
4.5 The Committee has consistently argued the need for enhanced communication between the European Union and the citizens on whose behalf it purports to work.
4.5 The Committee has consistently argued the need for enhanced communication between the European Union and the citizens on whose behalf it purports to work.
The Committee recognises that a lot of work has recently taken place at the level of the EU's institutions, both individually and collectively; to cite but two recent examples, the complete restructuring of the European Parliament's website and the European Commission's Europe Direct service.
The Committee recognises that a lot of work has recently taken place at the level of the EU's institutions, both individually and collectively; to cite but two recent examples, the complete restructuring of the European Parliament's website and the European Commission's Europe Direct service.
The Committee favours close inter-institutional cooperation in the field of communication.
The Committee favours close inter-institutional cooperation in the field of communication.
It notes the Commission's "Plan D" and also its intention of launching a White Paper in the near future.
It notes the Commission's "Plan D" and also its intention of launching a White Paper in the near future.
It is fully committed to playing a supporting role wherever it can in bridging the gap, as evidenced by its 7-8 November stakeholders' forum on that theme.
It is fully committed to playing a supporting role wherever it can in bridging the gap, as evidenced by its 7-8 November stakeholders' forum on that theme.
4.6 However, the Committee believes that communication can only be as good as the message it contains.
4.6 However, the Committee believes that communication can only be as good as the message it contains.