Placing citizens at the forefront of EU decision-making
MEUSAC is currently organising a series of Citizens’ Consultations across Malta and Gozo, the next one being ‘Innovative Industries’ on 12 September, at 6pm at MCAST, Paola.
The third of a series ‘Għid tiegħek dwar lEwropa’, this event will focus on the future of industry in Malta in a European context. Originally proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron, the Citizens’ Consultations are being held in all EU member states (except for the UK, which will leave the union in March) with the aim of bringing together citizens from all walks of life to debate important topics concerning the future of the European Union. The aim of the consultations is to provide an opportunity for citizens to engage in an exercise of participatory democracy in shaping the position of the EU on various subjects.
The Joint Framework adopted by the EU27 lays out that the consultations are intended to be a tangible means of identifying concerns, ideas and political priorities for action – with a consultative character, but not as a mandate for legislation – at European level.
The process is open to all EU citizens, based on the principles of transparency, pluralism, fairness and nondiscrimination. The events being organised will be public events, and all EU citizens are encouraged to participate.
In line with one of the functions of MEUSAC – that of stimulating and leading a national debate on European ideals, values, objectives and long-term strategies – the agency has been entrusted with organising the consultations in Malta.
All participating member states will ensure that the conclusions of the dialogues carried out as part of the citizen consultations are fed back and published. A final report based on national summaries will be drafted and forwarded to EU heads of state or government for consideration and discussion starting with the December 2018 European Council. The final outcome of the Citizens’ Consultations will also be forwarded as an input to the discussions of EU heads of state and government at the
Representatives from various sectors of the local industry are encouraged to attend in order to voice their opinions and concerns on the various challenges they come across
Sibiu Summit in May 2019.
Representatives from various sectors of the local industry are encouraged to attend in order to voice their opinions and concerns on the various challenges they come across, such as the development and challenges of emerging markets, the role of innovation in the adaptation to new technologies, the challenges and problems faced by SMEs, and on the future of EU industry in the global economy.
Other consultations that are to follow in Malta and Gozo are on migration, social convergence, and Common Agricultural Policy and Water Scarcity. To register, one may call MEUSAC on 2200 3300 or send an e-mail to info.meusac@gov.mt.
One may also contribute to the online consultation on the Future of Europe drafted by citizens themselves: https://ec.europa.eu/consultation/runner/Futu re-of-Europe?surveylanguage=en.
For more information on the consultations, visit the ‘Future of Europe’ section on www.meusac.gov.mt. A media campaign is also underway in the local press.