Plan D – Democracy, Debate and Dialogue:
At the end of the European Council on 18 June 2005, Heads of State and Government adopted a declaration on “the ratification of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe”. This declaration called for a “period of reflection” following the negative votes in France and the Netherlands on the European Constitution.
Heads of State and Government gave guidance to the Member Sates on the type of debate that could be organised: “the period of reflection will be used to enable a broad debate to take place in each of our countries, involving citizens, civil society, social partners, national parliaments and political parties”. It also indicated that the European Institutions should “make their contribution, with the Commission playing a special role in this regard”.
In order to respond to the request by Heads of State and Government, the European Commission prepared the so called Plan D – Democracy, Debate and Dialogue.
Plan D has 4 main objectives:
The Commission has proposed a Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate, in order to stimulate a wider debate between the European Union’s democratic institutions and citizens. It has to be seen as complementary to the already existing or proposed initiatives and programmes such as those in the field of education, youth, culture and promoting active European citizenship.
Restoring public confidence in the European Union:
Faced with declining confidence in political systems, one of the main objectives of the plan is to stimulate through the period of reflection a more accurate communication of the activities of the European Union. To show to people that Europe provides an added value and they have the ability to affect the way decisions are taken. This is crucial, as the European institutions are too often the scapegoat for unpopular decisions and are often seen as remote and bureaucratic.
Target audiences and modern media:
The Commission believes that the debate must not be limited to the political leaders. These debates should involve “civil society, social partners, national parliaments and political parties” but also believes that there would be an added value in listening to specific target groups, such as young people or minority groups, that were not reached during the referendum campaigns. Finally, the debates can only be a success if the mass media are engaged in the process, in particular television. Equally the internet is of prime importance for stimulating the debate.
A long term commitment:
Plan-D is not limited to the period of reflection. It is an exercise that must run throughout the lifetime of this Commission, and beyond.
From listening to further involvement:
Ultimately, Plan-D for democracy, dialogue and debate is a listening exercise so that the European Union can act on the concerns expressed by its citizens. The objective of the Commission is to stimulate this debate and seek recognition for the added value that the European Union can provide. The democratic renewal process means that EU citizens must have the right to have their voices heard.
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