Europe and you in 2007
A snapshot of EU achievements

European Commission

Manuscript completed in November 2007

2007 - 26 pp. - 11,4 x 16,2 cm
Catalogue number: NA-82-07-458-EN-C

Text only:   Manuscript (83 Kb)

Illustrated version:   2258 Kb

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The relationship between the EU and its citizens may seem a complicated affair. But basically it is not. The EU is there for the citizens and its aim is to respond to their needs and concerns. The year 2007 has been quite successful in this respect; concrete action has led to concrete results ranging from measures aimed at combating climate change, to lowering costs when using a mobile phone in another EU country.
A healthy relationship is based on communication between partners, and it is vital that we listen to other people’s points of view if we are to achieve this. This is why the European Commission has set itself the task of widening the debate about Europe — with people across the EU actively discussing key issues together.
For example, 2007 saw the completion of several successful ‘Citizens’ consultations’ exercises in which thousands of people from all walks of life and from all EU countries came together to discuss topics of their choice. These ranged from energy supplies and the enlargement of the EU, to family and social welfare, and immigration.
It was also the year of the breakthrough of video-clips on EU issues on the Internet. Almost overnight, hits on the new EUtube website skyrocketed and it turned into a crowded meeting place for information, entertainment and interaction.
EU leaders recently agreed a Reform Treaty that will make it easier to take decisions within the growing EU family. It will provide for more democracy with increased powers for both the European Parliament and the national parliaments. But if people are to accept the new treaty, communication between the EU and its citizens must be reinforced. This is the road that the Commission has embarked upon in 2007