Thread by @minna_alander

Just listened to the ambassadors of 3 citizens’ panels of the #CoFoE in the #ConferenceConversations by @Conf_Observ. A little recap of the pros and cons of the experience so far, according to the ambassadors (thread):

Very realistic expectations of the follow-up process, understanding that given the future-oriented nature of the excercise concrete results can take time. At the same time trust that many politicians will pick up some of the citizens’ recommendations and do their best

Initially some problems to get into a real conversation with the participating politicians; tendency to make statements instead of engaging in a proper debate with the citizens (apparently the politicians have been willing to learn nevertheless)

Some discontent about the expert inputs: not enough information about the experts’ background and affiliation beforehand and level of inputs often either too complex or not precise enough (ouch, def feel this)

Limited learning effect as the participating citizens were given no information about the relevant processes already underway in the EU in the respective topics of discussion, could lead to a simple “we’re already addressing this” feedback from the institutions

Great disappointment about the lack of media attention, however no hard feelings towards the organisers (more of a general problem of lacking media debate on Europe in most member states)

Wishes:
- credit to the citizen panels if recommendations lead to new legislation
- concrete feedback on the recommendations
- more European unity; complex division of competences perceived as inefficient to tackle the big tasks such as climate change, migration, etc.

Conclusion: “the genie cannot be put back into the bottle”, trust that the Conference will have a lasting impact on the EU’s political system

(End)