During the last plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions, there was intense debate among the members of the Committee on the Future of Europe. The key question, which hangs like a Damocles sword, is whether Europe can finally survive.
Undoubtedly, the European Union is going through a crisis, which is due to both internal and external problems that plague society in general. In particular, the immigration problem, populism, the far right, Brexit, climate change and the US President's refusal to sign the Paris Agreement are causing heated debate in the ordinary world of the European Union. Add to this the fact that Europe is going through a period of anger and resentment due to poverty, lack of social policy, unemployment, insecurity and the loss of the identity of European citizens.
It is no coincidence, then, that citizens are turning against politicians, as they are unwilling to listen to their concerns. The people do not trust politicians because they decide for them, without them. All this comes from the mouths of the citizens themselves, who also express their dissatisfaction with the decisions made by appointed or appointed officials without them going down to the people, at the base of society, to see the real problems of the world.
The dissatisfaction of European citizens makes it imperative to restructure existing social structures. There is therefore a need for more organization and better coordination by local and regional authorities. The dialogue with the citizens, launched by the European Committee of the Regions, should also be continued in order to hear the problems of the citizens democratically and to move them from the bottom up for decision-making.
The request, then, is clear. The common people demand further democracy, security, prosperity, better education and more favorable social measures for all. Young people, we are often told, want to know the elected officials, to speak to them and to convey their concerns and concerns, which will receive the attention and care of the political leadership. Together we must give the difficult struggle of endurance and not speed for the future of Europe and its citizens. The European citizen should be aware of the core values of a united Europe, of his or her rights within the European Union, of seeking to learn and be informed through a structured dialogue and of his or her involvement in the common events of society.
The future of Europe belongs to young people and their participation in decision-making. This reality makes it necessary to take advantage of European programs, through which young people will experience the European reality in practice. Young people have a particular penchant for technology and are well versed in social media. So let's take advantage of this talent, intelligence, skills and abilities of young people.
The future of Europe is determined by the future of cohesion policy and the improvement of people's daily lives. Dialogue with citizens, local and regional democracy, decentralization, solidarity, subsidiarity, proportionality are key values of the European Union. Local authorities can protect both values and European citizens from the dangers that make Europe the weak link in the consciousness of its citizens. The future of Europe goes through actions and initiatives of local and regional authorities, which can gain the trust of citizens through their multilevel work and contribution.
It is therefore no coincidence that European citizens, based on Eurobarometer data, have more confidence in the institutions that are closest to civil society. Let us take advantage of this show of confidence to build a European society, close to the people and for the people.
* Andros G. Karagiannis, Mayor of Deryneia