DI-News #20
30 January 2007
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recipients: 2023
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Content
0) Editorial: Europe not without the people
1) Berlin - Conference in March
2) Study: European Citizens’ Initiative
3) Citizens’ Initiative in Italy
4) Hamburg: Fighting against the backlash
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0) Editorial: Europe not without the people
by Ronald Pabst
It is high time to give the European citizens more influence
in the European Union. Currently the German government is
holding the EU Presidency. The German officials still hope
to revive the EU Constitution - in spite of the clear
rejection by the Dutch and French voters. So it is high time
to develop alternatives. Democracy International calls with
more than 110 supporting associations for an immediate
introduction of the European Citizens’ Initiative. But this
would only be a very first step towards direct democracy. In
March we will organize a conference in Berlin to stipulate
the exchange of ideas between representatives of the civil
society. The results will be presented publicly as the
"Berlin declaration". The title of the event is "Europe not
without the people". Hopefully we have the pleasure to
welcome you.
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1) Conference in Berlin
The present Heads of State and Heads of Government of the
European Union will meet in Berlin to debate about the
future of Europe. But they have not shown sufficient
interest in the values, ambitions and expectations of
European citizens. We are holding a conference on The Future
of Europe on 23 – 25 March 2007 in Berlin to develop new
solutions for old questions: How to create a democratic
Europe of the citizens? How can we achieve and safeguard
real subsidiarity, democratic control, transparency and
direct citizen participation?
More information and registration
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2) Study: European Citizens’ Initiative
Dr. Michael Efler examines the legal possibilities to
implement the European Citizens ‘ Initiative below the
constitutional level.
democracy-international.org/eci-study.html
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3) Citizens’ Initiative in Italy
The Italian Constitution enables its citizens to launch
non-binding initiatives. This tool is quite similar to the
European Citizens’ Initiative as proposed in the European
Constitution. Therefore, the usage of this tool in Italy is
worth looking at. Our report offers detailed information
about this. It is available in German and English.
democracy-international.org/italian-initiative.html
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4) Hamburg: Fighting against the backlash
In Hamburg, the regulations concerning direct democracy were
cut back seriously by the parliament. Beforehand, the
frequent use of direct democracy was unique in Germany. Now
the struggle against the backlash has begun. From 13
February until 5 March the citizens of Hamburg can sign a
submission aiming to introduce fair regulations again.
democracy-international.org/hamburg-backlash.html
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Ronald Pabst / Stefan Wolf
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