We gained support from almost every political group: Heidi Hautala (Greens, Finland, MEP), Diana Wallis (Liberal, UK, MEP), Prof. Jürgen Meyer (Social Democrat, Germany, Convention member) and Alain Lamassoure (EPP, France, Convention member) agreed to be co-inviters, in addition to Bruno Kaufmann of the Initiative & Referendum Institute Europe and myself for More Democracy and Democracy International.

This working dinner was a great success. In retrospect it was the breaking points of our efforts. More than 10 Convention members from several different countries and from almost every group attended the meeting. Many more showed their interest by e-mail. Both federalists and EU-sceptics were represented. The atmosphere was very focussed.

Dining with Convention Members

After introductions by Andreas Gross (Vice-President, Council of Europe), Bruno Kaufmann (IRI Europe) and myself, a profound discussion took place. The referendum on the European constitution was at the centre of debate whilst the initiative process played only a minor role even in our own contributions. All but one speaker (a Convention member from Portugal) spoke in favour of a referendum. At the end of this meeting it was agreed that John Gormley, an alternate Convention member and leader of the Irish Green party, would draw up concrete draft texts for the referendum and the direct democracy ideas to be discussed at another meeting. Continue reading the story...

Direct Democracy is supported by members from opposing political camps. It is not a question of party politics...

Text by Dr. Michael Efler