Citizens Take Over Europe: Protecting and Reinforcing Our Democracies

As we embark on a new legislative period, we, the collective Citizens Take Over Europe, call upon the European Parliament to reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding and enhancing our democracies. The recent re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission underscores the urgency of this mission. We believe the creation of a dedicated intergroup on democracy within the European Parliament is essential to address the pressing challenges and opportunities of our time.

This intergroup should prioritise: 

1. Participative Democracy: Ensuring that all EU citizens have a voice in the democratic process is fundamental. We need mechanisms that allow for direct involvement and consultation, fostering a more engaged and empowered populace. This includes embracing innovative participatory tools and methods that bridge the gap between citizens and their representatives.
2. Inclusion and Representativity: Our democracies must reflect the rich diversity of the EU. This means actively promoting the inclusion of marginalised and underrepresented groups, ensuring that our institutions mirror the demographics of our communities. Representation matters, and every citizen’s and resident’s voice should be heard and valued.
3. Institutional Transparency: Transparency is the bedrock of trust in our institutions. We call for greater openness in decision-making processes, accessible information for all citizens, and robust accountability mechanisms. Transparent institutions are more accountable and ultimately more effective in serving the public good.
4. Protection of Civil Society Organizations and Civic Spaces: Civil society organisations play a critical role in our democracies, advocating for human rights, environmental protection, social justice, and more. We must safeguard these organisations and the civic spaces they operate in from undue restrictions and threats, ensuring they can continue their vital work without fear of reprisal.

We are deeply concerned by the complete omission of participative democracy in President von der Leyen’s recent address. This absence signals a worrying disregard for the fundamental principle that democracy is not just about voting every few years but about continuous engagement and dialogue between citizens and their representatives.

As citizens of Europe, we urge the European Parliament to take decisive action. By establishing an intergroup focused on democracy, you can demonstrate your commitment to these critical issues and ensure that the EU remains a beacon of democratic values. Our collective future depends on robust, inclusive, and transparent democratic practices that truly represent and serve all European citizens.

Together, let us take proactive steps to protect and reinforce our democracies. Let us ensure that the European Union remains a union of and for the people, where every voice is heard, respected, and valued.