April 9, 2008
In our 27 countries, before any parliament elections, parties are issuing campaign documents, saying who they are, what they want for the country, how they intend to do it. Then people make their mind and vote accordingly. Did we ever see such a campaign going on for the European elections ? Never. Very often, these… » read more
Posted by EMI
By voting for the European Parliament (EP) of the EU, all Europeans are allowed to have their voice heard in Europe, and as such the European elections raise the democratic value of the Union. However, few Europeans make use of their right to vote for the EP. Since 1979, with the first direct elections for… » read more
Posted by EMI
It is not widely known, that the general rights for EU member state citizens are not equal, when we are addressing the issue of European Parliament Elections. Some member states has adopted regulations regarding the voting procedure of EP candidates, which are only let people from the national parliament’s parties to be nominated for EP… » read more
Posted by EMI
March 27, 2008
WHAT? The debate on democratic deficit seems to neglect the potential that the EU already has and that is the national parliaments of its Member States. They should be understood as part of a broader EU constitutional order and be better involved in EU affairs irrespective of the outcome of the Lisbon Treaty ratification process.… » read more
Posted by EMI
March 23, 2008
The EU suffers badly from ‘three Ds’ – the democratic deficit, and disinterest. Institutions such as the European Parliament are dull and opaque; I’m a fairly well-informed and articulate citizen but I can’t name who represents me in Brussels/Strasbourg. That’s shameful, but I’m not alone. Rather than going through the motions of selecting MEPs every… » read more
Posted by EMI
March 9, 2008
Continual declines in voter turnout; increased cynicism towards politics; even lower participation in the Euro-elections. In contrast, more and more people – particularly younger people but the elderly too – are getting involved in online communities and interest groups, and embracing technologies to overcome hurdles, disabilities, fears, absence from home or simply expressing a preference.… » read more
Posted by EMI
March 3, 2008
Before doing any new stuff, how about completing some of the old things like making MEPs properly accountable to people who have no idea that they exist. Perhaps someone could spend some time auditing and signing off the last 10 years of accounts? Alternate areas to be considered include MEPs expenses, the number of regional… » read more
Posted by EMI
February 21, 2008
We have European political parties. We have a statute for them, so that at least some financial independence is guaranteed from their national parties. Yet, what is missing? EUROPEAN elections! Now, how to change the situation? Three ideas seem reasonable: 1. Have common campaigns and a more visible face of the European Parties. Posters should… » read more
Posted by EMI
February 12, 2008
When we reside in another European Country we should have the right to vote and to stand as candidates a least up to Regional level. Futhermore there should be a consultative committee formed of EU citizens issue from the other member states to guarantee that the EU country of residence does not infringe on the… » read more
Posted by EMI
January 11, 2008
The President of the European Commission could be directly elected by universal suffrage at the same time with the European Parliament elections (in a separate vote).
Posted by EMI
