We in Europe should worry less about thingies and more with stuff. According to our Prime Minister Mark Rutte. He made this statement in Brussels after the elections for the European Parliament. An election in which a record turnout was recorded. With which the voter in Europe wants to make it clear that there are many 'things' going on that are of great importance to him personally, which are at the same time cross-border. 'Things' that you have to talk about with each other in Europe. Such as migration, the labor market, climate, privacy on the internet, security. In other words, issues, issues, issues.
Are citizens saying that more power should go to Brussels? Not necessarily, that would be a wrong conclusion. But it does mean that robust debates must be held at all levels – national, European – about the issues, about the 'things'. That different voices must be able to be heard. And that countries must be able to make decisions together on matters that are really important to all European citizens. This means that democracy in Europe is gaining further strength
Because what is Europe anyway? Until now it has been synonymous with 'Brussels', with institutions with inscrutable decision-making. But the citizens of Europe have made it clear with their votes that the continent consists of countries with their own identity. But that there are also shared 'family' values, such as freedom in an open society, a solid rule of law and a social market economy. Values that must be actively defended if necessary.
The question 'for or against Europe' therefore seems outdated. Which Europe do we want to be? that is the question on the table now. Richard Youngs, a British scientist who partly lives in Brussels, wrote an interesting book about this 'Europe reset'. He is not gloomy about Europe, but does see the technocratic method of decision-making as a major risk. And he also includes NGOs that are highly professionalized and develop strong lobbying power in Brussels, but at the same time find it difficult to reach a broad audience. New forms of debate, new forms of discussion are needed, in which large groups of citizens really recognize themselves. Where the barriers are low and it is really about topics that affect people. It has to be about the issues, or if you like, about the 'things'.
The Issuemakers specializes in putting issues on the agenda, also within Europe. To achieve this, we work together with the international agency APCO, which has offices in Brussels, Paris, Berlin and Rome. Do you want to know more? Please do not hesitate to contact us
