Citizens’ dialogues on the future of Europe

On 1 March 2017, ahead of the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, the European Commission presented a White Paper on the Future of Europe, setting out the main challenges and opportunities for the coming decade. The Commission presented five scenarios for how the European Union could evolve by 2025 depending on the choices it makes for its future. The White Paper is a significant step in the process of the EU-27 deciding on the future of their Union.

To encourage citizens’ participation, the Commission hosted a series of ‘Future of Europe debates’ across Europe’s cities and regions. This open debate involves national Governments and Parliaments, local and regional authorities and civil society at large. The Commission believes that every European’s voice should be heard. The Citizens’ Dialogues, which are a regular feature of the daily work of the Juncker Commission, have been central to the ‘Future of Europe debates’. All Members of the Commission have travelled to regions and cities across Europe to engage in dialogue with citizens and listen to their views and expectations concerning the future of the Union. The Commission’s Europe Direct network has also reached out to citizens and collected their ideas and concerns for our continent in the years to come.