With the European elections taking place in less than two months (22-25 May) we are witnessing an increasing buzz everywhere in Brussels. Whether it is policy analysis in the media, a public event or a discussion over after-work drinks, we all tend to get passionate about what to expect from these elections. For us public affairs professionals, working closely with the European Parliament, the results of these elections will also shape our daily lives.
In line with these discussions, APCO Worldwide’s Brussels team recently co-organised a debate featuring five MEPs, each representing one of the main political groupings in the European Parliament. It was interesting to gain their insights on the post-election prognosis of each of the five largest parties and what European citizens can expect from the new European Parliament. The rise of euro-scepticism in many Member States is a fact that pro-European politicians need to face and it has never been more significant than today. Without the right political arguments and credibility it is difficult to convince voters. Europe needs credible politicians and policies. Europe needs convinced citizens and a true vision.
It is with this in mind, and in order to build on the conversations already happening via our Twitter account @EPElections, that we last week launched an exciting new photo project entitled “#myEU14”. The idea is to give people in the Brussels bubble and beyond an easy and interactive platform to express their vision for Europe and their expectations from the future European leaders. What better way than listening to what people have to say and hearing about the Europe they want to see? More and more people are agreeing to play the game by tweeting their photos (holding aloft a sign detailing their wish-list for the new Parliament), including politicians, candidates, journalists and public affairs professionals.
So what is this new Europe we would all like to see? Well if we have a look at some of the “#myEU14” messages, it means a Europe that takes better care of its citizens, protects the vulnerable, promotes gender equality, provides better funding opportunities for SMEs, helps business provide quality jobs, looks after the environment, promotes media freedom, protects citizens’ rights on the internet and much more. If you ask me, we’d better get to work as we are not quite there yet!
It has been said many times - but I could not agree more - that whatever the result of these elections, the new political leaders will need to prove themselves even more than ever and Europe’s citizens will need to play an even more active role. The next Europe needs to be a citizens’ Europe.