EU communication must be a two way street
The need for the EU to communicate more effectively became especially apparent in the aftermath of the French and Dutch 'no' to the Constitution. The rejections showed that there are many different views and understandings about Europe and where it is heading.
This is why a new approach was needed not only relating to communication, but also regarding the future of Europe as a whole.
Consequently, we have developed a new approach to European communication that puts citizens at the heart of European policies.
It is based on three strategic principles :
- Listening to citizens: taking their views and concerns into account
- Communicating how our policies affect their everyday lives
- Connecting with citizens by 'going local': addressing people in their national or local settings, using their favourite form of media.
Europeans and Europe - tying the knot of communication
People have the right to know about and influence the decisions being taken by EU leaders. The latest plan from the European Commission, Communicating Europe in Partnership, aims to facilitate this process.
A series of partnerships are to be forged. The European Parliament and the Commission intend to create European public spaces where people can get information and join discussions. National governments and the Commission will adapt the news coming out of the EU to national situations and political agendas. Debate forums for national and European parliamentarians and for civil society are also on the cards.
Further steps include: a new internet strategy before the end of the year to revamp the Europa site for more interactive communication; a new audiovisual strategy for early 2008 to produce and broadcast EU affairs programmes, and a follow-up to the current plan D strategy in the spring of 2008.