Dear participants of the European Citizens Assembly,
Thank you for the invitation and the chance to speak to you today.
Congratulations on organizing this two-day event.
It is both an Assembly on democratic innovation and a social movement.
Your grassroots movement is truly European – or “transnational”, to use your own terms.
Your event comes at a time when, in some countries, populists have the upper hand, and where the only issue they are advancing is what they think is the national interest.
A lot has been done on innovating democracy, and there remains much more to do.
As Mayor of Dubrovnik, I once introduced the first childrens city council. I am a true believer in citizen engagement – especially our youth.
Some of you present here today joined me in the Conference on the Future of Europe – or participated in the European Citizen Panels – which are a direct outcome of the proposals of the Conference.
We continue this work of European Citizen Panels – the next one is on the European budget.
The online debate is open. So please do go online and contribute. Make your voice heard.
And follow the panels themselves which are taking place from March to May.
Citizens want us politicians to hear them - and we should listen. We often say how important it is that citizens trust politicians. But we decision-makers must also trust citizens!
Give them the time and space they need to do their great work. We must be brave and find innovative and creative solutions to make our democracy work better for all.
I am very grateful that you are revitalizing democracy in this sense.
There is so much divisive content and disinformation in the public domain. And a lot of it is amplified by social media networks, too.
Real debate amongst people who are engaging and have strong views is so valuable. And it can make – and I am sure will make - a difference.
It is very good to see that there are citizens who are engaging in our most precious common good called democracy.
So let us take good care and strengthen it – as you will today and tomorrow.
Let me wish you a fruitful European Citizens Assembly with lively debates and a lot of impact and inspiration.
Together we build a democracy fit for the future.