Noelle O Connell’s Post

As the EU bubble gears up for the Commission hearings, one appointment has particularly sparked interest: Ursula von der Leyen’s decision to introduce a Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport. While the focus on youth and culture was anticipated, the inclusion of intergenerational fairness has taken many by surprise. Though the principle of intergenerational solidarity has always been part of the EU's treaties, this is the first time a dedicated Commissioner will address this critical issue. In this one page, we explore the key responsibilities of this new role, and how civil society has played an instrumental part in pushing for its creation. This provides an opportunity for EU policymaking to support decisions that contribute to building a solid foundation for the future. ➡️ Read more about the role and its significance: European Commission #intergenerationalfairness #futuregeneration #europeanunion #initiatives

Over the last five years, people in Europe and around the world have faced a series of crises. Life has become more difficult, and many are left with deep fears for their futures. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed our interconnected personal, collective, and systemic vulnerabilities; the climate crisis has become a major threat to our societies; and war, occupation, and war crimes in Ukraine and in the Middle East rage on. For the many people in the EU who are facing poverty, precarity, exclusion, and discrimination, it adds to the feeling that the democratic system is simply not delivering. But there is another way! By listening to people’s concerns and delivering on their needs, civil society organisations can build a different future and regain trust. Alongside the Civil Society for EU coalition, ECF urges the institutions to rise to the challenges of the times, and to recognise, support and cooperate with the civic actors whose work and values are devoted to building democratic and resilient societies! How can you take part? As an MEP candidate ● Pledge to support civil society all over Europe ● Call on other parties and candidates to support our demands for a Europe of Democracy, Solidarity and Rights for All! ● Get out the vote! As a civil society organisation ● Endorse the Civil Society for EU Manifesto  ● Ask candidates to sign the Civil Society for EU pledge ● Call on parties and candidates to support our demands for a Europe of Democracy, Solidarity and Rights for All! ● Get out the vote! As an individual ● Make sure you are registered to vote! Find out how  ● Ask your candidates to sign the Civil Society for EU pledge Spread the word: There is another way! ● Vote for a Europe of Democracy, Solidarity and Rights for All! Read our election manifesto to find out more! 👉 civic-forum.eu/EU24 #EuropeForAll #ThereIsAnotherWay #euelections2024

🌍 We are proud supporters of the Future Generations Initiative!   With the appointment of Roberta Metsola as President of the European Parliament and Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission, a new chapter for the European Union begins. As part of our ongoing work towards a Renewed Social Contract for Europe, we believe the EU needs to: 🔴 Include Future Generations in the EU’s Democratic Decisions 🔴 Protect the core values of the EU 🔴 Address long-term risks and challenges   With only 22% of newly elected MEPs under the age of 35, this highlights a consistent and concerning trend: the underrepresentation of young people.   In Debating Europe's #2024Voices report, citizens have expressed their concerns about the challenges young people encounter in engaging with political parties, the potential to reduce the voting age to 16, and the importance of fostering intergenerational dialogue.   Friends of Europe's '10 Policy Choices for a Renewed Social Contract' underscores the importance of ensuring that a wide range of European voices are not only heard but are actively contributing to Europe’s next chapter. We believe an important step in channelling greater participation of young and underrepresented people in the democratic process. ➡ Check out our full report here: https://lnkd.in/eNXT74pU   Future generations deserve to be equally represented in the EU's democratic decision-making process, and in order to reach this goal we must continue working together to build an EU #FitForFutureGenerations! #RenewedSocialContract #2024Voices #FutureOfEU

📣 Today we are focusing on the liberal group Renew Europe. 🇪🇺 At the European Parliament, this political group was only founded in 2019 with a strong impetus from French President Emmanuel Macron and his newly created party at the time. 💼 Renew Europe’s priorities emphasize the need for pragmatic and efficient policymaking, advocating for more simplification, harmonisation and better implementation of existing rules instead of adopting new burdensome ones. The party is also traditionally very pro-innovation, something that is reflected in its policy priorities in the sustainability and digital areas. 📉 However, Renew Europe's politicians should be concerned about recent polls predicting a drop of around 20% in the number of seats in the EP. Renew could thus lose its position as the third largest group to the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) or far-right Identity and Democracy (ID). 

The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue. There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect. Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people, and are with us. Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent. Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.   Now more than ever, we need reconciliation. Read more about NRW: https://loom.ly/QVuMkwU

“The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.” www.reconciliation.org.au But what does it mean, Now More Than Ever? Looking back at the history of Australia’s policies, of First Nations Peoples activism for equality, recognition and land rights - it’s been up and down. It’s been slow hard-fought progress, divisive discourse and in the wake of the referendum result many First Nations Peoples and Communities as well as non-indigenous people are asking What Now? We believe in Reconciliation. We are committed to truth and treaty. We will continue to call out, speak up, stand up and stand alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, Now More Than Ever. We’ve just launched our first Reconciliation Action Plan and Now More Than Ever, it isn’t just words on a page, it’s a commitment to real and meaningful change. Our contribution to truth telling and local healing. It starts with us as individuals, as communities, as services, within systems and together we can achieve respect, connection, understanding and action.

🌍 The Europe of the Future: Finding Common Ground 🌍 Check out our last article which discusses the ongoing #challenges of uniting Europe's political families and countries in a more cohesive and effective alliance. A more adaptive European Union is essential to fostering #cooperation and addressing its #democratic deficits. Important topics such as digital policy, defense, and green initiatives were central to discussions at the 5th Siena Conference on the Europe of the Future, which aims to promote #dialogue among the five (or six) major European political groups, with the goal of identifying a common ground. Through this exchange of ideas, common strategies can be developed, enabling Europe to tackle future challenges and turn its weaknesses and diversity into sources of strength. #EuropeoftheFuture #SienaVisionConference

📅 15 May | Friends of Europe and Debating Europe are proud to announce a debate in the lead up to the European elections with Nicolas Schmit, the common candidate from the Party of European Socialists (PES) for the Presidency of the European Commission. Join us for the second conversation in this series of debates with the Spitzenkandidaten from the main political families. This debate will provide an opportunity for stakeholders from the private, public and civil society sectors to engage in a forward-looking discussion with Nicolas Schmit about what the next European Parliament and European Commission should prioritise in the upcoming mandate. At Friends of Europe, we believe the EU should focus on delivering a Renewed Social Contract, which rethinks the ways in which citizens, the private sector, civil society and public institutions interact for public good.    On the agenda, we'll be addressing the following themes:  🔹 Democratic engagement  🔹 Economic recovery and sustainability  🔹 Digital transition  🔹 EU security and defence    ⤵ Find out more below. #RenewedSocialContract #Voices4Choices #Spitzenkandidat #EUElections2024

Recent efforts in the EU, like the Conference on the Future of Europe and Democratic Odyssey, are setting the stage for a more inclusive #democracy. Citizens, selected randomly, are being empowered to directly influence policies on issues such as energy efficiency and societal challenges. The next step? A permanent #citizensassembly to create a balanced, #collaborative approach to governance. What's even more symbolic? This new chapter in democracy is kicking off in Athens, the birthplace of *western* democracy . Europe is going back to its roots to refresh and rethink how we can do governance better. https://lnkd.in/e3-CsNJk

📣 European Democracy Organisations call EU to prioritise Citizen Deliberation. Together with democratic innovators all over Europe, Démocratie Ouverte urges the EU to invest in deliberative democratic processes to strengthen European democracies. By embracing deliberative democratic methods, the EU can not only enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of decision- making but also nurture a sense of ownership and solidarity among citizens. 🇪🇺 Our common ask : 🔦A clear vision for Citizen Deliberation: Embed citizen deliberation objectives in the EU’s 2024-2029 Strategic Agenda, ensuring they meet high quality standards and evaluation criteria to prevent 'citizen washing'. 🔁Structural Integration of Deliberative Citizens’ Assemblies: Incorporate Citizens’Assemblies into EU political processes, including on contentious issues. Institutionalise deliberative processes and create a permanent Citizens’ Assembly with a clear mandate. Create a horizontal DG or unit that is tasked to coordinate the work on citizen participation and deliberation. 🤝Create the conditions for robust processes in all Member States: Invest in building deliberative capacity across the EU. Dedicate financial resources for communitities that don’t have the opportunity to organise deliberative processes. We believe the next few months are a critical period in which to champion democratic innovation and citizen participation as central pillars of the European project. 📝 Read here the full letter here : https://bit.ly/49YED9L #DeliberativeDemocracy #EU2024BE #CitizensAssemblies G1000 - Bureau Burgerberaad - DemNet Hungary (Foundation for Development of Democratic Rights) - DemocracyNext - FIDE - Europe - Mehr Demokratie - Shipyard Foundation - Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024