Capítulo 22. Evolving democratic participation in the EU

• Date: 01 January 2024
• Author: Letizia Salvo

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CAPÍTULO 22

EVOLVING DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION IN THE EU

LETIZIA SALVO

University of Messina

1. INTRODUCTION

The spread of technologies brings with it the emergence of new dimen-

sions of rights, but also new declinations of already recognized rights.

Therefore, nowadays there is a need for a European framework capable

of rethinking itself in a way that ensures freedom of access and freedom

of individual choice for citizens in the digital world.

In this regard, the Conference on the Future of Europe43 provided an

unprecedented opportunity for a broad democratic outreach on the par-

ticipation of European citizens. Beginning on May 9, 2021 and ending

on the same day in 202244, it took place in the European Year for Young

People, during which they were invited to promote democratic values

at the European level.

From the beginning, with the Joint Declaration of the Conference45

emerged the unity of purpose expressed by the European Parliament,

the Council and the European Commission aimed at the involvement of

the largest possible number of citizens of the European states in the

activities of the Conference, with the goal of creating a shared discus-

sion on different issues to define the future development priorities of

43 Henceforth referred to as 'the Conference'.

44 The highly symbolic date recalls that of the well-known Schuman Declaration of 1950, the

symbolic date of the birth of the European Community.

45 Joint Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission

on the Conference on the Future of Europe Dialogue with Citizens for Democracy - Building a

More Resilient Europe 2021/C 91 I/01, 10 march 2021.