More democracy, dialogue and debate are the key elements of Commissioner Wallström's 'plan D' to reconnect to citizens after two founding member states rejected the EU Constitution

Background:

When French and Dutch voters turned against the EU in their referenda, the Union's elites were caught by surprise. Although some commentators had warned of a possible 'No', the Commission and the Luxemburg Presidency did not have any 'plan B' at hand to solve the crisis. "L'Europe ne fait plus rêver," said Luxemburg's Jean-Claude Juncker. At the European Council meeting in June, EU leaders called for a "period of reflection" during which a broad debate should be started with European citizens. As a result, communication Commissioner Wallström launched the idea of a 'plan D'.

Issues:

More details on the 'plan D' were given in two documents presented by Margot Wallström to the special seminar held by the Commission on 20 September. The vice-president and communication commissioner does not see her plan D as a "rescue operation for the Constitution" but as a starting point for a "wider debate on the relationship between the EU's democratic institutions and citizens. It should be an "exercise that must run throughout the lifetime of the Commission and beyond". The debate should "create a new consensus on the European project".

Commissioner Wallström wants the member states to set up national debates around a series of topics that cut across different policy areas. She gives the examples of Europe's economic and social development, freedom of movement and security, Europe's borders or its values. To promote the debate she makes several specific proposals:

regular visits of the Commission president and vice-president to the member states, accompanied by the country's commissioner or others when appropriate;
a European Round Table for Democracy, consisting of NGOs and other civil society actors to "discuss the precise nature of 'democratic infrastructure' to be established throughout Europe";
the use of European goodwill ambassadors  at regional events;
more citizens' involvement in policy-making by committing to discuss a policy area when one million citizens from a significant number of member states ask for it;
a European citizens' panel  to discuss specific policy areas with the intention of providing input for a European panel making recommendations on policy;
increase voter participation in European elections and referenda;
Commissioners should explain policy developments in national parliaments;
use of a specific Eurobarometer on the future of Europe;
use of state-of-the-art internet techology to foster debates;
member states to use focus groups on specific European themes.
The Plan D comes two months after Mrs Wallström's action plan to professionalise the Commission's internal communication skills (see EurActiv 22 July 2005). It will be followed by a White Paper on Communication including proposals to improve communication with external EU actors (press, lobby groups, governments, NGOs) at the end of the year.

Challenges:

It is doubtful if member state governments can really be persuaded to organise and lead national debates on EU policies. The Convention on the future of Europe certainly failed to do so. On the other hand, there are examples of national debates which really worked. The Irish National Forum on Europe seems to be a model for Commissioner Wallström.
Some of the proposals are quite vague and need more clarification. What will be the exact role of the Round Table for Democracy and how will the policy-oriented European citizens' panel link in with the institutionalised stakeholder consultations and the role of the Parliament and/or ECOSOC (the Economic and Social Council).
Is there full internal support within the Commission for Mrs Wallström's ideas?

Latest & next steps:

The White Paper on Communication is expected before the end of 2005;
In May 2006, the Commission might prepare a synthesis document on the national debates organised in the member states. 
 

Links:

Action Plan to improve communicating Europe by the commission , (July 2005)

Action plan - annex with 50 measures