Empower, the European Forum of civil society, organized by the European Commission as part of the consultations on the White Paper on communication, is due to be held in Bergamo (Italy), from 9 to 10 November. “The meeting – explains a statement of the Executive – will be attended by over 300 representatives of non-governmental organizations and associations from all 25 member states, as well as from Bulgaria and Romania”. The communication, according to the promoters, is “an essential element of democracy, indispensable to stimulate the public debate. Citizens have the right to know what the EU does and why, and have the right to participate in the political process through an effective communication with the institutions”. Citizens “admit knowing and understanding little about European questions. They ask to be better informed by the means of communication and by the political representatives they have elected. They ask to have a greater say in European questions”.
