"Over the last twenty years, the European Union has undergone a dramatic change. It has been given a wide range of tasks that affect the life of its citizens in different areas. However, communication between the EU and its citizens has not followed suit. Everyone knows that today there is a ditch between the EU and its citizens". This is the finding that prompted the White Book on the EU Communication Policy that was passed today by Barroso’s Commission and presented in Brussels by Margot Wallström, vice-president of the Executive Committee. According to the Swedish commissioner, "communication is first and foremost a matter of democracy: citizens are entitled to be aware of what the EU does and why. And they are entitled to fully take part in the EU project". The building of the EU "has developed like a political plan, but has found no place in the hearts and in the minds of its citizens. The White Book is the Commission’s proposal to face such a challenge". The text (14 pages overall) is supposed to be used as the "basis for a two-way discussion – explained Wallström -, in which public bodies and citizens listen to each other. The talks will go on for six months; everyone can have their say even by logging on to the Commission’s website. At the end of the period, the Executive Committee will put forward some plans to improve communication between the EU and the European population", to help its citizens get closer to the EU integration plan. (to be continued)
