SIR – 31/10/2006 – "Communication is a key feature of democracy, essential to promote public debate. The citizens are entitled to be informed of what the European Union does and why and are entitled to take part in the political process through effective communication with the institutions". Margot Wallström, deputy president of the EU Commission, will speak at Empower, a European Social Forum, planned for 9th and 10th November in Bergamo. The initiative of the Executive Committee is promoted as part of the consultation on the White Book about communication. The Swedish commissioner explains: "Over 300 delegates from non-governmental organisations and associations from all of the 25 member states as well as Bulgaria and Romania are expected to attend the event". The subjects of the plenary session and the workgroups that will be formed among the participants will include civics, the relation between citizens and EU institutions, the role of the media and in particular the Internet in "bridging the gap" between the EU and the citizens. As well as Wallström, other speakers will include the Italian Minister of the Interior, Giuliano Amato, the EU MEPs Bronislaw Geremek and Gérard Onesta, and the president of Università Bocconi, Mario Monti. For further information: http://www.empower06.eu.
