On 28 September, CIVEX commission met in a hybrid format.
Members discussed the opinion "Better regulation: Joining forces to make better laws" which calls for clear and effective legislation in encouraging recovery across Member States. During the debate, Galway City Councillor and CoR rapporteur on a permanent dialogue with citizens Declan McDonnell said that local and regional authorities are the most trusted level of government and are in a unique position to listen and responded to citizens. "That is why," he added, "establishing a network for citizen dialogues led by local and regional authorities is so important for European governance and democracy."
During the thematic debate "Equality as a building block of European democracy" with former European Commissioner Joaquín Almunia and president of Young European Federalists Leonie Martin, EA CIVEX coordinator József Kóbor stated that equality can only be achieved by addressing the root problems which lead to inequalities. "That takes courage, dialogue and comprehensive policy solutions," he added, "but reaching out and empowering people through positive action is key."
Fellow EA member and member of the Flemish Parliament Karl Vanlouwe added that subsidiarity and multi-level governance are key to addressing inequalities in our societies, especially as the inequalities are often most visible at the local level. "Conference on the Future of Europe," he said, "is an opportunity to create added value by ensuring the wellbeing and equality of all citizens."
