​​​On 16 September, EA group held an extraordinary meeting focused on the Conference on the Future of Europe. The meeting gathered representatives of the European Parliament, European political parties, civil society, local authorities' associations and a number of local and regional politicians from the EU and the United Kingdom. 

The debate showed how the Conference is seen from different perspectives as the speakers came from different backgrounds and corners of Europe.

Mr Jordi Solé MEP, President of the European Free Alliance (EFA) Group in the European Parliament and delegate to the Conference's plenary informed participants about how the European Parliament and EFA grouping are approaching the Conference. 

Another delegate to the Conference's plenary Ms Noelle O'Connell, who is also vice president of the European Movement International and CEO of European Movement Ireland explained how the European Movement International is engaging with citizens in the process. 

Ms Lorena Lopez de Lacalle, President of the EFA political party talked about how pan-European political parties reengage in the debate on the Conference through different channels and institutions. 

Mr Valentin-Dumitru-Ioan Ivan, Mayor of Sadu (Romania) and Press Officer with the rank of Vice President of the Association of Communes in Romania talked about the perspectives of rural communities and what they are expecting from the whole process.

Finally, Cllr Declan McDonnell (Galway City Council, Ireland) presented his opinion "Local and Regional Authorities in the permanent dialogue with citizens" which proposes a mechanism for a permanent consultation between the EU and its citizens and which was adopted unanimously by the CoR plenary in October 2020. 

The participants also discussed concrete channels and ways in which EA group and like-minded entities can make our voices heard in this crucial phase of the Conference on the Future of Europe. 

The debate proved to be very pertinent as Citizens Panels have just started discussing concrete proposals and the second plenary (first to discuss thematic proposals) is due at the end of October. The final report of the Conference is due in spring 2022. European Alliance Group has three delegates to the Conference's plenary session.