Should the European Union be enlarged to include additional member states? Is it well equipped to act as an assertive actor in foreign policy? Does the EU have what it takes to address the most pressing challenges in today’s world, ranging from internal democratic backsliding to the climate crisis and a global pandemic?
When scrutinizing issues in international politics such as these, the concept of the national interest is a prominent perspective. In the analysis of EU policy, however, the equivalent to the national interest, the European interest, is rarely, if ever, invoked. Yet without a coherently conceptualized and repeatedly applied notion of one or multiple European interests during the EU policy formation process, Europeans risk the renationalization of EU policy debates, decision-making paralysis, and underappreciation of the EU’s potential.
The German Marshall Fund of the United States would like to gather your input on a first definition of the European Interest(s) to assess whether the EU’s policy represents the interests of its citizens. A select group of diverse citizens from all over Europe will be invited to provide input on guidelines for the European Interest. You could be one of them. With your support, we hope to advance the European debate by inserting the European Interest(s) as a novel analytical category that appeals to citizens and policymakers.
In an interactive and moderated group discussion, we want to find out: What are the European Interests? Which current policies and policy proposals serve the European Interests? Which do not?
If you live in the EU or its neighborhood, including the UK, register by August 16 here to discuss these questions in an online dialogue on September 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CEST.
This citizens’ consultation is organized by the German Marshall Fund of the United States in cooperation with Kosmopolis.org and will last about three hours. We aim to organize a conversation that reflects diverse perspectives by discussing the concept of the European Interest in plenary sessions and smaller breakout groups. The number of participants is limited and selected attendees will receive a confirmation once all registrations have been reviewed. Participants will receive a small allowance for their time and effort on the project.
The European Interest(s): Redefining the European Debate is a project carried out by the German Marshall Fund with kind support from Stiftung Mercator and has been running since September 2020. A consortium of European experts has contributed to a first definition of the European Interest concept that is now to be evaluated by a representative group of citizens. The definition will consequently be revised, featured in a flagship publication, and presented at several public launch events in autumn.
The project aims to reform and rejuvenate the European debate. Ultimately, we want to provide decision-makers and other actors with a new concept and narrative in their struggle over the future of Europe. Our target audience consists of decision-makers in political institutions, academics, the think tank community, and the media, as well as civil society and citizens.
For more information about the project and how the results will be used, please visit our website or reach out to EuropeanInterests@gmfus.org.
Photo: ©Peter Gwiazda_Stiftung Mercator
Veranstaltungsdetails
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