Ongoing tensions around the European project have been accompanied by what could be described a popular disaffection towards European institutions, as symbolized by a low turnout rate in the Czech Republic and the rest of Central Europe at the European Parliament elections in 2014. Other elements have also created a divide between the EU and its citizens, revolving around the idea of solidarity: the Eurozone crisis, the refugee and Schengen crisis, the looming threat of a Brexit, which all represent at their heart differing visions about a common future for Europe. How can these visions be integrated in re-imagining Europe, and what role do citizens play, and how can their influence be channeled? What is the role of the institutions in reflecting and enacting these preferences?

This conference aimed to present the findings of the Building Bridges project to a wider audience and to stimulate a public debate on the EU and the diverse views across the member states. It gathered about 120 participants from 11 EU countries (France, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Lithuania, the UK and the Czech Republic). This event was organised with EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy. To see the full programme, please click here. 

The “Building Bridges Between National Perspectives on the European Union" project which is co-funded by the "Europe for citizens" programme of the European Union.