In the context of the "European Year of Citizens 2013", the European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, is organizing on 23 April in Brussels an interactive event in the European Parliament with the participation of citizens in 30 European capitals and cities. The event that is entitled "It's our Europe: Let's get active!" aims at encouraging discussion on how European citizens can concretely contribute to shaping the EU, either by using the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI), by turning to ombudsmen, or by mobilizing large groups of citizens to pursue initiatives.
As Mr Diamandouros stated: "The active involvement of citizens from right across Europe in this event is unprecedented. Thanks to our partnership with the European Parliament, citizens will be able to attend the event in their own national capitals and selected cities and to contribute their ideas to the discussion in Brussels."
More specific, the event will focus on two major themes: "Help solve the economic crisis" and "Build a clean and healthy Europe". It will also be moderated by Chris Burns of Euronews.
Prominent EU political figures such as Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, Viviane Reding and Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-Presidents of the European Commission, and the European Ombudsman himself will take part in the event in order to listen to the citizens’ views.
The debate is organized in cooperation with the European Parliament Information Offices in 30 EU capitals and cities.
Citizens that are unable to be in Brussels but want to participate in the event are invited to join the debate via Twitter using the #eyc2013eo hashtag.
