The Europe we know today was designed in a postwar era for a vastly different reality. Mounting challenges and crises ranging from climate change to automation and economic downturns, digital threats and the rapid spread of (mis)information, have brought societal concerns, confusion and frustrations to a breaking point. Widening social inequalities have left citizens feeling excluded, disenfranchised and cynical as they perceive that politicians don’t listen to them and lack the will to act on solutions.
It is now time for a fresh approach with a Renewed Social Contract for Europe—one that genuinely represents the desires and necessities of all individuals. As the primary stakeholders in this arrangement, we as citizens should play a central role in the development and finalisation of this new framework.
Debating Europe’s recent “2024 Voices – Citizens Speak Up!” report launched a process aimed at amplifying a diverse array of voices in the discourse surrounding the Renewed Social Contract for Europe. The report marks the initial phase of a comprehensive strategy extending to 2030 and beyond. It lays the groundwork for our commitment to formulating a Revised Social Contract focused on equity, ensuring inclusivity, and, most importantly, actively engaging with your input.
The “2024 Voices – Citizens Speak Up!” report gathers insights from over 2,000 people across seven European countries – Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Sweden – who have shared their perspectives on four key issues facing Europe:
- Advancing the green transition
- Ensuring democracy serves everyone
- Promoting inclusive and sustainable growth
- Enhancing safety and resilience
To ensure the findings receive the impact they deserve, Debating Europe is organising a series of local events in the 7 target countries bringing together young citizens, policymakers and experts in an interactive live discussion focused on finding solutions to the issues identified in the report.
Find out more about Debating Europe’s local events below and join us to reimagine a Europe fit for the 21st century, together!
Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram, and join the #2024Voices conversation!
