How to reform the European institutions so that they meet the

PRESS RELEASE
How to reform the European institutions so that they meet the
needs of the citizens?
EESC Debate during the European Forum for New Ideas in Sopot
24.09.2013, Sopot
How to better explain to the citizens the advantages of “their” Europe? What instruments and new
technologies will involve the citizens in the construction of the Europe of our dreams? Which
institutional reforms does Europe need? These are the most important issues of one of the events
of the European Forum for New Ideas – the panel entitled How to reform the European institutions
so that they meet the needs of the citizens? Co-host of the panel, to be held on Thursday 26
September, is the European Economic and Social Committee, an EU advisory body headquartered
in Brussels.
Join in the discussion on Twitter: #reformEU
"Europe needs new ideas. All too often our debates are empty and concentrate on past solutions
which do not suit the challenges of the future. We must set old ideologies aside, we need concrete
and innovative solutions. Europe needs a new spirit, a new generation of entrepreneurs ready to
take risks and at the same time think far ahead. Poland, one of the most dynamic countries of the
EU, is showing the way" – said Henri Malosse, President of the European Economic and Social
Committee.
The debate in Sopot is taking place at a time when euroscepticism is growing, a crisis of democracy
vis-a-vis European institutions is visible, and radical parties are speaking out increasingly loudly.
This is a side effect of the crisis and of doubts about the euro and European integration.
How to cope with these doubts? How should Europe address its citizens in order to convince them?
Are European institutions still capable of engaging citizens in the construction of a Europe of their
dreams? It is certainly necessary to undertake dialogue with Europeans, show them how the EU
has helped improve their daily lives and present the benefits of European integration, but also to
bring home the costs of abandoning it. Very important in this process is the role of the media,
especially the social media. What opportunities do they present, and how to make the best use of
them?
Taking part in the panel, hosted by Philippe Cayla, President, Euronews Development, are: Henri
Malosse, EESC President and Andrzej Adamczyk, representing this organization: Henryka Bochniarz,
President, Polish Confederation Lewiatan: Jens Nymad Christensen, Director, Relations with the
European Parliament in the European Commission; Heather Smith, President, "Rock the Vote" USA;
Ivar Tallo, member of the Executive Board E-Governance Academy, Estonia; and Benoît Thieulin,
Director, La Netscouade, France.
The panel will take place on 26 September at 12:00 during the European Forum for New Ideas,
whose guiding theme is Where to now, Europe? How to renew the Old Continent? A Business
Perspective.
On 25-27 September, for the third time, Sopot will host one of the most prestigious international
business events in Europe. World-famous economists and business leaders from Poland, Europe
and other continents, representatives of politics, culture and the world of science, will take part in
the European Forum for New Ideas (EFNI), organized by the Polish Confederation Lewiatan. During
the two-day debates, they will discuss Europe’s greatest and most urgent problems and find ways
of resolving them.
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European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Established by the Treaties of Rome in 1957, EESC comprises
representatives of organizations of employers and employees and of other bodies which represent civic society in the
member-states, and especially in the socio-economic, civic, professional and cultural sphere. EESC is an advisory body of the
European Union.
The EUROPEAN FORUM FOR NEW IDEAS is an international congress of business communities with the participation of
representatives of the world of science, culture and politics. It is organized by the Polish Confederation Lewiatan in
cooperation with BUSINESSEUROPE, the City of Sopot, and Polish and international companies and institutions. This year’s
third edition of EFNI will take place on 27.09.2013 in Sopot. The leading slogan of this year’s conference is Where to now,
Europe? How to renew the Old Continent? A Business Perspective”.
www.efni.pl
Honorary patrons of EFNI are the President of the Republic of Poland, President of the European Council and the
European Parliament.
Institutional Partners: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Economic and Social Committee, and the Marshal’s
Office of Pomerania Voivodship.
Strategic Partners: Orange Polska, PKN ORLEN S.A., the PZU Group, the Gazeta Prawna daily and Polish Television.
Partner of the Opening Gala: Bank Pekao SA.
Main Partners:
Bloomberg Businessweek Polska, Deloitte Polska, EESC – Employers’ Group, Energa Group,
KPMG, City of Gdańsk, Polpharma, PGNiG SA, Provident Polska, Tesco Polska, Totalizator
Sportowy
Supporting Partners:
Bank Pocztowy, Forbes, Gazeta Giełdy Parkiet, Havas Worldwide Warsaw, Intermarché, MBA
Manager, MetLife Amplico, Newsweek Polska, PGE Capital Group, PSSE, Puls Biznesu, Radio
PiN, Wirtualna Polska, Radio TOK FM, Wprost
Knowledge Partners:
Lech Wałęsa Institute Foundation, Liberté, THINKTANK, World Academy of Art and Science
Logistic Partners:
Dell, Opel, L.Wałesa Airport, Gdańsk
Official Carrier:
LOT Polish Airlines
For additional information contact:
Zbigniew Maciąg, [email protected], tel.: 604 589 080
Maciej Bury, [email protected], tel.: +32 (0) 498 989 994