On October 20th , the first of three EU debates was organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs and vleva. The goal of the debates is, on the bases of the views of the civil society, to come to a Flemish vision on the governance, powers and policies of the European Union.
The theme of the first debate was "Sustainable growth for a strong and qualitative future". In December and February, two more debates will follow, respectively on the values, solidarity and responsibility within the Union and the democratic nature of the Union.
Every debate starts with two keynote speakers who give their vision on the theme. For the first debate Wouter De Geest, CEO of BASF Antwerpen and Jos Delbeke, Director-General for Climate Action of the European Commission were invited. After this introduction, the participants start working in groups with a set of given statements. The vision of the keynote speakers may inspire them formulating their conclusions. In turn, this conclusions will serve as inspiration for the Government of Flanders.
At the start of the debate, Luc Van den Brande, chairman of vleva, pointed out the importance of civil society in this process: "your opinion about the European role in economy and ecology, responsibility and solidarity of the Union, and the quality of democracy is not only important for the realization of the Flemish vision but certainly for the implementation of this vision in the future. "
Link:
Vlaams-Europees Verbindingsagentschap (vleva)