The Conference on the Future of Europe: state of affairs and potential prospects. Since the new politico-institutional cycle of the European Union (EU) started in 2019, discussions about the ‘Conference on the Future of Europe’ have gained speed in the European institutions, the member states, and among civil society. In an effort to give a new impulse to European democracy and bring the EU closer to its citizens, while at the same time also aiming to make progress with respect to the implementation of the Union’s key policy priorities, the Conference will most likely be launched on 9 May 2020 and run for two years.

The European Parliament and the European Commission have positioned themselves through a resolution and an official communication at the end of January. And after the December European Council had discussed the matter, member states are currently in the process of finalizing a joint position. In a next step, an interinstitutional Joint Declaration needs to define the Conference’s detailed approach in terms of the set objective(s), exact content, composition, process structure, leadership, final outcome and follow-up. The European Policy Centre has presented two detailed blueprints advocating for a strong citizens’ and representative dimension in the Conference.

At this briefing, EPC’s Director of Studies, Janis A. Emmanouilidis, will present the state of affairs and potential prospects for the Conference. There will also be an opportunity to discuss how best to involve civil society organisations and NGOs in the activities related to the Conference on the Future of Europe.