Tag: Christos Floros 2024

The European Parliament: a beating heart of democracy, a forum for diverse voices, a guardian of our shared values. Or… an often-distant institution, bogged down in bureaucracy, struggling to connect with the citizens it serves. Let’s be honest, the Parliament sometimes feels more like a museum exhibit than a vibrant marketplace of ideas.

But here’s the thing: a strong, representative Parliament is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. In a world of rising populism, external threats, and complex challenges, we need our European voice to be loud, clear, and rooted in the will of the people.

So, how do we bridge the gap between Brussels, Strasbourg and the kitchen table and people’s screens? How do we build a Parliament that truly resonates with the hopes, anxieties, and aspirations of everyday Europeans?

First, let’s ditch the echo chamber. Right now, the Parliament often feels like a club for career politicians, speaking a language understood only by insiders. We need fresh faces, diverse perspectives, and a focus on issues that matter to real people, not just party dogma. Imagine young entrepreneurs debating the future of the digital economy, young employees discussing employment issues, farmers raising concerns about climate change, architects and urban practictioners debating the future of our cities, students advocating for affordable education – now that’s a Parliament I’d tune in to!

Second, let’s break down the walls. The Parliament shouldn’t be an ivory tower. We need more direct engagement with citizens, online and offline. Town hall meetings, digital forums, citizen consultations – let’s create spaces where people can actively participate, not just passively observe. Imagine using online platforms to crowdsource solutions to pressing issues, wouldn’t that be an innovative way to harness collective wisdom?

Third, let’s empower the representatives. Right now, MEPs often feel like cogs in a vast machine, their voices diluted by party loyalties and complex procedures. We need to give them the tools and freedom to truly champion the causes they believe in, to hold the Commission accountable, and to debate with passion and conviction. Imagine a Parliament where fiery speeches ignite genuine debate, wouldn’t that be a spectacle worthy of our democracy?

Building a more resilient, representative Parliament won’t be easy. It requires challenging the status quo, embracing innovation, and, most importantly, listening to the people. But the stakes are high. A strong Parliament is the bedrock of a strong Europe, a Europe that can navigate the storms of the 21st century and emerge stronger, more united, and more true to its democratic ideals.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves, get involved, and demand (through our votes) a Parliament that truly reflects the pulse of Europe. The future of our shared project depends on it.

What are your thoughts? How can we build a stronger, more representative European Parliament? I would love to hear your ideas,

Christos Floros

In Luxembourg we know our size doesn’t define our impact, especially when it comes to Europe.

We were there at the start, Schuman’s dream woven into our country’s fabric. Now, on June 9th, it’s time to raise our voices again, not just because it’s our right, but because our vote truly steers the future of a united Europe.

Anyone still remember the struggles our grandparents and parents faced, divided by borders?

Today, thanks to the EU, we hop across those same borders for work, study, even love, with barely a blink. Schengen, a cornerstone of that freedom, was signed right here in our backyard.

That’s our legacy, built brick by brick with our European partners, showing the power of working together.

We, the generation raised on a united Europe, need to remind ourselves and others what we’ve gained: cleaner air, stronger economies, Erasmus adventures that opened our eyes to the world. These aren’t distant concepts, they’re the realities that shape our lives.

However, the rising tide of nationalism threatens to wash away these achievements. We see it across Europe, and even here in Luxembourg too, unfortunately. But here’s the thing: Luxembourg, small but fierce, has always stood up to bullies. We did it before, and we can do it again, not with fists, but with our votes, all together, as one diverse, united, European country.

On June 9th, let’s cast our ballots for a progressive, social-liberal Europe. Let’s honour the vision of our founding fathers and mothers, reject the divisive voices, and weave the future of Europe, stronger than ever before.

Our vote, like our voice, is powerful. Let’s use it to remind everyone, from Vianden to Differdange, from Luxembourg City to Troisvierges, and from Lisbon to Vilnius, that a united Europe isn’t just possible, it’s essential.

Letz get voting!

C