Tag: elections

  • Strengthening our Democracy

    Strengthening our Democracy

    Democracy stands as the bedrock of citizens’ empowerment and collective decision-making.

    As we works towards a more vibrant EU democracy, our compass must point firmly towards the significance of active citizenship and the power vested in our collective voice.

    Why Voting Matters

    At the heart of any thriving democracy lies the ballot box – a sacred space where citizens cast their votes to shape the future. The EU elections, often overshadowed by national contests, are a crucial arena where the voice of each individual resonates in the halls of power.

    The importance of voting in these elections cannot be overstated; it is the foundation upon which our shared destiny is built. As citizens of the EU, we must recognize that our participation is not just a right but a responsibility that defines the very essence of our democratic values.

    Sending a Pro-EU Signal

    In an era marked by divisive rhetoric and the rise of nationalism, the EU elections become a battleground for shaping the narrative. By casting a pro-EU vote, we send a powerful signal that transcends borders and challenges the forces of fragmentation.

    Our collective endorsement of a united Europe reinforces the idea that, together, we are stronger. It is a declaration that we believe in collaboration, solidarity, and a shared destiny, even in the face of adversity.

    Engagement Beyond the Ballot

    Democracy is not a spectator sport; it requires active participation beyond the act of voting. To fortify the pillars of our democratic system, we must encourage more citizens to engage not only at the polls but also within the intricate web of political parties and civil society.

    It is through these engagements that we shape the narrative, influence policy, and ensure that our democracy remains vibrant and responsive to the needs of the people.

    Communication is Key

    One of the cornerstones of a thriving democracy is transparent and effective communication. To reinforce the European Parliament’s role, it is imperative that the work undertaken within its walls is communicated clearly and comprehensively to the citizens it serves.

    Bridging the gap between policymakers and the public fosters a sense of trust and understanding, laying the groundwork for a more engaged and informed electorate.

    Empowering the EU Parliament

    To bolster EU democracy, we must empower the European Parliament with the ability to take the lead in shaping policies. Granting the EU Parliament greater powers of initiative enhances its role as a true representative of the people.

    This shift not only reinforces the democratic principles upon which the EU was founded but also ensures that the institution is dynamic, responsive, and capable of driving positive change.

    Democracy… More Democratic

    As we aspire to build a more perfect union, EU democracy must be brought closer to its citizens. This involves creating mechanisms for more direct involvement, encouraging citizen-led initiatives, and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

    By making democracy more accessible, representative, intersectional and responsive at the grassroots level, we ensure that the European project remains deeply rooted in the aspirations and realities of its diverse population.

    As we approach the next EU elections, lets seize the opportunity to breathe new life into our democracy and reaffirm our commitment to a united and democratic European Union.

  • “2024 is history in the making” interview with Chronicle.lu

    “2024 is history in the making” interview with Chronicle.lu

    Chronicle.lu: In a context of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, plus taking into account Eurosceptic/anti-Europe narratives (talks of EU exits – and this being the first European election since the 1970s without the UK) and the fact that this is a “record” year for elections worldwide, why do you feel it is important that more people (not least potential first-time voters) head to the polls in June 2024?

    Christos Floros: Voting is our civic duty. It’s how we shape the future of our society, at every scale, locally, nationally, internationally. In democratic societies, at least. Here in Luxembourg, citizens are required to vote.

    If we could legally make every resident vote, I believe we would. Because in Luxembourg we really do see it as a duty, if you live and work in this country, we want you to take responsibility for it, too.

    2024 is history in the making. The year they’ll point to in the future and say, “That’s when we stood up for democracy” or the opposite. The latter option, well, let’s just say Trump getting re-elected, makes it scarily possible. Remember, he was elected after the shockwave of Brexit, right?

    This year, Europe should send a different kind of shockwave to the US. A nod to our American allies, a message that says, “Hey, we’re still building that post-WWII world together.” A wake-up call. And guess how we do that? Electing pro-EU leaders across our Union in June.

    We gotta rekindle that commitment in Europe. Our peace, our freedom, our freedom of movement, our Erasmus, our shared prosperity, all these things, we’ve achieved together, we’ve got to remind every single European that this only works, when we work together and when politicians are also willing to take responsibility for what didn’t go as planned, what we didn’t get right. Otherwise, we are going to leave the field free for the far right… And those who scream “no more Europe” are basically condemning us all. We, as individual nations, can’t navigate this new world we are entering, alone. […] We live in a world of giants now, and going it solo for any of us is a recipe for disaster. We can and will continue to love and cherish our homelands, celebrate our traditions, and at the same time we must continue to aspire to build our bigger selves together. We need more Union today, than we needed in the 90’s or the 2000s.

    This is not just an election, it’s a chance to shape history. It’s our opportunity to show the world that Europe is still a beacon of hope, collaboration, and progress […] And that’s why I want everyone to sign up to vote before 15 April, to vote on 9 June.

    Read the full interview: https://chronicle.lu/category/politics/48625-change-for-luxembourg-founder-discusses-importance-of-european-elections