The EU: The European Commission will today outline a plan for a "broad and intensive debate" on EU policies in an effort to restore public confidence in the union.
The strategy, which is called Plan D for democracy, dialogue and debate, will be structured as a "listening exercise" to enable the EU to respond better to the concerns of citizens following the rejection of the EU constitution by French and Dutch voters.
It will run in parallel to the current "period of reflection" on the constitution, but will continue throughout the lifetime of the current commission. It will also encompass a wide range of issues facing citizens within the EU rather than simply focusing on EU institutions and the constitution.
"Faced with declining confidence in political systems, the commission believes that it is important to ensure that representative democracy continues to maintain the trust and involvement of Europe's citizens," according to the strategy document, which will be launched later today by communications commissioner Margot Wallström.
Plan D will leave much of the organisation of the EU dialogue with member states, but it will offer a common approach, ideas and some finance to governments.
The strategy holds up as best practice Ireland's National Forum and the Platform for Europe in Spain for promoting debate on Europe's future. However, it also notes that the debate on Europe has not yet begun in many member states.
The strategy document warns that while EU membership is still supported by a majority of EU citizens, the image of the EU has steadily decreased, with only 47 per cent of respondents giving a positive response to the union.
It says European institutions are too often the scapegoat for unpopular decisions and are often seen as remote and bureaucratic.
It also calls for the ending of the blame-game, both by member states and the institutions, as an important way to enhance public trust in political institutions.
The Irish Government will today publish its own White Paper on the EU constitution in an attempt to kick-start a debate on Europe's direction. The paper will include an interpretation of the constitution and the Government's approach to the negotiations. It does not plan to set a date for a referendum on the constitution until the current "period of reflection" is concluded.
Citizens must decide EU's future: page 16; editorial comment: page 17