This week, the European Movement International joined 60+ European networks in the European Year of Citizens Alliance (EYCA) alliance in signing an open letter to the future European Commission President. The statement calls on the next Commission chief to pay attention to the 80 demands and aspirations of European citizens, as collected by EYCA in 2013.

The recommendations suggest concrete proposals to set up open, transparent and regular dialogue between citizens and the EU institutions, to foster active participation, so that citizens feel part of and will contribute to the European Union, rather than feeling subject to it.

Furthermore, the letter outlines that a Treaty revision process should be launched in order to reinforce representative democracy, put citizens back at the heart of the European project and restore the legitimacy of the European integration process via democratic methods. This process should include all the relevant stakeholders and be used as a tool to raise awareness of European integration amongst the general public.