The European Movement International hosted a very successful Members’ Council in Brussels on Friday 27 November. With 34 member organisations present the focus of the day was on developing several key policy positions.

Great to meet colleagues from the European Movement Network. After the great meeting in Riga,now back in Brussels 🙂 pic.twitter.com/eDpVvNHTTP

— Andris Gobiņš (@AndrisGobins) November 27, 2015

As well as reviewing recent positions on migration and the Economic and Monetary Union, members provided input for new positions on security, the digital agenda, and a more participative democracy.

In the area of citizens’ participation and transparency, members agreed that it is imperative for the European Commission and Council to seek to endorse and implement the EESC Liaison Group Roadmap on Article 11. Moreover, members agreed that much more work needs to be undertaken in the area of transparency – with a more structured consultation process and a mandatory register for all lobbyists vis-à-vis the European institutions. In line with other work undertaken by the Movement, members also pointed out the opaque nature of trilogues and underlined a commitment to fight for transnational lists for European parties during elections and to consider widespread use of e-voting applications.

Discussion & adoption of policy positions on some of the pressing issues facing Europe at #emimemberscouncil pic.twitter.com/qi89gE27Av

— Petros Fassoulas (@PetrosFassoulas) November 27, 2015

Regarding the digital agenda, members were keen to emphasise a link with job creation and economic benefits. This includes taking actions such as nurturing the development of e-skills throughout the economy, with a focus on life-long learning. This also means fostering e-growth in all areas of the economy, including SMEs, service sector environments and cultural and creative industries. With regard to the benefits of the Digital Economic Model for citizens, the two-fold focus should be to firstly pursue the interest of users; and secondly to secure equal access for all. This means working across European borders to end practices such as geo-blocking and creating a modernised copyright framework.

VP @evapaunova presenting the @EMInternational policy paper on #digital to the #MembersCouncil. #eurmove @EPP pic.twitter.com/v1QZfk4UQd

— Yasen Gyurov (@yasengyurov) November 27, 2015

The Secretariat presented an overview of its work on policy and communications – an area which has received a lot of focus in recent months, following the appointment of new Secretary General, Petros Fassoulas.

Communication r/evolution of @EMInternational. public affairs of the biggest pro European network #EMImemberscouncil pic.twitter.com/Sn2lNUCL3S

— Europäische Bewegung (@NetzwerkEBD) November 27, 2015

Last, but not least, members also adopted an Action Plan to set up the Woman of Europe Award and developed a Contribution to the Citizenship Consultation of the European Commission.

#emimc now discussing @EU_Commission consultation on #citizenship. @EMInternational has a lot to contribute! pic.twitter.com/HMzGdU9rMx

— Laetitia Veriter (@LtitiaV) November 27, 2015