A Democratic Problem: A Democratic Solution?

It is generally agreed the European Union is in a time of trouble. With the rejection of the Constitution, the presence of more and more openly Eurosceptic and nationalist governments within our countries, the debate over enlargement and the low voter turn-outs for the European elections, many are even calling into question the fundamental democracy of the Union, and the fundamental ability of Europeans to stand united on issues facing them. At the same time, need for such unity has never been greater. The problems facing our world have taken on a global nature. From global warming and mass extinction, to epidemics such as HIV and bird flu, to international terrorism, to increased job insecurity caused by the nature of multi-national corporations and globalisation, to international criminal rings, drug smuggling and people trafficking, these are problems that are far beyond the scope of smaller nations to deal with. More and more international organisations from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank to the United Nations, to the European Union, to the African Union, to the OIC have stepped into the gap of this new, international level of politics. But the further they are from their people, the less accountable and democratic their actions may feel. We see this problem already expressed in waves of cynicism and alienation among the population. It is not enough to keep our heads in the sand, to waste our energy in futile anti-globalisation protests and nationalist defensiveness, to criticise the lack of democracy without suggesting any alternative. What is needed is a democratic reconquest of the global stage. Europe United believes that the very technological advances that make globalisation possible, have also given us the tools for this democratic reconquest. What is at stake is a redefining of democracy, not simply as a technical system for legitimising leaders, but as an ongoing quest to make government an ever more perfect reflection of the will of the people. Since the elections of the European Union call on the European Union to act as a united electorate, Europe United calls for a pan-European party that reflects the overall concerns of the European people as one. And for that party to be as transparent, democratic and close to the people as possible. You'll notice the difference immediately on joining. Europe United doesn't turn up on your doorstep once every four years, armed with pamphlets and demanding your vote. We don't contact you only when we wish for your participation in fundraising dinners, or when we'd like you to listen to one of our speeches. Our deliberations over policy are conducted online with the participation of our members, our decisions reached in a transparent, accountable manner, with the results of membership polls and the level of consensus free for all to see. You will get the chance to immediately share you concerns, hopes, dreams and ideas, and to see those ideas considered and forming a part of the decision making process. You can watch the politics we born, and you can participate in its birth. You can share facts and experiences, and have new facts and arguments brought to your attention. You can listen to and read the opinions of your fellow Europeans from all across the union. Every membership and contribution is unique. Perhaps you are interested (or even an expert) in one small field of European policy, and want to be involved in detail in the formation of policy in that area. We have forums addressing every area of EU politics. Perhaps you are inspired by grand philosophies and inspirational words. We have forums for those too. And we link to the latest news from the field of Europe. Our aim, quite simply, is to take people's voice from the grassroots to the corridors of power, and for every member elected to the EU Parliament to form a continuous link to the European people. What we are talking about is a revolution in the way that politics is done, towards total transparency and participation, and away from unaccountable think tanks, special interests and lobby groups. Can it be done? That depends on you. So far, our numbers are small. However, with members from Austria, Belgium, Belorussia, Britain, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Moldavia, Serbia, Sweden, Turkey and the Ukraine, we can already claim roots in an impressive variety of European countries. We know that the experiences of each European is different and that each has different skills and knowledge to offer. Whatever your experiences, skills, area of expertise and country of origin, you will see Europe from a slightly different perspective and with different concerns. We want to hear them all. The more members join and the more members participate, the more representative and democratic we become. With the inspiration, participation and enthusiasm of the people of Europe, we could bring about a real mobilisation of our people, a revolution in the way that Europeans see politics and themselves. Perhaps even a revolution in the way that the world sees democracy. From little acorns... So the only question is, will you be a part of it? Visit [url]www.europeunited.org[/url]. Membership is open to citizens and permanent residents of all Council of Europe countries and Belorussia.