The world is changing faster and faster, and not always for the better
As a small country, we need a strong Europe. All sorts of things are happening on the global geopolitical stage. We’re dealing with major power blocs such as Russia, China, India, and America. Russia is invading Ukraine, and China would rather annex Taiwan today than tomorrow. But for individual citizens worldwide — that is, the vast majority of the human population — these are unwelcome developments. We citizens are becoming pawns in a global chess game, which is not in our general interest. Only successfully activating citizen influence and power can put an end to these geopolitical processes and ensure lasting peace and positive developments.
A stronger Europe through the introduction of binding referendums
Europe needs to become stronger in order to offer more counterweight to the other power blocs where necessary. For each policy area, it must be assessed where European countries can act better together, but where this is not necessary must also be identified. A better, more flexible political system, such as binding referendums for faster decision-making, can strengthen the democratic quality, which benefits the quality and speed of political decision-making.
European Council versus European Parliament
At the moment, however, the European Council calls the shots, and citizens have little to no influence over this. To further improve the democratic structure in Europe, My Vote Counts! The Citizens’ Initiative also wants to improve European public support by introducing binding referendums at the European level. This brings more direct influence back to European citizens. We are trying to build support for this in each nation.
Stronger together
But more is needed! The European Union must expand its influence in areas where we are stronger together than alone. Other problems must be solved by the member states themselves. A good example is migration/asylum; that is a European problem. More than 50% of the European Union’s budget goes to agriculture and horticulture. This needs to be less, and different. How are we going to earn our living over the next 30 years? Just as at the national level, we also need an economic vision for the future at the European level.
The added value of the binding referendum for Europe
