The aim was to put the debate on Europe where it belongs: among the free citizens concerned.
The European Constitution in Verse was more than a frivolous revision of a political fiasco. Furthermore, they wanted to create a European Constitution that people would actually read. To achieve this goal, they worked with more than 50 European poets.
I was among these poets.
A poetical constitution for Europe with citizens at its ❤ !
Here is my part:
“Feel the others’ rhythm
Get these crinoids and few nettle
Comb the Aegean’s hair with your melodies Caress the North Sea’s salty skin Remember me Europa !!”
*** In 2009, I, as a young poet strolling through EU institutions corridors, was working for a better Europe. My memories of those days are still giving me heartaches. Seeing greedy European politicians failing European project and her citizens was a painful experience as a young European.
Since then this pain, anxiety but also hope for better Europe, citizen-centric, participatory European democracy, progressive not protectionist Europe have been the main driving factors behind my civic entrepreneurial actions and artistic works throughout the years.
When Brexit was a reality and many other exit scenarios were being discussed across the EU in 2016, it was a democrat’s nightmare came true. I was not only angry with those working to disintegrate the EU but also with those occupying – the other camp without clearly showing ownership for the European project and fundamental values.
So in 2016, as a socially engaged artist, I made this mix-media painting which has a telling title: “The auto-portrait of 21st century democrat’s heart”
10 years later than failed European Constitution, 3 years after Brexit vote, last week’s #UKelection2019 reflected a painful outlook and our hearts are still bleeding.
Lisbon Treaty definitely has brought some improvements and hope, but it was not exactly what European project needed, has fallen short in responding the challenges ahead of Europe. Today the solution is still putting ❤ of Europe where it belongs to 👉 Citizens.
We cannot make progress on this project without making our democratic and political institutions true participatory institutions vis-a-vis citizens. Breaking the stagnation in 20th century and upgrading them into 21st century democratic standards are what it takes.
Since 2014 I have been organising workshops on the future of democracy and politics with young European citizens under our trademarked brand of Democracy 4.0™ Young citizens expressed their frustrations and expectations with the current 20th century model. In these workshops we have discussed many aspects from organisational architecture to transformational technologies such as AI, from citizen assemblies to analog and digital bridges.
These years are historically a very important ones; European democracy once again needs a renewal, renovation for a better future of European citizens and become a positive transformational power for the rest of the world.
It is time to act! Citizen K
A citizen perspective: Lisbon Treaty’s 10th year and what went wrong in European democracies?
Democracy 4.0 is happy to announce that she will take part in the 2nd Citizen Engagement Festival of the European Commission by having a stand in the exhibition area.
Citizen K of Democracy 4.0 will be making a pitch about the platform and citizen engagement in the age of AI.
