Notre Europe's viewpoint | 09/01/2007 

2007 could mark a turning point in the history of the European Union"¦ if leaders demonstrate sufficient political courage. How will Notre Europe, the think tank dedicated to EU unity contribute usefully to debates and policies in the coming months?

The next twelve months could see EU governments find a way out of the current status quo regarding the Constitutional Treaty and institutional reforms required in a Union now counting 27 members. The preparations for the budgetary mid-term review in 2008 will provide the opportunity to examine carefully the Union's expenses -in particular in the agricultural field- and resources. 2007 will also be a crucial year for energy policy, following the much expected energy package in the coming days.

In 2007, Notre Europe, among other initiatives, will:

• Coordinate the first ever pan-EU Deliberative Poll ®: for the first time, a representative microcosm of citizens from all Member States will be brought together in the European Parliament and allowed to deliberate together on the future of EU policies and compentences in the economic and social field in the face of globalisation. As Europe will celebrate 50 years of EU construction, this major event will mark a shift towards a process of construction that involves ordinary citizens in a rigorous, meaningful fashion. It is no longer possible only to try to convince, new tools have to be developed to listen to citizens beyond national borders.
• Think about the required shape of future Conventions, and will contribute to analyses on the future of the Constitutional Treaty.
• Pursue ongoing research projects on EU identity, the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, energy, and own resources for the EU budget and its allocation.