Participate to the Act-up Agora Agency!

Never has Europe been so frequently covered by numerous media throughout Europe, and (however or consequently?) never have the forecasts of electoral participation to the European Parliamentarian elections, taking place this May, been so weak, confirming that what seems to be an undeniable decrease in this exercise, particularly for young people.

The causes and explanations for this disengagement are numerous. In response to a Eurobarometer survey, after declaring that they would not vote in 2014, young people explained the reasoning for this choice; because of the belief that it would not make any difference (64%), because they were not well informed (61%), and because of the belief that the European Parliament does not work enough on problems which concern them (56%). The lack of information on the political proposals of the different euro-parties for the European Union does not facilitate the debate on Europe.
In this period of prolonged economic crisis, it increasingly seems that democracy is walking on its head: the financial powers, often embodied by rating agencies, condition the orientation of budgetary and economic policies – a mere threat of a downgrade in rating is enough to make the decision makers bend – and those who are directly affected by the policy, citizens and residents, are excluded from certain decision-making processes, which are of a “technical” nature rather than political. A way out of the crisis, for example.

Act-up Agora Agency (AAA), a citizens’ rating agency of the European political parties, aims to change the deal and give the word to you!The programs and manifestos of the European political parties for the Parliamentarian elections this coming May will be analysed by a transnational working group, basing their analysis on one topic (for example, the proposals regarding jobs for young people) and according to a methodology which they will agree on during the meeting to be held next February 22-23 in Lyon. This comparative analysis will serve as a base for a large participative debate to be held also in Lyon in April, and will allow for debate and confrontation of ideas with the candidates to the European Parliamentarian elections. Transport and accommodation costs for 5 participants will be covered by European Alternatives.

Would you like to take part in the transnational group of participants? Send us a short motivation (in French or in English, specifying your language skills) before February 10th to paris@euroalter.com with the subject line “Act-up Agora Agency” project.


For more information on the project click here.

Write to us at paris@euroalter.com for any questions or additional information.

The AAA project is organised by European Alternatives with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission within the frame of the Partnership of European Communication management. This text is attributable only to its author; the Administration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission are not responsible for the use of the information contained in this text.