Suggestion for amendment of Article : 34 doc
By Ms / Mr : Voggenhuber, Lichtenberger,

Article 34: The principle of participatory democracy

1. Every citizen person shall have the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union. The Union recognises that freedom of information and active citizenship are fundamental for the legitimacy of its decisions and actions, wherefore it takes its decisions as openly and closely as possible to the citizen.

2. The Union institutions shall, by appropriate means plebiscites regarding legislation and popular referenda and consultation[1] give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to take part in the decision making process and to make known and publicly exchange their opinions on all areas of Union action.

3. The Union recognizes and promotes the specific and autonomous role of social partners in the democratic life of the Union

3. The Union institutions shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with
representative associations, the social partners and civil society.

Explanation (if any) :

[1]A system in which before a decision on an issue is taken the public is invited to react on the proposal. The proposal is also sent to all relevant NGOs, labour unions, industry, administrative bodies and so on. Then everybody's remarks are attached to the file with a summary of the main reactions in an executive briefing. In that way all interests in society have a more level playing field in affecting an issue.

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