EU launches conference to debate its future with citizens

The European Union has launched a wide consultation process meant to design the shape of the bloc’s future

PARIS -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday expressed hope that Europe would rediscover the path of “great projects, great ambitions and great dreams” as the European Union launched a wide consultation process meant to design the shape of the bloc's future. Macron spoke as part of Europe Day, the inaugural event of the Conference on the Future of Europe in the French city of Strasbourg. “What Europe do we want in 10 years, 15 years from now?,” Macron asked in his opening speech, calling on people to debate all major issues, from the bloc’s borders to new institutions, cultural projects, education and the fight against climate change. The process also aims at bringing the EU's complex decision-making closer to its 450 million citizens.