Timeline
The project will be divided into four main phases in the course of 2013-2014:
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Phase I (March-October 2013): The Reflection Group will develop a comprehensive analysis of the ‘state of the Union’ in order to identify and evaluate different strategic options for the future of European integration. The findings – inspired also by the reflections of the Advisory Group – will be published in a first report scheduled for publication in December 2013.
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Phase II (November 2013-May 2014): This first report will provide the basis for a wider debate with citizens and policy-makers in and across Member States about the EU's future (see also event calendar).
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Phase III (February-July 2014): These EU-wide consultations will allow the Reflection Group – in close cooperation with the Advisory Group – to draft a second report setting out a New Pact for Europe including concrete recommendations. This Pact will feed into the debate about the best way forward as the newly (s)elected EU leadership takes office after the European elections.
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Phase IV (end 2014-2015): The New Pact for Europe will be presented and discussed in different EU capitals and in Brussels with policy-makers, experts and citizens.
In a nutshell, the goal of the New Pact for Europe project is to foster a wider public debate on the EU’s future at both European and national level, involving not only policy-makers but also citizens; to contribute fresh but also realistic thinking and ideas on how to address the challenges facing Europe; and to help close widening gaps between Member States and even within EU countries about Europe’s future.
