Why gender balance is good – especially in times of crisis

The German parliament, after much debate, has decided not to impose gender quotas in business. What is the situation of women in the EU labour market? What obstacles do they face? Are quotas in business a solution?

by Agata de Latour 

Interview with Isabella Lenarduzzi, Founder and Director of Jump, a company dedicated to empowering women in the workplace

Agata de Latour: What are the obstacles to empowering women in the workplace and especially in business?

Isabella Lenarduzzi: Women at work face the ‘glass ceiling’, but also the ‘sticky floor’. We now make up almost 60% of new graduates. But at the top level, only 2% of women are chief executive officers (CEOs). At the same time, these role models didn’t exist at all 20 years ago – so this is a great step forward.

Do you think quotas are a good method to empower women?

At present quotas in business deal only with boards, which are not at the executive level and don’t have much influence on day-to-day management. But of course quotas are symbolically important. Women can thus be inspired to rise higher.

Why did the German parliament, which includes some women, refuse quotas?

Many women in decision-making positions have adapted to male culture, and are not aware of the daily difficulties that most women face.

Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding proposed last year 40% female representation on boards in big European companies. What other methods can be used to achieve gender balance?

All the discussions around quotas really help to raise awareness. Having binding regulations on quotas, on equal salaries, on ensuring women at the top of administration in public companies is very important as it serves as an example to the private sector.

What are the benefits of gender diversity?

Lots of research shows that diversity means better management and performance. Having equal male/female participation in the economy raises GDP by more than 20%. In times of economic crisis, we should consider equality more – it can really enhance growth.

More info: www.jump.eu.com and www.catalyst.org

Information overload, conflicting messages and ‘free’ news

Back in the year 1255 the Dominican Vincent of Beauvais complained about “the multitude of books, the shortness of time and the slipperiness of memory”. If he suffered from information overload, what about the poor EU citizen in 2013 – faced with the vast volumes of information generated by the EU?

by Bram Souffreau, Belgium

Europa.eu, the website of the European institutions, is one of the biggest collections of information on the Internet. Great, in principle. But abundance of information can be just as problematic as lack of information.

“The EU website struggles with information overload,” says Marco Incerti of the CEPS think-tank. “But all that information is necessary. Europe has many policy areas, languages and countries, and some visitors to the website, like journalists or researchers, want very detailed information.”

Mina Andreeva, spokesperson for Commissioner Viviane Reding, insists that Europa.eu has recently been redesigned to be more usable and that the amount of information has been cut down. “We design every subsite with a targeted approach. We try to keep in mind who the visitor will be and what they want.”

Marco Incerti points to the important responsibility of intermediaries, such as the media, trade unions and citizen organisations. “The website has indeed room for improvement, but journalists, activists and other public representatives should also dig into the site and channel the information to the general public.” 

Conflicting messages

A further problem is that, while European institutions try to communicate with one voice, the messages are not always that coherent. “Every institution has a different role,” says Incerti. “The Parliament is a place for debate and its members are thus more critical. The Commission, on the other hand, has to brief people on the decisions. That’s more technical, drier stuff.”

Parliament and Commission have their frictions. But the most capricious are the Council and the member states. Mina Andreeva regrets that government representatives sometimes use ‘Brussels’ in a blame game, and that they change their position once they are back in their home country.

News ‘on a plate’

To cope with the perceived communications deficit, since 2011 the European Commission has been ‘talking to citizens’ during the Citizens’ Dialogues in different cities. Europeans with questions can ask their question at one of the 500 local Europe Direct Contact Centres or via the Europe Direct Hotline.

Besides the website, the institutions are open to enquiries from the media. They provide lots of video footage. Overall, the Union provides the media with an enormous amount of hassle-free news. Meanwhile, investigative journalism is provided with limited resources. The risk, therefore, is that the media fail to fulfill their critical role of investigating and assessing what is really going on. 

Public spaces: civic participation charter would be a win-win

Since regional authorities are spending EU money to improve public infrastructure, they should have to consult the public …

by Belin Mollov, Bulgaria & Tim Verbist, Belgium

The EU redistributes billions of euros to its regions. Regional authorities can spend a huge proportion of such amounts on investment in public infrastructure, with almost no rules attached. I AM EUROPE proposes that the EU impose a civic participation charter on the regions when they apply for European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) or European Social Fund (ESF) money in the upcoming programming period 2014–2020.

Public spaces include streets, squares, parks, sports and recreation areas, underground spaces such as subways, etc. When designing such spaces, it’s important to carry out a study of the environment, including social, historical, cultural and emotional factors. Public space is the “gateway to the soul of the city” (Sharon Zukin), because the city is a living organism, connecting people with their everyday needs and dreams. This is why it is of utmost importance to include citizens in this process, who are experts on their living environment.

The EU invests a lot of money in public spaces all over Europe. One of the largest funds in the EU budget is the Structural Fund, intended to narrow the development disparities among regions and member states, with a budget of €308.041 billion in the period 2007–2013. There are two main sub-funds: the ERDF and the ESF.

Public funds should mean public involvement

The two funds enable inner-city revitalisation projects, urban renewal, small industrial areas in cities, rural development projects, and so on – without any rule or recommendation on civic participation.  However, since regional decision-makers are using public funds for developing and implementing projects, these should meet the real needs and desires of citizens. Citizens should be engaged in the process from the beginning, at an early stage of the planning process. Providing clear accountability and efficiency in the use of public funds is proven to have a positive impact on the performances of civil activity.

I AM EUROPE proposes that the EU insist that regional authorities ensure, both legally and organisationally, citizen participation in early decision-making on designing, financing, constructing and rehabilitating public spaces. The EU regulations for implementing the Cohesion Policy should also ensure close monitoring of the targeted and efficient use of public funds in the interest of citizens.

Imposing a civic participation charter on the regions would create a win-win situation for the EU and its citizens: the EU would be assured that citizens were aware of its impact on their lives; it would be a concrete instrument for bridging the gap with citizens, and citizens in their turn would feel empowered by Europe because they could join the debate, share their ideas and get heard.

Park SpoorNoord – an example of good practice, where EU money was invested and citizens were strongly involved in the project – is now a favourite hotspot for Antwerp citizens

The E-You Map

by Kita Boncheva

How I eventually achieved a tête-à-tête with Herman …

An ‘on the road’ diary of Koen Wynants’ quest to get an interview with the President of the European Council, in April/May 2013

by Koen Wynants, Belgium 

Koen writes: For all those who are anxious to plan a similar trip themselves, I can guarantee that my road-trip diary will be invaluable. It includes travel information, very precise details of the distance travelled in the various phases, and a great selection of podcasts (or appropriate mood music). For added enjoyment, I have provided some wonderful photos taken on my (crappy) digital camera.

 

Stop 1: My target: the President himself

Distance: unknown. Podcast: ‘Road to Nowhere’, Talking Heads

During 2013, European Year of Citizens (dedicated to the rights that come with EU citizenship), the EU will encourage dialogue between all levels of government, civil society and the business world. How deep is the ocean? How far is the moon? The President of the European Council, Mr Herman Van Rompuy, is clearly the ideal destination for my spring quest. So, it’s time to get on the road.

 

Stop 2: Planning my journey

Distance: How far is the moon? Podcast: ‘I Did It My Way’, Frank Sinatra

As a mere European citizen, my travelling budget is somewhat tight. Careful choice of modes of transportation and travelling destinations is essential. I could initiate a European Citizens’ Initiative as a way of getting closer to the President. I’d only have to collect 1m million signatures from at least seven member states. A cinch! On the other hand, maybe I’ll use the methodologies I’m familiar with: blogging, Twitter, Facebook and direct political lobbying – combined with the ingenious method of reducing the space between myself and Mr Van Rompuy to a matter of a couple of inches.

Stop 3: Writing my manifesto (blog )

Distance: moderate.  Podcast: ‘Message in a Bottle’, The Police

In my hometown, the city of Antwerp (Belgium), I’m experimenting with online activism. Blogging is an easy way to share ideas and spread messages. So I did. I wrote a letter, titled ‘We the people should become the engine of a new participatory European democracy’, to the President, accompanied

by an invitation to have a personal chat. It was in manifesto style; an impressive statement of my feelings about European democracy and the meaning of citizen participation. I got a few comments (two? three?

four? – can’t recall) and even messages, but not from the President. Nor did he accept my invitation.

Stop 4: Writing my manifesto (blog) 

Distance: moderate. Podcast: ‘Message in a Bottle’, The Police

In my hometown, the city of Antwerp (Belgium), I’m experimenting with online activism. Blogging is an easy way to share ideas and spread messages. So I did. I wrote a letter, titled ‘We the people should become the engine of a new participatory European democracy’, to the President, accompanied by an invitation to have a personal chat. It was in manifesto style; an impressive statement of my feelings about European democracy and the meaning of citizen participation. I got a few comments (two? three? four? – can’t recall) and even messages, but not from the President. Nor did he accept my invitation.

Stop 5: Twittering & facebooking 

Distance: easy. Podcast: ‘Bird on the Wire’, Leonard Cohen

So, my blog post having failed, it was time for option two. I twittered my ‘personal chat’ invitation to Herman and also put the invitation on his personal Facebook page. To add irresistible pressure, I also tweeted the invitation to the European Movement, an international network of organisations mobilising citizens and lobbying for a democratic, federal, enlarged union. Result? Silence?

Stop 6: Political lobbying 

Distance: far. Podcast: ‘Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)’, Janis Joplin

Although I’d already put huge efforts into my campaign, I decided to raise the challenge even further. I headed for the mountains. And started to climb political hills. So to speak. As a local activist, I’ve good contacts with local representatives of the political party of the President (CD&V, member of the European People’s Party). I asked if they could arrange a meeting. I also contacted a friend who works for a Brussels minister for the same party. They immediately made it clear that it was inappropriate, indeed impossible for the President to meet me – to have a little chat with a fellow citizen.

Stop 7: Stalking 

Distance: moderate. Podcast: ‘Off the Road’, Neil Young

Frustrated at the failure so far of my powerful tactics, I decided to head off-road. I searched for events where the President would be present. Then I just would just have to walk up to him and start our little chat. On Saturday, 11^th May 2013, Herman’s political party was holding a conference in Brussels, on the topic ‘More or less Europe’ (me, I’m thinking of another kind of Europe, but anyway …). One of the questions posed was ‘How democratic is Europe?’ I decided that my presence at the conference, as an ordinary citizen, would not be inappropriate.

Stop 8: The momentous meeting 

Distance: Hard. Podcast: ‘You Can't Always Get What You Want’, Rolling Stones

It was utterly fascinating to hear the politicians talk about the Importance of ‘a Democratic Europe’, how the European Parliament can Bridge the Gap between Politicians and Citizens, and the Vital Importance of … as I almost fell asleep, I dreamt of standing up in the middle of the conference and screaming: ‘Hey everybody, I’m a European citizen, let’s close the gap – right now!’ Thanks to superb logistical planning (some say coincidence), I was sitting right behind Herman. But the prospect of closing those last crucial centimetres made me nervous. However, as the conference ended, I bravely strode straight up to Herman and asked: “Euh, Mister President, is it possible to take a picture of both of us? I’m involved in one of those European citizen participation projects. And I’m writing some kind of article for a newspaper.” Given my magnificent gambit, Herman had no option but to respond: “Eh, yes, that’s fine!” And that, folks, was the remarkable chat I enjoyed with the President of the European Council.

Stop 9: Retreating home 

Distance: very easy. Podcast: ‘The Times They Are a-Changin’ ’, Bob Dylan

Back home, I immediately put on one of my Bob Dylan favourites: ‘The times …’ Finally, I understood Dylan’s interpretation of the song: “It’s not a statement ... it's a feeling.” Quite so. Citizen participation isn’t about the destination, it’s about travelling. It isn’t about changin’ things, it’s about being the change. If politicians want to travel with me, good for them!

·         Recommendation for further reading: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values’ by Robert M Pirsig

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Citizen travel in Europe: the dangers and irritations

Europe is a remarkably safe continent, considering the big disparities in wealth, but citizen activism is not unknown, so take care – especially when discussing financial crises, social affairs and democracy. When travelling via blog, Twitter or Facebook, for protection choose a carriage containing other people. It’s also best to avoid politicians at night; ordinary citizens are usually safer.

As well as licensed European forums like Citizens Initiative, unlicensed ones (like Avaaz) operate in several countries. These are worth visiting unless you know what you’re doing. Irritations concerning the formal initiatives include lack of response, un- and dis-transparency, driving around in circles, then charging an enormous fare. Dangers include having to understand EU legislation, discrimination against minorities, obese cucumbers. So use a blog or phone a reputable lobby (http://www.activecitizenship.net/) and get an up-front quote for the ride. Europe has websites and phone lines to help you find licensed traveling modes of transportation like http://navigatingtheeu.wordpress.com/.

In the capital, Brussels, citizens are rare, money and important documents are best kept out of sight. Pickpockets operate in some areas, like The City (London), so make sure your stuff is secure there too.

Secret lobbying is ‘threat to EU democracy’

The European Commission and the European Parliament are reviewing the results of public consultations on the Transparency Register, aimed at ‘removing the veil’ from lobbying activities in Brussels.

by Agata de Latour, Poland / Belgium

Olivier Hoedeman, campaign coordinator at the Corporate Europe Observatory, an NGO monitoring the role of lobbying in EU decision-making, has great expectations about the review.

However, the register has weaknesses, such as being voluntary. Mr Hoedeman says the first step would be to make registering obligatory. This would provide “a basic level of visibility” and is a “precondition to avoid corruption”.

The register, set up two years ago, consists of a list of organisations representing interest groups trying to influence European decision-making. It describes organisations, resources and the issues involved.

In danger

“We really have to cherish tools like the Transparency Register. It can really make a difference in Europe.” However, without clear rules on lobbying, European democratic principles are in danger, argues Mr Hoedeman. Strong interest groups with lots of resources can largely dominate and influence those who were elected to represent the interests of all European citizens.

“Lobbying at European level includes all kinds of activities and sectors whereby those without a formal role and who were not elected to any European institutions can influence EU decision-making,” he says. “When we talk about lobbying, we generally refer to the work done by professional lobbyists who do this as a job.”

“Lobbying is finding ways to ensure that decision-makers hear the same message every day”

There is a big difference of scale between the industry lobby and NGOs. “Being here in Brussels with a permanent presence is an expensive affair. Not every organisation can afford it,” says Mr Hoedeman. “To set up an office here, to employ people and to stay involved in an issue from the beginning to the end – those are major investments.”

It’s estimated that about two-thirds of lobbyists in Brussels represent industry while only 10% represent civil society. The tobacco industry, for instance, has at least 100 full-time lobbyists in Brussels.

Invisible

There is a wide range of lobbying methods, but some engagements between lobbyists and decision-makers are ‘hidden from view’ and are not controlled. Mr Hoedeman says the methods range from the daily slog of trying to set up meetings with decision-makers, sending them position papers and emailing them with proposals about legislation, to conferences, seminars, cocktail parties and lunch meetings.

”In short, lobbying is finding different ways to ensure that decision-makers hear the same message every day. And it involves establishing a relationship of trust.”

The documentary ‘The Brussels Business’, by Friedrich Moser and Matthieu Lietaert, reveals much about the lack of transparency and influence of lobbyists. Mr Hoedeman says the main problem is that those with strong financial resources and organised in networks of powerful interests are able to gain access to decision-makers easily, out of sight of the public.

See video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grU9pcUNoZo


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Citizens in large numbers can have ‘surprising effect’

EU decisions should be made through public debate, according to the Corporate Europe Observatory. “In that way everybody knows who is speaking and where the different views are. The citizen can judge the arguments based on their merit,” says Olivier Hoedeman, coordinator of the observatory.

The observatory is campaigning to improve transparency and accountability in EU decision-making. “The decision-making has to be as much as possible in a public setting, so that citizens can be engaged. That is the ideal we have for a democratic system,” says Mr Hoedeman.

There are many possibilities for citizens to take part in the decision-making process, he believes. “For the moment, these possibilities are unexploited. There is a problem of lack of engagement from citizens. But if large groups of people start to engage, it can really make a difference, it can have a surprising effect.”

Mr Hoedeman points to some effective campaigns using online activism. “The Act on ACTA campaign is a very good example. This model consists of trying to inform and mobilise other citizens, using the networks that exist, and really make the campaign visible.”

The power of citizens, compared to the industry lobby, is that citizens have particular legitimacy and credibility, and can potentially engage a huge number of people. 

Corporate Europe Observatory: http://corporateeurope.org/

ACTA  – the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement

Act on ACTA: http://act-on-acta.eu/

Online/offline combination can maximise people power

by Günter Thauer

The Web offers lots of tools and instruments for citizen participation – from traditional email to the social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc). For local, national and international campaigns, citizens are using platforms such as:

• Avaaz (‘the world in action’)
• Demokratie in Aktion
• Avanti Europe!

Initiatives such as right2water (‘Water is a human right’), which hopes to have collected 2m signatures by September, and the Avaaz Save the Bees campaign, on the way towards 3m signatures, have been highly successful, even on a European level.

Besides these big platforms there is a boom in local e-participation, such as Fix My Street, Frag den Staat (Ask the Government) and Parliament Watch.

Obvious recent examples of successful (at least in the short term) cyber-activism are the 2011 Tunisian and Egyption revolutions, where the Internet was used as an effective tool for successful critique, opposition and even revolution. However, the act of merely ‘saying something’ can be a force for change in repressive regimes; it’s not so easy in a democracy. As US activist Ralph Nader said, “the Internet doesn’t do a very good job of motivating action”, and he also noted that the US Congress, corporations and the Pentagon did not necessarily “fear the civic use of the Internet”.

We must, therefore, be realistic about e-participation tools. Digital participation has its limits, especially on its own. Facebook ‘likes’, ‘clicktivism’ (digital activism without real engagement or action) and even millions of signatures will achieve little without strong, ‘real world’ action.

An early example of effective online/offline campaigning was that by the Professional Contractors Group in the UK. In 1999, the British government introduced a new employment tax called IR35. An online trade association was set up to campaign against it. Within weeks, it had raised £100,000 through the Internet from people who had never even met. Within two years, they became a fully formed trade association with 14,000 members. They presented the first ever e-petition to parliament and organised one of the first flash mobs: a thousand people responded to their Internet call to join a protest to lobby Parliament. Later on they raised £500,000 via the Internet to fund a High Court challenge against the tax. This failed, but they secured a number of concessions.

The lesson is that e-participation tools can be very useful, but they must be combined with good old activism ‘on the streets’, at the gates of power, in the court, and so on.