
#Bestof49
Our demands for Europe’s future
MORE PROXIMITY TO CITIZENS, SUSTAINABILITY AND FUTURE VIABILITY
For a united, democratic and effective European Union

The Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) was the EU’s largest citizen participation project to date, which was held from May 2021 to May 2022 in Strasbourg, Brussels, Dublin, Florence, Maastricht and Warsaw in other European cities. Randomly selected citizens from all EU countries had the opportunity to contribute their ideas and wishes for the future of Europe.
The conference focused on dialog between people, politicians and institutions. This resulted in 49 concrete proposals covering topics such as climate protection, democracy, digitalization, social justice, education and health. The aim of these 49 proposals is to bring the EU closer to its citizens, make it more sustainable and fit for the future. The results of the conference should help to align EU policy with the needs of the people. In recognition of these results, we at Pulse of Europe have identified some of the most important proposals for us, our personal #Bestof49 (as of 07.01.2025), and support their implementation in concrete European policy.
With this in mind, we demand:
1. Die Abschaffung des Einstimmigkeitsprinzips im Rat der Europäischen Union (#NoVeto)!
(CoFoE Vorschlag 39)

Starting position and goal:
The EU must become more decisive, more resilient and more sovereign – both internally and externally. Only then can it master the challenges of the future and open up credible prospects for further accession candidates.
The principle of unanimity currently weakens the EU due to the so-called right of veto, as many decisions at European level still have to be taken unanimously in the Council, with national egoisms and targeted blockade policies preventing efficient decision-making. The unanimity principle paralyzes the EU in urgently needed legislative projects and reduces the necessary presence of the EU in the world. The de facto right of veto not only leads to a policy of minimal consensus, but also gives individual EU member states the opportunity to prevent decisions throughout the EU, blackmail compromises or even undermine the EU’s ability to act and thus its stability.
Until a fundamental reform of the EU treaties*, the existing EU treaties also allow the EU member states to transition from the principle of unanimity to qualified majority decisions via so-called “passerelle clauses“* (bridging clauses). However, this transition must again be decided unanimously.
* On November 22, 2023, the European Parliament (“EP“) submitted proposals to amend the Treaties in a resolution (P9_TA(2023)0427) (insert link!). In addition to many other fundamental reform proposals, the aim is to make significantly more decisions by qualified majority (“QMV”) and in the ordinary legislative procedure, including decisions on sanctions and intermediate steps in the EU enlargement process, for example. The procedure under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union (“TEU”), the so-called suspension clause, is to be strengthened and reformed with a view to protecting the rule of law by ending unanimity and making the European Court of Justice (“ECJ”) the arbitration body for infringements. Unfortunately, the proposal that direct and indirect taxes should be decided through the ordinary legislative procedure with QMV was removed from the original draft.
** Background: The EU treaties provide for various special passerelle clauses that apply to six specific policy areas (common foreign and security policy, Art. 31 para. 3 TEU; family law with cross-border implications, Art. 81 para. 3 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (“TFEU”); social policy, Art. 153 para. 2 TFEU; environmental policy, Art. 192 para. 2 TFEU; multiannual financial framework, Art. 312 para. 2 TFEU and enhanced cooperation, Art. 333 TFEU). The EU Treaties also provide for two general passerelle clauses in Art. 48 (7) TEU. The first type of general passerelle clause provides that where the treaties require unanimity, decision-making in the Council of the European Union is switched from unanimity to qualified majority voting. However, decisions relating to military and defense policy are excluded here. The second type of general passerelle clause stipulates that legal acts which, according to the treaties, must be adopted under the special legislative procedure can be adopted under the ordinary legislative procedure. If use is to be made of one of the general passerelle clauses, the national parliaments have a right of veto.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens called for the abolition of the unanimity principle in proposal 39.(Page 83 of the CofoE final report)
Other:
Further information on our #NoVeto campaign can be found here!
on the resolution of the European Parliament on proposals to amend the Treaties of November 22, 2023 here this way!
2. the establishment of a European defense capability through a common foreign and security policy! (CoFoE proposal 23)

Starting position and goal:
The EU member states spend a considerable amount of money on defense in a global comparison; however, the defense capacity is alarmingly low. An incredible amount of taxpayers’ money is being wasted because action is being taken on a national rather than a European level. The outcome of the war of aggression in Ukraine is vital for Europe’s survival, as it disregards the territorial integrity of a sovereign state and thus threatens international order and the security of European states, especially in Eastern and Central Europe. Without the support of the USA, Ukraine could not currently defend itself against the Russian aggressor, but it is not certain that this support will continue, especially after the election of Donald Trump as US President.
It is precisely here that it becomes clear that the EU member states must therefore take responsibility for their own security and defense policy and urgently develop common European strategies in foreign and security policy. Military requirements for weapons systems should be jointly determined and defined at EU level from a military perspective. European weapons systems should then be developed and procured in the EU. Operational capabilities must be strengthened in order to implement the so-called “mutual assistance clause” (Art. 42 para. 7 TEU), which grants EU protection to all Member States that are attacked by a third country. We need a European defense as a strong pillar within NATO; a pillar that can also stand alone if necessary. The EU must become capable of effectively countering attacks on the integrity of the EU or other sovereign states in Europe politically and militarily in order to restore and permanently secure peace, democracy and self-determination in Europe.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens called for European armed forces in proposal 23. (Page 65 of the CoFoE final report)
Other:
In the EP resolution of 22 November 2023, it calls for the establishment of a defense union, including permanently stationed joint European military units and a permanent rapid reaction capability under the operational command of the EU. The joint procurement and development of armaments should be financed by the EU through its own budget, with parliamentary co-decision and scrutiny. It is also proposed that the responsibilities of the European Defense Agency be adapted accordingly.
3. Die Stärkung der europäischen Außengrenzen als Bestandteil einer
gemeinsamen Migrationspolitik und eines gesamteuropäischen Asylsystems!
(CoFoE Vorschlag 42)

Starting position and goal:
The issues of migration and asylum dominate the domestic policy of many EU member states and are jeopardizing our common future with the rise of right-wing populist and far-right parties. A feeling of loss of control is spreading. With the growing crises in the world, more and more people are fleeing their home countries. They are increasingly being brought to Europe by professional smugglers, although only some of these refugees have a future here under current law. Many drown in the Mediterranean while fleeing. Due to a lack of European regulations, Member States repeatedly carry out border controls at the EU’s internal borders in breach of European law.
No member state can solve these problems alone. The more a government relies on national sovereignty, the less likely it is to get to grips with the pressing problems of migration and asylum. The European Treaties already state that a common policy on asylum, immigration and external border controls is needed, based on the solidarity of the Member States (Art. 67 TFEU*).
We therefore call for the further expansion of pan-European regulations, in particular:
- strong external EU borders to better prevent illegal immigration and to ward off internal European border controls;
- a European asylum system with preliminary examination outside the EU, at the latest at the external borders;
- European immigration regulations with application in the home country; and
- the conclusion of migration agreements with third countries.
In order to effectively secure the EU’s external borders, Frontex must become fully European and be expanded, equipped and structured in such a way that it can protect the EU as an area of freedom, security and justice while respecting the right to asylum and human rights.
It is up to all of us to stand up for these goals. Because they require not only the willingness to invest in securing the EU’s external borders, but also the courage to relinquish national sovereignty. In this policy area in particular, only shared sovereignty ultimately creates more sovereignty.
*Art. 67 TFEU
(1) The Union constitutes an area of freedom, security and justice in which the fundamental rights and the different legal systems and traditions of the Member States are respected.
(2. It shall ensure that persons are not subject to controls at internal borders and shall develop a common policy on asylum, immigration and external border controls, based on solidarity between Member States and proportionate towards third-country nationals.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens called in proposal 42 for the EU’s role in combating irregular migration to be strengthened and for the EU’s external borders to be reinforced while respecting human rights. (Page 86 of the CoFoE final report)
Other:
In the EP resolution of 22 November 2023, it calls on the EU as such to strengthen the EU’s common immigration policy by taking appropriate and necessary measures to prevent illegal border crossings and suggests that the EU’s migration policy takes into account the economic and social stability of the Member States, the availability of skilled labor in the internal market and the efficient management of migration, while respecting the fair treatment of third-country nationals.
4. Ambitionierten Klimaschutz durch sozialverträgliche Umsetzung des #EUGreenDeal!
(CoFoE Vorschläge 1, 3, 4, 5)

Starting position and goal:
The climate crisis is progressing faster than many thought. The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and the earth’s temperature continue to rise. Environmental disasters such as forest fires, storms, droughts and floods are becoming more frequent. We urgently need to change course before we reach irreversible tipping points. For Europe, the necessary transformation is an opportunity. If the EU does not act now, there is a risk that it will not only lose its pioneering role, but also its technological edge. By developing climate-friendly technologies and innovations in Europe, however, the EU can become a leader and also secure its economic development in the long term. With the “Green Deal“, the EU has set itself ambitious targets. The EU is to become climate-neutral by 2050. The “Fit for 55” package aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Measures to achieve these targets must be tackled ambitiously.
We call for the necessary transformation of our economy to be implemented in a socially responsible manner and for the unique opportunity to reduce existing systemic inequalities to be seized. The European Green Deal is based on the principle of solidarity, but its concrete implementation is largely the responsibility of the member states. The financing instruments envisaged by the EU, such as the EU recovery plan “Next Generation EU”, the Climate Social Fund, the extended Modernization and Innovation Fund, the expansion of carbon pricing and the auctioning of allowances in emissions trading as well as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (“CBAM”), create additional revenue to ensure a just transition, taking into account the polluter-pays principle. At the same time, environmental standards are spread beyond the borders of the EU.
However, the revenue from the aforementioned CO-2 control instruments must be distributed fairly. Vulnerable population groups must be protected, particularly from energy poverty and mobility problems. The supply of important companies must also be supported. However, the revenue must also be used to promote innovative products and technologies and create sustainable, local and skilled jobs throughout the EU. The pricing of CO-2 must be ambitiously promoted, particularly in the area of freight transport, in order to achieve a more regional economy. The European CO-2 emission limits must be complied with as quickly as possible.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
In CoFoE proposals 1, 3, 4 and 5, EU citizens called for sustainable, fair, climate-friendly and affordable food production, energy independence with a fair supply of sufficient, affordable and sustainable energy for EU citizens, and the development of a circular economy through sustainable products and production in the EU. (pages 43, 45, 46 & 47 of the CoFoE final report)
5. Die Umsetzung der Europäischen Säule sozialer Rechte und eine Wirtschafts-politik, die für alle Menschen funktioniert!
(CoFoE Vorschlag 14)

Starting position and goal:
We demand a Europe that protects. A Europe that takes away people’s fear of the future. We are therefore pushing for more pan-European social policy regulations on harmonization and minimum social requirements to give people security and confidence in the future, even in times of crisis.
The great European Jaques Delors, who died in December 2023, said: “Nobody falls in love with a single market”. A single European market alone will not create a social market economy. We are therefore calling for a European economic and financial policy that does not lead to impoverishment or fears of social decline, but instead provides security and gives people confidence in the future, even in times of crisis. To achieve this, social policy regulations must be harmonized across Europe.
Many EU initiatives, such as the European short-time working allowance (SURE) created for crises, the Posted Workers Directive against wage dumping, European regulations on the minimum wage and the European Social Fund have shown how important it is to think not only about markets, but also about protecting people.
We therefore call for the social pillar provided for in the Treaties on the European Union to be significantly expanded so that the social market economy (Art. 3 (3) TEU), which is also enshrined here, can fulfill its function as a supporting element of European democracies. This includes, in particular, strengthening the role of the social partners at European level, functioning healthcare systems (development of common European indicators, common policy on the supply of medicines, protection against pandemics, etc.) and the prevention of wage and tax dumping. In order to be able to take action against tax dumping and tax havens in the EU, an end to the principle of unanimity (see our demand no. 1) would be essential, especially in tax matters. Economic convergence must be implemented through suitable structural and regulatory policy measures so that social policy does not remain a mere repair operation. In the same spirit, efforts should also be made to implement minimum social and ecological standards in trade policy.
If government investment is necessary for the climate transformation (Green Deal), this must not lead to budget cuts in other important areas.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens called in proposal 14 for the EU’s role in social policy to be strengthened and for the European Pillar of Social Rights and its action plan to be fully implemented. In particular, they called for the establishment of minimum requirements and harmonization of regulations, especially in the area of health. (Page 58 of the CoFoE final report)
6. Wir fordern die Einführung von Europakunde als Pflichtfach an allen Schulen in der EU!
(CoFoE Vorschlag 37.2)

Starting position and goal:
EU decisions permeate all areas of EU citizens’ lives: work, leisure, shopping, health, travel, education, security and much more. As the European integration process continues, its influence will continue to grow. Nevertheless, the benefits of the EU are not seen by all citizens and are even increasingly being questioned.
Only if EU citizens understand the importance of the EU for Europe’s common future can they support the European idea and become politically involved. This requires a basic knowledge of the EU and Europe.
We therefore demand “European Studies” as a compulsory subject at all general and vocational schools in Europe in order to strengthen European awareness and European affiliation and to enable political participation.
The following objectives are associated with this in detail:
- Understanding the EU: rationally and emotionally grasping its history, how it works and its prospects
- Recognize European values*) and their importance for peace and democracy
- To impart knowledge about the often complex decisions of the EU in order to bring about the associated future perspective and increase resilience against populism
- Capturing the European dimension in political decisions in the EU
- Looking at national and regional history in a European context
- Questioning national thought patterns and adopting new perspectives
- Promoting cross-border understanding
- Strengthening trust in a common Europe
- Being able to develop future prospects for Europe
* Art. 2 TEU: The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens have called in proposal 37.2 for ensuring a minimum level of education about the EU and in particular its democratic processes, including the history of European integration and European citizenship. (page 80 of the CoFoE final report)
Other:
In the EP resolution of November 22, 2023, it calls on the EU as such to develop common objectives and standards for education that promotes democratic values and the rule of law as well as digital and economic literacy and to promote cooperation and coherence between education systems while respecting cultural traditions and regional diversity. Common standards for vocational education and training are also to be developed in order to increase the mobility of workers.
7. the Europeanization of the European elections through the creation of transnational lists! (CoFoE proposal 38)

Starting position and goal:
EU citizens elect a common European Parliament, but can only vote for one national party in their respective member state. De facto, the EP is currently elected in 27 national partial elections. As a result, there is no joint European political decision-making by EU citizens. Instead, EU citizens remain in their “national silos” when it comes to forming electoral programs for the European elections. Transnational debates at citizen level are rare. European politics is therefore mostly perceived through the respective national lens. Even the modalities of the electoral process are still largely regulated at national level. We therefore call for a Europeanization of the European elections.
The EP already made a decision on this on May 3, 2022, but it is being blocked by many member states, meaning that the reform could not be implemented for the 2024 European elections. However, as the planned reform is key to strengthening European democracy, the commitment of EU citizens is needed to ensure that the reform can be implemented in the new legislative period.
The EP decision provides in particular for
- that the voting procedure for the European elections is more standardized and
- that a second vote is added to the ballot paper for the European elections.
With this second vote, it should be possible to elect EU-wide electoral lists with pan-European programs, whereby initially only a small proportion of the members of the EP are to be elected via the so-called “transnational lists “*. The long-term goal is the formation of effective European parties, each of which will stand for election to the EP throughout the EU with a pan-European program.
This reform is intended to
- promoted democratic and transnational public debate,
- improve the participation of EU citizens in the EU’s decision-making processes,
- strengthen the link between the European Parliament and its voters, and
- strengthen the role of the European Parliament in relation to the other EU institutions.
*With the first vote, EU citizens would continue to vote for a national list; with the new second vote, they would also have the option of voting for a transnational list. Initially, only a small proportion of the 751 MEPs in a pan-European constituency would be elected via transnational lists, whereby a binding geographical balance would be prescribed.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens addressed this issue in proposal 38. (Page 81 of the CoFoE final report)
Other:
European Parliament resolution on the election of Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage 03 May 2022 (P9_TA(2022)0129). Further information can be found here.
8. Die Einführung einer gemeinsamen (zweiten) Amtssprache in jedem EU-Mitgliedsstaat zur Stärkung der europäischen Identität
(CoFoE Vorschlag 48.2)

Starting position and goal:
Europe is a continent of diversity. This diversity is what makes up the cultural, linguistic and philosophical richness of our continent. It is not without reason that the EU’s political motto is “United in diversity”. Linguistic diversity must be preserved and translation will always remain a part of European life.
In the EU, which currently has 27 member states, there are three so-called 3 working languages and 24 official languages. All important EU texts are translated into all of these 24 official languages. There is still no common official language or official working language that is used in all EU member states. Many EU citizens learn a foreign language, usually English, but many only have a moderate command of it. As the EU integration process progresses, also with a view to EU enlargement, a common second language is necessary to fundamentally improve communication within Europe. Language skills are becoming increasingly important, particularly for public authorities (e.g. security and justice) and in working life. This will also increase the efficiency of cooperation and save translation and administration costs.
We therefore call for the gradual introduction* of a second common official language in all EU member states in order to improve communication within Europe. A common active EU language also strengthens European identity and cohesion in Europe.
As the EU does not have its own regulatory competence in this area, we call on the European Council and the individual Member States to address this issue.
* Introduction process: All EU member states should gradually introduce a common official language as an additional official language. Initially, the second official language should be introduced at the administrative authorities. In addition to the respective national official language, the authorities must then have corresponding application forms and websites in the second language, and each authority must have sufficient civil servants with a good command of this second language. If the technical systems were harmonized, this would enable effective cross-border cooperation. EU citizens and companies would also benefit from increased cooperation between administrations. They would be able to deal with numerous official matters at their place of residence or company headquarters, even if the competent authority is located in another EU member state. Example: A German citizen applies for a passport at a French municipality, which forwards the application to Germany and receives the passport from Germany to hand over to the applicant. A second official language would contribute to language competence and thus also to the international competitiveness of society.
Link this requirement to the CoFoE:
As part of the CoFoE, EU citizens have called for the promotion of multilingualism as a bridge to other cultures from an early age in proposal 48.2. Learning an active EU language other than one’s mother tongue to the highest possible level is considered necessary. (Page 90 of the CoFoE final report)
Other:
European Parliament resolution on the election of Members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage 03 May 2022 (P9_TA(2022)0129). Further information can be found here.
This information is provided for information purposes only in connection with the “Bestof49” project of Pulse of Europe e.V. and makes no claim to correctness or completeness. They are based on the current status (currently: 07.01.2025). We reserve the right to make changes and additions at any time.
Open letter on the 2025 federal election
As part of our #Bestof49 project, we sent an open letter with our demands on Europe’s future to the members of the German Bundestag and to the candidates for election to the German Bundestag in almost all constituencies. Our letter was sent to MPs and candidates from the following parties: CDU/CSU, SPD, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, FDP, Die Linke and VOLT. With this campaign, we want to bring the European dialog to the local level and make it clear to political decision-makers that a strong, united and sustainable European Union is needed.
We are happy to make our open letter available again here on our website:
#Bestof49 – In the context of the CoFoE
The Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE) was a series of citizen-led debates that took place from May 2021 to May 2022 in Strasbourg and Brussels as well as in various European cities, including Dublin and Florence. The CoFoE aimed to strengthen European democracy and actively involve citizens in the political processes of the European Union through their direct participation. A total of 800 randomly selected citizens from all EU member states were invited to express their opinions and ideas on shaping a common European future.
In four so-called citizens’ forums, 200 participants discussed important topics such as climate protection, democracy, digitalization, social justice, education and health over three weekends each. They developed a total of 326 European policy measures. These were then presented to the conference plenary, which consisted of almost 500 members, including 80 delegated citizens from the four citizens’ forums as well as representatives of the three EU institutions, national parliaments, social interest groups and finally 27 so-called national citizens’ representatives from all EU member states. Several meetings of the entire conference plenary, accompanied by additional discussions in smaller working groups, ultimately resulted in a total of 49 proposals that reflect the concerns and wishes of citizens in line with the political participants of the CoFoE. These 49 proposals are intended to serve as a basis for future political decisions in the EU. They show how important it is to include citizens’ voices in the political decision-making process. The conference thus represented a significant step towards a more inclusive and participatory European policy.
At the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office, Stephanie Hartung, Deputy Chair of the Board of Pulse of Europe, took part in the CoFoE conference plenary as the National Citizens’ Representative of the Federal Republic of Germany. Her personal impressions of this extraordinary experiment in European civic participation can be found here:




Useful links
In this section we provide a selection of relevant links and further information on the Conference on the Future of Europe (CoFoE), which should provide valuable insights and results of the political discussions. In addition, we would like to provide further useful resources that provide deeper insights into current policy issues and the implementation of demands. These links are intended to promote dialog and provide the opportunity to actively participate in policy-making.
Participate & Support
Get involved with us for what is close to your heart: Freedom, peace, solidarity and a sustainable European coexistence. Whether with your participation in rallies, formats, campaigns and with your donation or with your volunteer work in one of our city or project teams – you can make an important personal contribution to protect Europe and its values.