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The mayor of Athens, Giorgos Kaminis, and the CoR president Markku Markkula discuss Europe's future with young people  

"Dialogue and consultation are essential tools in our policy for promoting efforts and initiatives", noted Athens mayor Giorgos Kaminis at the beginning of the open debate with citizens of Athens entitled "Without panels: discussion about Europe", also attended by the president of the European Committee of the Regions, Markku Markkula.

"Consultation allows citizens to be at the centre of the process and highlights issues of transparency, trust and respect for institutions", Mr Kaminis said, noting the particular role citizens are called upon to play.

"It is cities that can bridge the gap between Europe and its citizens", the mayor noted: "Europe can be revitalised by active citizens who are outward-looking, who are public-spirited, who care about the environment and genuinely want and are able to bring about changes in everyday life".

In his speech, Mr Markkula observed:

"Europe exists above all to work for and with its citizens. Democratically elected local representatives must shape European law and take decisions about Europe's future in collaboration with ordinary people, so as to demonstrate that their voice and their participation matter. Europe's future must be built from the bottom up, taking into account the distinctiveness and diversity of our regions and at the same time promoting our common European values. This is why I am in Athens: to listen to citizens and to local authorities, and to hear their ideas about how we can work together towards a brighter future for Europe".

The young people attending the event talked about their hopes, but also their concerns, for Europe, presenting collective initiatives they are involved in that affect everyday city life.

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