Civil society: the key to Brussels’ relaunch?

“The European Union has made our lives so much easier and better.  Too many don’t realise that though,” says Lucio Battistotti.  Something needs to be done to change this, starting with civil society’s involvement.

Lucio Battistotti replaced Pier Virgilio Dastoli on September 1 at the head of the representation in Italy of the European Commission.  Originally from Vicenza, with a diploma from the university of Padova in political science, Battistotti first joined the European Commission in 1983.  Over the years, he worked on the financial control side of the EU structural funds, and managed the European social Fund in Spain, Denmark and Finland.  He was also part of Emma Bonino’s cabinet in the mid-nineties and briefly already did a stint at the representation in Italy during the Euro introduction period.

 

How would you say civil society is seen by Brussels?

From 2004 to today the first Communications Officer, Margot Wallstrom, has greatly invested in civil society.  I don’t know who will be taking her place this autumn but I do not think that civil society will be put apart.

 

Today’s Europe seems to have become irrelevant to its young.  How could Brussels re-launch its image?

We need to find a way to remind European citizens how much they have gained from the union’s existence.  There are so many things that Europe has done for its citizens beyond peace that touch individuals on a daily basis like Erasmus or transport laws.  Today citizens are totally protecting when it comes to over-bookings for example. 

 

These kinds of stories need to be highlighted so that people can understand the importance of the institutions… How?  Well, by communicating Europe maybe through advertisements on television which tell of success stories which have happened on a local level.  Italy is a localist country, this cannot be forgotten.

 

But wouldn’t these publicity campaigns be seen as pure propaganda?

Yes, maybe.  That is where the difficulty lies.

 

Often, European institutions are just seen as cash machines…

Our budget is very small, my work here is really just one of an ambassador.  I am here to explain situations, policies and positions, make sure that everyone is properly informed on Europe.  I am here to avoid people making terrible gaffes.

 

How much is your own budget at the representation for civil society in Italy?

Difficult to say.  I would say around 100,000 Euros for this year.  It isn’t a lot, I know, but more money is directly given from Brussels.

 

How will you use the money?

We organise regular meetings with representatives of civil society every 3 to 4 months.  We also organise forums with civil society on a wider themes.  These kinds of large scale meetings I think have proven very successful in the past and I fully intend to keep them going. 

 

I think also worth pointing out is the fact that the actual job that Elena Montani is doing here as civil society coordinator is unique, it doesn’t exist in any other European representation.  We are proud of this, and would like to make it into a best practice so that all bureaus have a similar post.

 

When will the next forum be?

The next one is this coming November on the 27-28^th.  Its theme will be that of the next European year: fight against poverty and social exclusion.  Discussions will vary hugely, and will go from the minimum wage to the green economy.