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N°64/September 2018
EPFMA
BULLETIN
European Parliament Former Members Association www.formermembers.eu
Focus on
EU Public Opinion
FMA Activities FMA Activities
Visit under the EU EP to Campus
Presidency Programme
Page 19 Page 24
2 FMA BULLETIN - 64
IN THIS ISSUE
03 Message from the President 14 Fake news and how
04 EP at Work it influences opinion polls
SUPPORTING
(Monica Franceschini)
PEOPLE STRIVING
FOR DEMOCRACY 16 Public Attitudes towards
CURRENT AFFAIRS Brexit (Nancy Kelley & Ian
05 Horizon Europe Montagu)
(Teresa Riera Madurell)
06 Europe must start to untangle FMA ACTIVITIES
the Net (Cristiana Muscardini)
18 Democracy Support
07 European Year of Cultural
ANNUAL REPORT #2017
Heritage (Mariela Baeva) 19 Visit under the EU Presidency
08 9 May 2018 24 EP to Campus Programme
(Gérard Caudron)
Supporting People Speaking Up 33 Former Members Network
for Democracy: The European
Endowment for Democracy
09 Strasbourg by bike 2018
(EED) celebrates 5 years.
(Jan Dhaene)
The EED began its work in LATEST NEWS
2013 and has proved
FOCUS 35 Activities
itself a valuable addition
to the existing range of 11 Without truthful information, 36 New Publication
international democracy there is no democracy
support organizations and (Jordi Sebastià Talavera) 37 New members
initiatives.
12 New trends in Public Opinion 38 In memoriam
(Philipp M. Schulmeister)
Cover: ©Shutterstock
CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS:
The Editorial Board would like to thank all those members who took the time to contribute to this issue of the FMA Bulletin.
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the decision to include an article lies with the FMA Editorial Board and, in
principle, contributions from members who are not up-to-date with the payment of the membership fee will not be included.
Due to the long time lag between the call for contribution and the publication, some articles may be outdated.
The FMA Bulletin is published by the European Parliament Former Members Association (FMA) with the assistance of the Europe-
an Parliament. However, the views expressed in articles represent the views of contributing FMA members or guest writers and do
not necessarily represent the views of either the European Parliament nor the FMA. Similarly, any advertisement does not imply an
official endorsement by the FMA or Parliament.
EDITORIAL BOARD PREPARED BY CONTACTS
Jean-Pierre AUDY Elisabetta FONCK formermembers@europarl.europa.eu
Brigitte LANGENHAGEN Lisseth BRAVO Tel.+ 32(0)2 284 07 03
Edward McMILLAN-SCOTT Valeh NASIRI Fax.+32(0)2 284 09 89
Manuel PORTO Alessandra PERNA
Teresa RIERA MADURELL
Message from
the PRESIDENT
Dear Member, In order to strengthen our EU Commissioner for Research,
network of former Members, our Science and Innovation, has
Greetings following the summer delegates Brigitte Langenhagen, accepted our invitation to be
break and welcome to our who was elected Vice-President the keynote speaker at the
September Bulletin, which is a of the FP-AP in March, and Annual Dinner. As usual, we
chance for me to give you a taste Jean-Pierre Audy represented expect high-profile speakers at
of our upcoming events. the FMA at the FP-AP meeting the Annual Seminar, which this
held in Brussels from 24 to 26 year is entitled ‘How can former
The focus of this issue is EU May. The FMA Vice-President, MEPs and European citizens
public opinion. The Collins Jan-Willem Bertens, participated help to rekindle enthusiasm for
English Dictionary defines public in the Annual Meeting of the US European construction based on
opinion as ‘the opinion or Association of Former Members the European ideal?’. You will
attitude of the public regarding of Congress on 25 and 26 June in receive more information about
a particular matter’. Nowadays Washington. You will find reports this important engagement in the
the mobilisation of public on both events, along with some coming weeks.
opinion is led by newspapers and pictures, in this Bulletin.
social media, while other ‘old’ I look forward to meeting as
communication tools have been As for our activities in the many of you as possible at our
left behind. Public opinion is a field of democracy building, forthcoming events.
significant force in our societies. In FMA member Filip Kaczmarek
the words of Blaise Pascal, ‘power represented the Association at Best wishes,
rules the world, not opinion, but the Ninth Global Assembly of the
it is opinion that exploits power’. World Movement for Democracy
We consulted key players on in Dakar from 6 to 9 May. You
the European political scene and can read his impressions of the
former colleagues to help us delve event in the section on FMA Hans-Gert PÖTTERING
deeper into this topic. activities. FMA President
You will also find a section Looking ahead, our visit to
devoted entirely to FMA activities; Austria, the Member State
in particular, this issue includes a currently holding the Presidency
series of reports by FMA members of the Council of the European
who have participated in our ‘EP Union, will take place from 28
to Campus’ programme. Through to 30 October. The programme
this programme, universities can includes meetings with parliament
benefit from the expertise and and government representatives,
experience of former MEPs who as well as with the Mayor of
share their insights into real EU Vienna and the Secretary General
policy. Positive feedback from of the OSCE. A full report of
universities and former Members the visit will be published in the
tells us that students benefit December edition.
from engaging dialogues and
exchanges of views, which enable Lastly, our annual events in
them to shape and construct their Brussels will take place on 28
own conceptions of European and 29 November 2018. I am
matters. honoured that Carlos Moedas,
4 FMA BULLETIN - 64
EP AT WORK
KEY FACTS
RescEU: MEPs vote to upgrade EU civil protection predictability to develop products and services.
capacity (May Session - P8_TA-PROV(2018)0217) MEPs want robust EU cyber defence and
Proposals to upgrade the EU civil defence closer ties with NATO (June Session - P8_TA-
mechanism were approved. The aim is to help PROV(2018)0258)
member states to respond faster and more MEPs urge EU member states to enhance the ability of
effectively to natural and man-made disasters, their armed forces to work together and to strengthen
by sharing civil protection assets more efficiently. cyber co-operation at EU level, with NATO and other
MEPs call on EU countries to end precarious partners.
employment practices (May Session - P8_TA- MEPs approved that the EU budget for 2019
PROV(2018)0242) do more for the young, SMEs and the climate
This resolution calls on the European Commission (June Session - P8_TA-PROV(2018)0107)
and EU countries to tackle the issue of precarious
employment practices and the abusive use of fixed- Priorities are growth, security, fighting climate change
term work contracts in the EU public and private and migration.
sector. MEPs agreed that giving humanitarian help to
MEPs vote in favour to EU-wide rules for safety migrants should not be a crime (July Session -
of drones (June Session - P8_TA-PROV(2018)0245) P8_TA-PROV(2018)0314)
These EU-wide principles for drones and drone MEPs believe the EU should ensure that helping
operators will ensure a common level of safety migrants for humanitarian reasons is not punishable as
and give operators and manufacturers the a crime.
Other main dossiers discussed in the plenary sessions were:
May 2018 June 2018 with eight non-EU countries
• MEPs push for a modern EU • Parliament voted for €1 macro- to strengthen cooperation
farming, with a common policy with financial loan to help Ukraine with Europol. (05.07.18)
fair funding. The post-2020 EU farm cover part of its external financing • EP approved to reinforced
policy must be smarter, simpler, fairer needs in 2018-2019. (13.06.18) EU border security. The new
and more sustainable. (30.05.18) • MEPs calls on Russia to end European Travel Information and
• MEPs condemned the continuation occupation of Georgian Authorisation System (ETIAS),
of internal border checks in territories of Abkhazia and South which should be operational in
the Schengen area. EU member Ossetia and fully respect the territorial 2021, will allow for advanced
states should “foster mutual integrity of Georgia. (14.06.18) checks on visa-free travellers and
trust in the functioning of the July 2018 those considered to pose a security,
Schengen area, cooperation • MEPs approved EU job-search irregular migration or epidemic risk
and solidarity”. (30.05.18) aid worth € 9.9 million for will be denied access. (05.07.18)
• Parliament approved €104.2m 1,858 former Air France • MEPs have rejected a committee
in EU aid to Greece, Spain, workers to re-integrate into proposal to begin negotiations to
France and Portugal following the labour market. (03.07.18) update copyright laws for the
natural disasters in 2017.(30.05.18) • Parliament approves € 500 digital age, copyright rules will be
• MEPs called for new legislation million for schooling of refugee reviewed in September. (05.07.18)
to combat odometer fraud. children in Turkey. (04.07.18) For more information, please visit :
(31.05.18) • MEPs stress need for personal http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/
data safeguards ahead of talks news-room/plenary
FMA BULLETIN - 64 5
CURRENT AFFAIRS
HORIZON EUROPE
Horizon Europe: a new environment, new stakeholders will young researchers by increasing the
opportunity for research and undoubtedly emerge. It is widely budget for the Marie Curie Actions,
innovation in Europe recognised that the driving force in order to give fresh momentum
Horizon Europe, the Commission’s for innovation is no longer solely to those who were deprived funds
new proposal for the framework technological processes, as was the by some Member States that
programme for research and case in the industrial era. People and misguidedly slashed grants during
innovation (2021-2027), is now communities as a whole are also the crisis.
under consideration at the European important sources of innovation. It is If our goal as Europeans is to have
Parliament. therefore essential to provide them a strong, high-quality science and
Those of us who are convinced with the best training and tools to innovation system, this cannot exist
that investing in science and enable them to develop their full in isolation. To that end, establishing
innovation is investing in the best potential and actively participate in an effective dialogue between
future for Europe, and who have innovation processes, particularly science and society must be an
previously worked hard to ensure those aimed at finding solutions imperative for Horizon Europe. Via
that the Horizon 2020 framework to the major social challenges that the ‘Science for and with Society’
programme, which is still in force affect them most directly. programme, Horizon 2020 paved
today was adequately funded, are So as to maximise the project’s the way for improving this dialogue,
pleased to see that the Commission’s impact in tackling social challenges but greater funding for it is needed.
proposal for Horizon Europe and in improving industrial If science is to be a priority for public
entails increasing its budget to competitiveness in the EU as a investment, the public must share its
€100 billion. whole, the Commission’s proposal values and recognise the contribution
Although Horizon 2020 laid the for Horizon Europe entails devising it makes to knowledge and progress.
groundwork for a dynamic and bold and ambitious mission-oriented The final text on Horizon Europe
competitive knowledge-based projects with the involvement and that will be approved will be the
economy by focusing on three engagement of citizens and clear fruit of intense legislative work, in
priorities: scientific excellence, European added value in helping which the European Parliament,
innovation-based industrial solve the problems affecting our making use of the powers conferred
leadership and providing innovative daily lives. on it by the Treaty, must push for its
responses to the social challenges This must be done while continuing objective of achieving a strong and
of greatest concern to citizens, it to support excellence in European competitive European R&D&I system
should now focus on improving our science and researchers. It is in negotiations with a Council that
innovation capacity and increasing intolerable for Europe’s talent usually looks to cut spending. We
the impact of our research and to go to waste or be forced to wish the rapporteurs all the best!
innovation on society. emigrate owing to a lack of
To lead the European Union’s opportunities. Horizon Europe should
comprehensive innovation policy, therefore consolidate all measures
the Commission proposes setting strengthening our capacity to
up the European Innovation Council attract, retain and promote the best Teresa Riera Madurell
(EIC) which, in addition to providing researchers. Further increases to the S&D, Spain (2004-2014)
effective support to innovators by European Research Council’s budget Member Research and Innovation
or funding for frontier research are strategic expert high level
creating the necessary instruments, is
needed to enable excellent scientists advisory group (RISE HL) to
tasked with promoting a culture and
to work on high-risk projects, which Commissioner Carlos Moedas, EC
environment conducive to innovation
are also those presenting the most Former MEP and rapporteur of
and creativity.
innovative potential. And special Horizon 2020.
In this open and dynamic
support needs to be given to our trierama@gmail.com
6 FMA BULLETIN - 64
EUROPE MUST START TO UNTANGLE THE NET
There is an issue in Europe that we exterminate defenceless people, humanitarian aid, and encouraging
began talking and writing about assorted criminals, arms traffickers exchanges of ideas and hopes, is
at the turn of the millennium, and and people smugglers, pushers largely being cancelled out because
we have continued to do so ever dealing in drugs and counterfeit of the regulatory vacuum in which
since: there are no rules governing medicines, hardened paedophiles IT systems have been put to criminal
the use of IT systems, and this has and stalkers, fraudsters, and children use, bank data manipulated, airport
led to dangerous abuses. Sadly, we who, having obtained drugs and systems thrown into chaos, and
were right, once again, to point been caught up in erotic games, are, state intelligence services have
out a danger and to insist, in order as they grow up, being moulded taken infiltration so far as to alter
to safeguard legality and freedom according to the myth of bullying political and institutional set-ups
for all, that no information and and violence. The victims have been and bring untold wealth to those
communication system should be legion, and the huge damage has who with their brilliant discoveries
allowed unless it provided for at least not been purely economic. have been doing business outside
some regulation and a degree of The data thefts that hit millions the law. And the biggest joke of all
security as regards privacy. of people have finally persuaded is that it is taxpayers at national and
We knew that, especially in a inventors, system operators, and European level who are paying for
globalised society, given that there governments to talk in terms of the guarantees of privacy!
were no shared rules, power was rules strong enough to protect the The recent cases involving Facebook,
being abused, and news and minds freedom of the Internet and the which allowed outside companies to
manipulated; furthermore, the privacy rights that should be enjoyed use millions of user addresses, have
inability to decode messages had by individuals, states, and companies. sent an alarm signal that cannot
caused confusion in which falsehood We are hoping that Europe will make go unheeded. The subsequent
was being taken for truth. Europe, its voice heard loud and clear and fact-finding hearings in the US
unfortunately, has previously turned a manage without delay to translate Senate and House of Representatives
deaf ear to the calls from Parliament words into action. with the Facebook boss served to
to tackle the problem, and it has What is good about the Internet, demonstrate that the questioners
been blind to the evidence that has namely putting distant worlds in were unfamiliar with the digital
kept mounting up from year to year. touch with each other, enhancing platform concerned, to say nothing
The Internet has been an open range culture, counteracting ignorance of the problems with social networks.
for terrorists hunting for recruits, and dictatorial regimes, expanding That does not alter the fact that
those who teach how to kill and the possibilities for medical and Internet regulation has still to be
dealt with. Legislators cannot remain
indifferent until some other scandal
causes a public outcry. The sooner
they do something, the better it will
be for everybody.
Cristiana Muscardini
Italy
NA (1989-1999)
UEN (1999-2009)
EPP (2009-2012)
ECR(2012-2014)
Woman browsing Facebook social network on a tablet ©European Parliament c.muscardini@tin.it
FMA BULLETIN - 64 7
EUROPEAN YEAR OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
In the 2018 European Year of missiles and weapons; neither gold had as its consequence the
Cultural Heritage (EYCH), the nor oil. It is more than that. integration of the various groups of
information and awareness-raising It is respect for nations’ sensitivities; the society. They learnt how to stand
events across Europe allow us to for the diversity of peoples and their up for each other.
learn how to share our heritage. life stories… It is open-mindedness, “Our differences are
One of the EYCH objectives is to empathy and equitable reconciliation,
build bridges during the International when possible. It is enlightenment not supposed to be
Decade for the Rapprochement of - and scripts, ancient stories, and a stumbling block
Cultures (2013-2022). historical landscapes bring it home. to our intercultural
We all live in a world of dramatic Every year, 24 May marks the day of
– hopefully, progressive - changes. the Cyrillic alphabet, and the Slavonic
communication,
In the EYCH, we bring into the language and cultural heritage. but rather an
spotlight our differences. They Nowadays, over 300 million people inspiration, innovation
are permanently challenged by use this alphabet globally. In 1980,
and integration.”
a disruption of the notion of two brothers - Constantine-Cyril
national identity vis-à-vis universal the Philosopher and Methodius, Building a sense of community
benchmarks. Taking part or, at least, who laid the alphabet foundation in and shared heritage may prove to
taking interest in the processes or the 9th century – were proclaimed be an essential component of the
activities that transcend this failure co-patrons of Europe by Pope Saint European social fabric the EYCH is
proves crucial. John Paul II. The act was a hope of striving to join together. Shouldering
Our differences are not supposed a possible overcoming of divisions this opportunity gives hope to
to be a stumbling block to our between nations and peoples in understanding and mutual respect. It
intercultural communication, but Europe and globally. would also show a growing interest
rather an inspiration, innovation In the EYCH, 1155 years are in the issues that peoples and
and integration. celebrated since the arrival of the communities care about.
The wealth of legacy is passed on to two educators in Greater Moravia The myriad of crises and
the generations to come. Hopefully, as a crucial part of their mission difficulties that peoples globally
it brings them enlightenment in of a lifetime to create a script; to have experienced in recent years
the following sense: what vision introduce a new language for should lead us – during the
for a future of shared and mutually liturgical and literary purposes; and EYCH, afterwards, and in terms of
respected heritage and values do we to establish a school. Their disciples cooperation with third countries
provide? developed the alphabet, stemming – to a launch of more convincing,
It is the spiritual assets that peoples from the “mysterious characters” innovative ways that nations invent
and communities carry from the of the two brothers, in 9th century in order to bridge with each other.
past to the future. It is not “smart” Bulgaria. The ambitious undertaking The endeavour should break new
grounds, be honest, and enjoy the
respect to truth and relevance. These
characteristics call for recognizing the
following vital principle:
“We are all equal by virtue of our
natural dignity.”
Mariela Baeva
ALDE, Bulgaria (2007-2009)
mariela.baeva@nanotech-oecd-
The abduction of Europe ©European Parliament partner.eu
8 FMA BULLETIN - 64
9 MAY 2018
9 May 2018: For Europe too, ‘you united Europe. This year, 2018, one year before the
don’t have to be hopeful in order On 9 May 2018, a day enshrined next European elections, with my
to try, nor to be successful in as Europe Day, to commemorate wealth of European experience, I
order to persevere’. Robert Schuman’s declaration of wanted to repeat this.
On Tuesday, 8 May 2018, the 9 May 1950, I reminded us that The stakes are high, and we must
anniversary of the end of the greatest we must, and I must, reiterate our all grasp this fact and adapt our
world conflict in history, the President commitment to Europe. behaviour accordingly.
of the United States again lit ‘the It is the construction of Europe that Repeated meetings between the
blue touchpaper’ in the Middle enabled us to avoid being ‘colonies leaders of each European country
East by ripping up the Iran nuclear shared out between the USSR and and Mr Trump are not enough to
agreement, at the risk of setting the United States’. give Europe fresh impetus.
the region on fire and Europe with It is the construction of Europe that We need to start again ‘from a hard
it. These actions are in defiance has ensured 73 years of peace. core’ without the idea of dominating
of Europe, which will pay a heavy It is the construction of Europe that anyone within it,
price, and, of course, a slap in the led to the reunification of Western build a consensus on essential
face to all those who have yet to and Eastern Europe. aspects, leaving aside what is less
understand how worthless If tomorrow the European Union important, stop seeking unanimity
Mr Trump’s smiles are manages to pull itself together at all costs from its 28 members,
and how little he values and once again become a genuine reminding each of them of our
our continent. source hope for its peoples, and values, without compromising on the
Unfortunately, I fear that our leave behind ‘economic liberalism consequences of these values on the
President of the French Republic at all costs’ and an ‘unregulated policies of each Member State.
is not yet aware of this, despite market economy without common This is the vital issue of the
the USA’s brutal sanctions against social and fiscal rules’, to finally coming year!
European exports, which have now make itself a fully-fledged political, Mr Macron, the French President, has
been confirmed. social, cultural and civic great power, had the chance to move forward in
There can only be one course of we may avoid being permanently this direction for a year, since many
action to counter the dangerous, caught in a pincer movement of the conditions for success were
domineering arrogance of Mr between Mr Trump’s USA and Mr in place. Unfortunately, he failed
Trump’s America: a strong and Putin’s Russia, without forgetting Mr to do so.
Erdogan’s Turkey. What is more, on this point I also
want to believe in the ‘school of
second chances’...
‘You don’t have to be hopeful in
order to try, nor to be successful in
order to persevere.’
Gérard Caudron
France
PES (1989-2002)
GUE (2002-2004)
Open Day 2018 Brussels ©European Parliament gcaudron@nordnet.fr
FMA BULLETIN - 64 9
STRASBOURG BY BIKE 2018
In 2002 I started in the European
Parliament as a deputy for the
Flemish Greens, and as a statement
to go to work by bike, me and
my wife cycled from Brussels to
Strasbourg, in 5 days, with luggage
including a small tent.
In 2003 I organised an all-party cycle
trip to Strasbourg for MEPs and
staff; more than 10 members joined;
the luggages were transported by
a van from the parliament. It was
also to be seen as a protest to the
monthly move of the parliament to
Strasbourg and huge the cost of that SBB participants at the European Parliament in Brussels
(money and carbon).
In 2008 a few guys from the 29th at 9 a.m. at the EP in Brussels. Second day was “only”122 km to
parliament staff organised the first People from Finland, Latvia, Romania, Orval, but very hilly, and hot; the
SBB (Strasburg By Bike) for racebikes. Germany, Holland, France, Belgium, heath was a big obstacle.
This year they did it for the 10th time even Norway. Third day (Sunday) was the hardest
and they contacted me to join in; so We were riding in three groups day with a record distance of
I did. It was an awesome experience. with different pace; I was in the 216 km: we started at 6.30 am and
They are very well organised: they slowest group.. arrived at 9 pm. Very long day, and
have a van for the luggage, bananas First day was 143 km to Chimay, I had one punctier (flat). Starting in
and water. mostly flat along canals and an old Orval, we had lunch in Metz and
There are a few stops every day and railway track (Ravel). went on to Sarrebourg.
we sleep in small hotels. This year (By the way this year was the The last day was “easy”: only 97 km
we were 22 people, 4 women and trappistbeer edition). mostly along the canal to Strasbourg;
18 men. We started on Friday the arriving at 14.30.
There was no brassband welcoming
us; the people took a shower and
went to work.
After work, we had a few beers in
the Swanns bar…and Belgium won
against Japan!
I admire the people who organised
it and all the participants. We really
formed a good group.
This is the real spirit of Europe.
Thanks, see you next year.
Jan Dhaene
Greens/EFA, Belgium (2002-2004)
SBB participants at the European Parliament in Strasbourg jandhaene@telenet.be
10 FMA BULLETIN - 64 FOCUS EU PUBLIC OPINION ©Shutterstock
FMA BULLETIN - 64 11
WITHOUT TRUTHFUL INFORMATION, THERE IS NO DEMOCRACY
We are far from knowing what the the possession of ‘weapons of mass and to guarantee that public
consequences of Brexit will be. The destruction’ or invasions justified media provide the citizens with
terrible blow dealt by the decision by non-existent provocations serve diverse, nuanced and high-quality
of the British people has placed the to remind us of how vulnerable information. This is a fundamental
European Union project in a dramatic public opinion is to self-serving pillar of democracy which, if not kept
and unfamiliar situation. No matter manipulation. New channels for the in good health, will rot away and
how much the worst effects may be distribution of news and the social may bring down the whole system
mitigated as a result of the on-going media in particular have further with it. This is by no means an easy
negotiations, we all know that the exacerbated this vulnerability to task since, at the same time, we also
EU has been dealt a body blow and misinformation and lies which are have to guarantee that hard-won
that the spectre of the domino effect spread without restriction. It could freedom of expression of ours here in
looms large over the EU. Amid all be argued that the ability to lie and Europe which remains but a dream in
of this drama, there is a question manipulate public opinion is no large parts of the world. One cannot
which all of us who firmly believe in longer the preserve of power, be it use ‘control mechanisms’ that could
the project of a united and pluralist political or journalistic. Thanks to the pose a threat to legitimate criticism
Europe have asked ourselves: would influence of social networks, more or and complaints.
the British have voted in the same less organised groups are now also Achieving a balance between
manner if they had had truthful able to successfully use falsehoods ensuring truthful information
information about what it really to alter opinions. Lying has been while not limiting freedom of
meant to be part of the EU? What ‘democratised’. expression is undoubtedly one
if the most popular tabloids had “The case of Brexit of the challenges facing those in
not been awash with all of those charge of this so-called ‘information
demagogic lies and accusations? is not unique, for society’ which could easily be
Many of us do not think so. such cases abound in turned into a society of lies. With
The debate in the United Kingdom history – and not just this in mind, one of the key aspects
on whether or not to leave the must be to educate citizens about
European Union was shrouded
in recent history.Wars communication, training students
in a web of deceit spun by based on the possession in the art of public-opinion building
journalists without scruples and of ‘weapons of mass and teaching them about the basic
demagogic politicians. The result standards to be respected and the
destruction’ or invasions
was devastating. Unfortunately, the sources and balance which any item
case of Brexit is not unique, for such justified by non-existent of information must display to be
cases abound in history – and not provocations serve deemed truthful and trustworthy.
just in recent history. Wars based on to remind us of how The 21st century will be one of mass
manipulation if we do not act in
vulnerable public time to train the public to be critical
opinion is to self-serving thinkers and enable them to clearly
manipulation.” distinguish between information and
self-serving lies.
The situation is extremely worrying
and constitutes a serious threat
to democracy. Public authorities
must remain in touch with citizens, Jordi Sebastià Talavera
professional associations of Former MEP and journalist
journalists, universities and other Greens/EFA, Spain (2002-2004)
groups concerned and endeavour jandhaene@telenet.be
©European Parliament
to ensure good journalistic practices12 FMA BULLETIN - 64
NEW TRENDS IN PUBLIC OPINION
Since 2007, DG Communication’s one can see that this positive being a member of the
Public Opinion Monitoring Unit is development started in the second
carrying out Eurobarometer surveys half of 2016, pointing to a ‘wakeup
EU - this is the highest
for the European Parliament. call’ after the Brexit referendum in score recorded for this
With less than one year to go to the UK. indicator since 1983!”
the next European elections, the “Eurobarometer Interesting developments can also
latest Parliament Eurobarometer
survey shows a continuous indicator measuring be noted when looking at voters’
citizens’ support for perceptions of the upcoming
increase in citizens’ support for the
European elections. Citizens all over
European Union. EU membership had the EU see the Spitzenkandidaten
Eurobarometer indicator measuring
citizens’ support for EU membership
always received a process as an important cornerstone
steady backing from of democratic life in the EU. In 2014,
had always received a steady backing
Europeans voters could participate
from respondents over time. This respondents over indirectly in the process of electing
support significantly jumped in 2018
time. This support the President of the European
to 60% of citizens who believe
significantly jumped in Commission for the first time.
that the EU membership of their
Today, results show that nearly half
country is a good thing. Even more 2018 to 60% of citizens of EU27 citizens (49%) say that
importantly, 67% of respondents who believe that the EU a repetition of this process would
think that their country has benefited
from being a member of the EU - this membership of their encourage them to go to vote in
the next European elections. The
is the highest score recorded for this country is a good thing. lead candidates process is clearly
indicator since 1983! Even more importantly, associated with “more transparency”
Also for the first time in the last
decade, a relative majority of 67% of respondents (63%), a significant progress for
think that their country European democracy’ (61%) and
respondents (48%) believe that
“more legitimacy for the European
their voice counts in the EU. Looking has benefited from Commission” (60%). In contrast, less
at the trend line for this indicator
than half of respondents think that
this process would prevent national
governments from choosing the best
candidate (46%) and that it has no
real impact (45%).
And what about the issues that
matter? During the election
campaign, Europeans want to
hear about security in the broadest
sense, including immigration. At
the same time, issues related to
personal prosperity and well-being
are equally high on their agenda.
49% of Europeans cite the fight
against terrorism as campaign priority
topic, followed by ‘combatting youth
unemployment’ (48%), immigration
Press seminar for audio-visual media - ‘ #EUElections2019 - one year to go ‘- Eurobarometer (45%), economy and growth (42%).
“One year to the EE19” ©European Union 2018 - Source : EP Around one third of Europeans citeFMA BULLETIN - 64 13
climate change and the protection of such parties or movements to be ‘high importance’, only 49% feel the
the environment (35%). Promoting a threat to democracy, with only same about the European elections.
human rights and democracy as around a third (38%) thinking they However, with twelve months to
well as the social protection of EU would be. 70% of citizens surveyed go, almost a third of respondents
citizens are listed as priority by 32% consider that just being against (32%) know that these elections are
of respondents. something would not be enough taking place in 2019. Moreover one
“Issues related to and would not improve anything. respondent in two (50%) declares
53% of citizens feel that new parties to be interested in the European
personal prosperity and and movements could find new elections.
well-being are equally solutions better than the political
high on their agenda. establishment, 56% believe that they Philipp M. Schulmeister
can bring real change. Head of the Public Opinion
49% of Europeans Nothing much has changed in Monitoring Unit
cite the fight against citizens’ perception of the European Philipp.schulmeister@ep.europa.
terrorism as campaign elections compared to national eu
votes - 68% of Europeans declare @pschulmeister
priority topic, followed
that voting in national elections is of
by ‘combatting youth
unemployment’
(48%), immigration
(45%), economy and
growth (42%).”
Europeans are also attached to
democracy both on EU level and in
their own country, yet the economic
context seems to have a direct
bearing on their views. While a
majority of respondents continues to
be satisfied with the way democracy
works in their country (55%) and
in the EU (46%), the situation
differs from one country to the
next. This becomes even clearer
when the level of satisfaction with
the way democracy works is put in
relation to the countries’ GDP per
capita as well as to their current
unemployment rates.
Between 2013 and 2018, more
than 70 new parties and political
alliances emerged in EU Member
States, some of which campaigned
successfully by protesting against
the political establishment. When
asked to position themselves on
a range of statements about such
new parties and movements, half Standard Eurobarometer 89 - March 2018 ©European Parliament
of the respondents do not consider14 FMA BULLETIN - 64
FAKE NEWS AND HOW IT INFLUENCES OPINION POLLS
The term ‘fake news’ denotes news Especially at election time, the FAke News discovery and
and content framed for specific instances of suspect news become propagation from big
purposes, which almost invariably more frequent. This can be produced Data ANalysis and artificial
have nothing whatsoever to do with quite simply, for example by faking intelliGence Operations -
imparting information. Fake news in images, or audio and video content, FANDANGO
all its guises has its own taxonomy or lifting them out of context, mixing
and can thus be classified as satire with real news, quoting figures The aim of FANDANGO is to
propaganda, libel, conspiracy theory, that are either incorrect or hard to aggregate and verify different
a hoax, clickbait, satire, hate speech, verify, and so on. Given the variety of typologies of news data, media
or an error pure and simple. information (in text and multimedia sources, social media, open
“In this era of post-truth form), the speed at which it is data, so as to detect fake news
disseminated, and the breadth of
politics, it’s easy to the subject matter involved, the
and provide a more efficient
and verified communication for
cherrypick data and fact-checking practices and tools all European citizens.
come to whatever being used more and more often rely
It project aims to break data
on artificial intelligence based on big
conclusion you desire.” data technologies, affording scope
interoperability barriers
providing unified techniques
Every item of fake news applies for a sweeping response. With the
and an integrated big data
particular communication strategies aid of machine learning, algorithms
platform to support traditional
and employs different channels can be trained to recognise the
media industries to face the
of dissemination. Social networks syntax with which bogus articles are
new “data” news economy
enable news to travel fast, not least typically written. This is undoubtedly
with a better transparency
because IT tools (in particular bots) more effective than specialised
to the citizens under a
are used to publish a story on a mass algorithms which probe information
Responsible, Research and
scale. The more rapidly information content that is not readily verifiable.
is disclosed, the more difficult it is for The responsibility of checking facts Innovation prism.
news agencies and newspapers to falls first and foremost to journalists, More info at:
ascertain that it is true before they but Facebook and other social www.fandango-project.eu
are called upon to report on it. networks have recently been taking
the precaution of incorporating
digital tools to check photos and
videos in order to reduce the
numbers of published hoaxes and
fake news stories, bearing in mind
that these have lately risen to the
point of marring countries’ election
campaigns.
“Social networks enable
news to travel fast, not
least because IT tools
(in particular bots)
are used to publish a
Conference on Fake news : “ How to fight fake news in Europe “ on May 8 at the Círculo story on a mass scale.
de Bellas Artes in Madrid ©European ParliamentFMA BULLETIN - 64 15
The era of ‘post-truth’ politics and
opinion-forming has gained such
currency as to be cited in the Oxford
English Dictionary, in which one
entry reads: ‘In this era of post-truth
politics, it’s easy to cherrypick data
and come to whatever conclusion
you desire’.
“The only way to fight
it is by making people
more aware.”
Ironically, following the suggestion
that conspiracy theories are being
bandied about on social media, most
Americans have become convinced
that mainstream TV channels and
©iStock newspapers are the ones which
are spreading fake news. That is
The more rapidly by Princeton University, Dartmouth why many politicians rely largely
College, and the University of Exeter,
information is disclosed, roughly one American in four visited
on Twitter to communicate with
their voters. The Russian Embassy
the more difficult it is a fake news website, but fake news in London, for example, has a
for news agencies and consumption was found to be digital club that offers Twitter users
particularly marked among Trump
newspapers to ascertain ‘regular competitions and prize
supporters, who tended to pick news draws’ and even arranges invitations
that it is true before they to corroborate their own views. to the Ambassador’s residence if
are called upon to report This phenomenon is called selective they let their accounts be used to
on it.” exposure to misinformation. In automatically retweet official posts.
particular, among Trump supporters, Fake news is arousing great interest –
New forms of awareness raising, as opposed to supporters of Hillary from both the technological and the
which aim to captivate the mind and Clinton, 40% read at least one article social point of view – because of the
be immediately comprehensible, are about Trump on a fake news site. havoc that it is wreaking in the here
spreading throughout the world.
and now. This phenomenon is likely
Memes, which simplify information
to remain in the spotlight for several
to the greatest possible degree, are
more years before it can be reined in.
exchanged on social networks much
The only way to fight it is by making
more quickly and easily than other
people more aware.
types of content. To understand their
meaning, text and image have to be
interpreted together, which makes
fact-checking more complex.
Monica Franceschini
Solution Architecture Manager -
An increasing number of American
Data & Analytics
university studies are providing
Fake News discovery and
evidence that the outcome of the
propagation from big Data
election was skewed by fake news
ANalysis and artificial intelliGence
consumption during the 2016 US
Operations-FANDANGO
presidential campaign. Specifically,
monica.franceschini@eng.it
according to a recent 2018 study Monica Franceschini
@twittmonique16 FMA BULLETIN - 64
PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARDS BREXIT
It has now been almost 16 months would secure a good deal and over appears to be largely the result of a
since the invocation of Article 50 half (52%) of the belief that the UK proportion of people who didn’t vote
marked the beginning of Britain’s would end up with a bad deal. The in the referendum stating that they
withdrawal from the EU. While most recent data from ORB (collected would now back Remain.
confidence that the UK will secure just before the resignation of Mr So how do we square increasing
the ‘good deal for Britain’ promised Davis and his cabinet colleague Boris discontent with the Brexit process
by the UK’s former Brexit minister Johnson) paints a similar picture, – particularly amongst Leave voters
David Davis has gradually eroded, with well over half of the population – with relatively stable support for
there remains little hard evidence (56%) now disagreeing that Theresa leaving the EU? The answer appears
that voters have changed their minds May will secure ‘the right deal for to be that rather than questioning
about the merits of their choice at Britain’ – a 20 percentage-point the wisdom of their choice, voters
the ballot box. increase since late 2016. place the blame on politicians on
Shortly before the invocation of Our data shows that this pessimism both sides of the negotiating table
Article 50, the February 2017 wave is no longer confined to those who for being unable to successfully
of NatCen’s random probability panel backed Remain. While before the navigate the course set out for them.
found that a third of voters (33%) invocation of Article 50 just over According to the NatCen Panel,
believed that the UK would achieve half (51%) of Leave voters felt the the proportion of Leave supporters
a good deal from the EU, while a UK would get a good deal from who feel that the UK government
slightly higher proportion (37%) felt the Brexit negotiations, by October is handling the Brexit negotiations
it would get a bad deal. This plurality 2017 this proportion had fallen to badly increased by 23 points
has now eroded. In July 2017, the just 28%. Yet there is little evidence between February and October
percentage stating that the UK that voters have changed their minds 2017, while the proportion who
would secure a good deal had fallen on the question of leaving the EU. believe that the EU is doing a bad job
to 25%, with 44% suggesting that While a variety of polling companies rose by 16 points.
they felt the UK would get a bad suggest that the small majority in While it remains to be seen whether
deal. By October 2017 this pessimism favour of Leave may now have the latest political shake-up in
had become even more marked, become a small majority in favour Westminster will have any impact on
with just 19% stating that the UK of Remain, any potential swing the aggregate level of support for
Brexit, it appears that Leave voters
are not questioning their worldview,
but rather the ability of politicians to
implement it.
Nancy Kelley
Deputy Chief Executive
NatCen - Social Research that
works for society
Nancy.Kelley@natcen.ac.uk
@Nancy_M_K
Ian Montagu
Researcher
NatCen - Social Research that
works for society
Ian.montagu@natcen.ac.uk
British Social Attitudes 35 Repport ©NatCen @IanMontaguFMA BULLETIN - 64 17
FMA ACTIVITIES
European Parliament Former Members Association
Association des anciens députés au Parlement européen18 FMA BULLETIN - 64 DEMOCRACY SUPPORT WORLD MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRACY I had great honor to represent the present the activities run by the FMA FMA at the Ninth Assembly of the in the field of democracy support, World Movement for Democracy promotion of democratic values and (WMD), which took place at Dakar, human rights. I have communicated Senegal from May 6-9. This year’s also the results of the Annual theme was “Building Strategic General Assembly of the Association. Partnerships for Democratic One of conclusion of the Working Renewal”. The Assembly, organized Group, supported by majority of by WMD, the National Endowment participants, was the idea of a global for Democracy (NED) and the “sign-on” letter with current and National Democratic Institute (NDI), former members of parliament and has gathered more than 400 politicians signing on to on short democracy activists, practitioners, statement on what MPs can do to donors, and scholars from around advance democratic renewal. Such the world. The main aim of the initiative could be connected with Assembly was to explore the current a social media campaign associated challenges in democracy faced by with the International Day of different countries. Three main Democracy (September 15). This issues of Assembly were: defending idea was discussed during one of democratic space against resurgent the Assembly’s workshops, entitled authoritarianism, strengthening “Linking Parliamentary Associations documentary photographers of the democratic unity, focused on buliding to Promote Democratic Norms Nightwatchers). cross-sector and cross-generational and Systems”. It was the second The fact that so many people partnerships, and protecting integrity opportunity to present FMA activities are involved in defending and in the information space, related to in the field of election observations, promoting democracy in the world the growing threats of disinformation capacity building, mediation and allows to be moderately optimistic efforts, cyber attacks, and challenges human rights issues. about this form of governance and to Internet governance. The last, but very moving, part of social order. It is quite clear that Directly before the Assembly I the Assembly was the Democracy parliamentarians play an important attended also the meeting of Courage Tributes, which pay homage role in democracy. This also applies Working Group of Parliamentarians to activists and movements around to former parliamentarians, who can and Parliamentary and Political the world working for democracy use their experience and knowledge Networks. Parliamentarians (from and human rights under particularly to strengthen democratic values. USA, Canada, South Africa, Gambia, difficult circumstances. Recipients During the Assembly I found out that Ukraine, Australia), representatives of the Democracy Courage Tributes it was worth doing. of party and parliamentary 2018 were: associations discussed how to • Advocates for rule of law in Africa strengthen and improve collaboration (accepted by Thulisile Madonsela, and coordination among the former Public Protector of South parliamentary associations and Africa), political groupings (like e.g. African • Human rights lawyers in China Liberal Network) to enhance the (accepted by Jin Bianling, the wife of impact of these groups in advancing Jiang Tianyong, a political prisoner), democracy and human rights. The • Nightwatchers – photojournalists Filip Kaczmarek EP was represented by honorable in the Philippines (accepted by EPP-ED, Poland (2004-2014) Ana Gomes (MEP). I had chance to Raffy Lerma and Ezra Acayan, Filip.Kaczmarek@ue.poznan.pl
FMA BULLETIN - 64 19
VISIT UNDER EU PRESIDENCY
BULGARIAN VISIT FOR THE EUROPEAN PRESIDENCY
This trip was for the former members combined with imposing communist politics until’ now.
of the EP led by our Brigitte (not architecture make up the grand I mustn’t forget between all the
Macron or Bardot) but Langenhagen. Parliament Buildings, with spacious debates and culture Bulgaria is
The group consisted of 19 former extra wide corridors. All the buildings famous for its cooking and wines.
members from the UK, France, are hung with interesting paintings We were spoilt throughout.
Germany, Bulgaria, Netherlands, of high quality from different The final day we visited the Military
Spain, Czech Republic, Finland, periods and are well worth a visit Academy, founded in 1912.
and Poland from 5 different in themselves. We should not The surrounding park with
political parties. forget that the EP has a very fine magnificent trees a hallmark of
It was a particularly moving visit international collection of art too, Tsar Ferdinand as in Exinograd and
for me. I first went to Bulgaria well worth a visit. Varna. He loved nature. Prince
campaigning for the first free Enlivened debate ensued the Ferdinand of Coburg came to the
elections after the Berlin Wall came Bulgarian Foreign and European throne in 1886 following Prince
down, then as an official observer Affairs committees, with the Chairs Alexander of Battenberg, with the
in my role as Vice-President of the Ms Dzhema Grozdanova and influence of his mother, the daughter
Bulgarian Delegation in the EP. I Mr Kristian Vigenin, as well as with of the last King of France he ruled
was guided by Stefan Tavrov, future the Bulgarian Vice-President Ms Iliana Bulgaria for over 30 years.
Foreign Secretary and Ambassador Iotova (former MEP). Back to modern times our former
to London, Rome, Paris and UN; he is Mentioned were Dublin Agreement very distinguished Finnish Member,
still involved in European Politics. 2007 needing reform, lack of clarity Henrik Lax delivered a tour d ’horizon
I subsequently wrote and took of the Budget, concern on Human a la Julian Amery. He reminded us
through all the Bulgarian Reports Rights, too much bureaucracy and of the importance of the European
for accession while I was on the red tape, main crisis not economic Elections next year. Will UK citizens
Foreign Affairs committee under the but moral values. Possibly these are have a vote? The pressure Europe
Chairmanship of Otto von Habsburg. not new problems. continues to face with major flows
We had meetings with Ms Monika There followed a little light relief of refugees and migrants that have
Panayotova Deputy Minister for and cultural experience with a visit come to stay. Economic progress
EP relations and FMA member. to the ancient city of Plovdiv in to enable the EU to sustain its
Extremely probing questions were Southern Bulgaria; conquered by legitimacy, confirm its values and
asked and the themes that wove Thracians, Macedonians, Romans defend democracy. The Single
their way through from the start and many others. Market, the Crown Jewel of the EU,
were the preoccupation with the Plovdiv has a state opera house will suffer a serious blow, if Britain as
West Balkan Enlargement, plus of and company run by Luciano Di the consequence of BREXIT, leaves
course all the old chestnuts. Martino an inspiring Italian who had the customs union.
A mixture of late 19th century been for several years in Germany. Thank you again to Brigitte,
He organised a stunning recital Elisabetta and her team, and
with Mr Mark Fowler, Ms Svetlana our Bulgarian hosts, especially to
Ivanova and Ms Evgenia Ralcheva, Mr Hristo Kraevski, Permanent
they sang arias from La Boheme Representative of the National
and La Traviata, accompanied by Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria
Ralitza Boteva on the piano, in a to the European Parliament, for the
sensitively restored period house. faultless organisation.
Bulgaria is renowned too for its
world class singers and musicians. Baroness Patricia Rawlings
Tsveta Karayancheva, President of the This brought big smiles from all EPP-ED, United Kingdom
National Assembly of the Republic of the rather exhausted former MEPs (1989-1994)
Bulgaria that had been listening to serious rawlingspe@parliament.uk20 FMA BULLETIN - 64
BULGARIA STILL AT A CROSSROAD
Entering the nostalgic world that is human rights. Press Index.
Sofia, with its 19th century buildings We had an interesting time at the As investors can find cheap labour,
and garden restaurants, I could Rakovski Military Academy, where but not skilled workers, foreign
not believe that 10 years after EU our foreign policy speaker, Henrik investment has begun to decline,
accession, which was the last time Lax (Finland), addressed the audience as it has in Romania too. Skilled
the FMA group paid a visit, this with the demand to keep solidarity workers have apparently already left
country seems still to be under the of all EU Member States to the the country, with 67 000 of them, or
influence of the old political rulers. sanctions against Russia. 1% of the population, heading for
With a per capita GDP of € 8064 Unfortunately, there were no Germany alone.
- Germany’s, by comparison, is questions from the audience of male The dissatisfaction of Bulgarians
€ 41936 - it still has one of and female officers. with their parties and politicians
the highest poverty rates in What does Bulgaria expect from - corruption proceedings - can be
the EU: 21.8%. the EU - in addition to sources reflected in the fact that 33% of
Because our visit related to the of funding? them voted in favour of founding a
Council Presidency, it was more of an While 16% of the population are in new party.
effort, amid the hustle and bustle, to favour of leaving the EU (according That being so, the European
get to speak to important politicians. to the Financial Times), many Commission should carefully consider
At the Foreign Affairs, Europe and democrats who identify with the any further EU enlargement that
EU Funds Committee, Members’ western world are hoping for political would include the West Balkans. The
statements made it difficult to get change through more contact with Bulgarians also take a very critical
answers to our raft of questions. the West (Erasmus programme). view of Serbian accession.
Ex-MEP Monika Panayotova, now EU subsidies (Cohesion Fund) are also The proposal to admit Bulgaria
Minister for the Council Presidency, being improperly used, however, as into the Euro Zone is even more
was receptive to questions and can be seen from funding allocations controversial because of its
willing to provide solid answers and made to pro-government print media preparedness for the euro. Without
gave a well-put-together speech and broadcasters in order to ‘build a sustainable convergence, going
on the Presidency’s objectives media environment’. beyond meeting the nominal
and priorities. In addition, according to journalists, criteria, there should be no further
Bulgaria’s Vice-President Illiana the big newspapers, bought by consideration of admission; and that
Jotova - we owed our meeting oligarchs, report only good news includes joining the Banking Union
with her to our Secretary-General’s about their proprietors, especially beforehand, which would act as a
organising skills - was also receptive during election campaigns. Bulgaria supervisory body - something that
to our questions and stressed her has slipped to 111th place on the the Bulgarian Government rejects.
commitment to democracy and Reporters without Borders World On an excursion to Plovdiv, with its
Roman amphitheatre, there was
speculation as to whether cultural
links are not more important
than involvement in every single
EU undertaking.
Ursula Braun-Moser
EPP-ED, Germany (1984-1994)
A moment of the meeting with Iliana Iotova, Vice-President of the Republic of Bulgaria braunmoser@aol.comYou can also read
