Komunikacja społeczna w Unii Europejskiej – refleksje po odrzuceniu Traktatu Konstytucyjnego

Abstract

The fiasco of the ratification process of the Constitutional Treaty in 2005 was an evidence of a lack of information exchange and efficient communication on the EU issues in Europe. Since the European Commission realized the need of improvement, commissioner M.Wallstrom responsible for communication launched a series of documents with an aim to restructure the Commission’s approach and capabilities in the field of information and communication (Action Plan), inciting a pan-European debate on the future of Europe in terms of necessary institutional reforms (Plan D) and, finally, consulting all the stakeholders to create a coherent communication policy (White paper). The aim of the article is to discuss all the above-mentioned initiatives seen in the context of the idea of European public sphere – a fruit of revived European democracy. The author presents critical comments heard in Brussels after the publication of the Commission’s strategies as well as other proposals coming from Brussels-based think tanks (Euractiv, CEPS, ECAS). Although the period of reflection lasting two years concluded in June 2007, during German presidency, with a new EU treaty agreed at political level, the need to bring the EU policies closer to people persists. The author argues that the European project is doom to further uncertainty unless deeper involvement of all the actors (politicians, civil society organizations, media) in the area of communication is achieved. Stronger relationship between the EC and other partners seems indispensable. The article also refers to the Eurobarometer polls which confirm that communication policy focused on specific results can be successful.