In the framework of the so-called “period of reflection” on the Constitutional Treaty, the Austrian presidency does not intend to organize specific EU level events involving organized civil society.

"The period of reflection", adopted after the French and Dutch rejection of the European Constitution, will be used to enable a broad debate to take place in each of the European Member States, involving citizens, civil society, social partners, national parliaments and political parties. This debate, designed to generate interest and wider public participation, should be intensified and broadened, said the European Commission.

European events will be organized on specific issues which are felt to be at the core of the EU’s values and objectives, such as the Western Balkans, subsidiarity or enlargement. Taking stock of the outcomes of national discussions, the June Council will set up a broad roadmap rather than indications on the text’s future. The period of reflection is likely to be extended beyond June 2006.

The European Parliament (Constitutional Affairs committee) will organize a hearing with social partners on March the 21st and a European Forum on Civil Society on April the 24th and 25th 2006. The agenda of the European Forum is still unknown, but it could be in the same vein as that of the hearing with social partners, i.e. globalization and European economic and social model.

For a complete list of civil society events, please visit the dedicated website