Citizens' Dialogue in Split with Commissioner Neven Mimica

On 21 May 2019 Commissioner Mimica participated in a Citizens' Dialogue at the University of Split. There was an interactive discussion with a roomful of citizens, which touched upon various issues related to the EU’s role in international development and in the global world in general.

Citizens also wanted to hear about other EU related topics like Brexit, Euroscepticism and the future global scene. Some students also asked questions about job opportunities and youth participation in the EU in general.

Commissioner Mimica started by explaining the importance of this electoral week for the EU and the fact that over 400 million Europeans will have the opportunity to vote for the European Parliament and have their say for the future of the EU. He explained that for the first time Europeans would have to choose between two options: pro-Europeans and anti-Europeans or Eurosceptics.

He then talked about the EU’s role in international development and the plans for the future financial perspectives. He explained that the EU is the biggest contributor to international sustainable development but also wants to become the major partner to developing countries.

He also emphasised that, according to statistics, a large majority of Europeans support EU assistance to developing countries.

Participants also wanted to know how the EU will positon itself towards emerging global leaders, such as China, and what kind of partnerships are possible. Some expressed concerns that the scope of EU investments in developing countries is not accompanied by an adequate political influence of the EU in those countries.