The European Citizens’ Initiative - presentation
The civil platform for debate and common action "MOVE.BG" joined the European Citizens' Initiative for Media Pluralism as a strategic partner for Bulgaria. The initiative allows you to change the media environment in your country and Europe with a small effort that only takes a minute.
ECI is an instrument of direct democracy in the EU, which enables citizens to make legislative proposals to the European institutions, if 1 million signatures are collected in at least seven EU countries. Every country has a minimum quota of signatures for validity and for Bulgaria it is 13 500.
‘The European Citizens’ Initiative for Media Pluralism’ (ECIMP) was initiated in 2013 by the international organizations ‘European Alternatives’ and ‘International Alliance of Journalists.’ It gives European institutions five targets that they must adopt under special legislation in the EU.
Right now a campaign is run to collect signatures in 11 EU countries, one of which is Bulgaria. In the course of two months MOVE.BG will implement a special program to support the initiative, which aims not only to help generate the necessary support, but also raises the issue of the role of media pluralism in democracy in Bulgaria. Those that wish to support the initiative can sign here or write us at contact@movebg.com .
•We are organizing a series of public discussions and debates that will take place at the MOVE.BG House and will be streamed live on our website:
1.Discussion: ‘Non-Traditional Media: A Source of Pluralism or Living in a Golden Cage?’ – 29.05.2014
We will try to answer the question of whether non-traditional media - in particular social networking, supports pluralism of ideas in society or, in fact, we close in a narrow circle of friends and followers? Learn how to get involved here.
2.Debate: ‘Public or Private Media?’ – 12.06.2014
3.Debate: ‘Regulation or self-regulation in the media?’ - 26.06.2014
•We addressed 5 questions to the MEP candidates of the 9 parties / coalitions that have the best chance to send representatives. So far we’ve received responses from RB, GERB, ABV, BWC and the PP ‘Green’ parties and until 23.05 we expect answers from the other parties and coalitions - those who dare to respond.
•Between June 3rd and 8th 2014 we will tour the country and visit 6 cities: Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, Bourgas, Varna, Ruse and Pleven. The aim is to present ECIMP and explain that this is an instrument for democracy and is a citizens’ initiative. We will meet with the local community and discuss the problems of the media there; we will collect signatures and try to convince people of the importance of actively participating in society.
We are looking forward to meeting up with friends of MOVE.BG in every city and would appreciate any help and volunteers. Those who wish to join in email us at contact@movebg.com.
• We are launching a series of interviews with journalists and other people in the media, where they will talk about their impressions of the media environment in Bulgaria, the problems that exist and how they could be solved. The first interview with Adelina Marini of ‘EUInside’ will be released on Wednesday May 28th, on www.movebg.com.
•We will hold a number of thematic working groups with experts in the field to discuss the problems in the media in Bulgaria and Europe and look for possible solutions to these problems.
Expect more news at www.movebg.com.
