Greek presidency launches e-Vote initiative

Just hours after the signing of the EU accession treaty, Maltese citizens have already been given the opportunity to make their voice heard in Europe, thanks to an internet initiative launched yesterday by the Greek presidency of the EU.

Greek Foreign Minister and EU president in office George Papandreou announced the launch of e-Vote in 10 new languages and encouraged the European Union's newest citizens to make their voices heard.

"This innovative experiment in direct democracy is not just a passive expression of public opinion, but has created a new European forum for people to share their views with their leaders.

"e-Vote actively solicits public views in a way that makes our deliberations in the European Union more inclusive, transparent and, ultimately, more democratic. I encourage all Europeans to participate," Mr Papandreou said in a statement.

"e-Vote: Vote for the EU YOU Want" is part of the Greek presidency's efforts to increase citizen participation in the decision-making process with a variety of innovative, interactive, e-democracy projects."

e-Votes are aimed at gauging the views of citizens across Europe on a range of key issues facing the EU. More than 142,000 people have so far participated in e-Vote already, making it by far the most popular exercise in e-Democracy ever.

"We hope participation in e-Vote will continue to grow, and that our fellow Europeans from the accession countries will make the most of this innovative tool in e-democracy. I can assure them their voices will be heard," Mr Papandreou concluded.

For further information, contact the e-Vote Press Office: Francesca Scassellati-Sforzolini or Kati Kaskeala, tel. +32 2-743-6601, fax: +32-2-735-8528 e-mail mediainfo@evote.eu2003.gr

http://evote.eu2003.gr