ECC 2009 will officially be launched on the 3^rd of December 2008 under the French EU Presidency. French Europe Minister Jean-Pierre Jouyet and Commission Vice-President Margot Wallstr?m will be in attendance, together with representatives of the Czech EU Presidency and of the European Parliament. The start of the project will be marked by the launch of the 27 national websites through which members of the public can take part in the debate. Here, the public will be asked to debate their concerns and propose ideas in answer to the question

?What can the EU do to shape our economic and social future in a globalised world??

Visitors to the national websites will also be able to rank prior contributions, comment on them, make proposals and, above all, engage in a debate with other users.

?Family and social welfare? were among the topics chosen by citizens for in-depth discussion at ECC 2007 and the latest Eurobarometer opinion poll shows that social and economic issues remain high on the public?s agenda. As the EU institutions begin work on a post-2010 successor to the Lisbon Agenda for economic growth and competitiveness, ECC 2009 will also provide timely and relevant input for decision-makers.

The national websites will also provide visitors with additional information on the wider ECC process across Europe and on activities in their country. Stakeholders and media representatives will also be able to get involved in the process, give their input and find out more.

The citizens selected at random to take part in their National Citizens? Consultation will be invited to use their national website in advance of the event. They will be able to inform and familiarise themselves with the debate and with each other in a special section of the website before meeting in person at their National Citizens? Consultation in March 2009. Equal provision has been made for those citizens selected to attend the National Consultations but without access to the internet.

Video 1: Citizens in action (filmed by the ECC team)