The EU's credibility can be improved only through the development of European democracy On his 9th of May 1950 declaration, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman stated that in order to maintain peaceful relations between states, it is necessary to lay the foundation for a European Union. Among other things, his declaration far-sightedly stated: “Europe will not be made all at once, or according to a single plan. It will be built through concrete achievements which first create a de facto solidarity.” Even today, the message of the Schuman Declaration is increasingly topical. During the current euro and financial crisis the EU countries have been under intense pressure to increase the member states’ sense of solidarity. This has divided opinions: some think that the co-responsibility has already gone too far, while others would like to see an even deeper and more authentic solidarity. The crisis has also eroded public trust towards the Union: many countries have seen large demonstrations, while EU-sceptical and populist parties have gained increased support in national elections. This has again raised the discussion about the EU's democratic deficit. The protest is focused both on the decision-making at EU-level directly, and also channelled by other means. Several studies have indicated that the citizens’ interest towards both European politics and European Parliament elections is at a very low level, which demonstrates that people do not believe that their personal influence on these would lead to any real change. In the current European Year of Citizens 2013, the European Movement International is most concerned about the current lack of interest and of sufficient democratic tools for citizens to influence decision-making at the European level. Europeans need to experience the importance of participation in European democracy. The possibility and feeling of personal involvement is much more important for the citizens than any institutional reforms. In contrast to most national elections, the results of the European Parliament elections currently do not affect the appointment of the European Commission nor its political agenda directly. However, should the Commission one day be appointed honouring the direct political results of the parliamentary elections, it would create both real parliamentarism at the European level, and more importantly, empower the citizens of Europe to believe in their own ability to affect and change the decision-making of the Union. The European Movement International strongly underlines that European democracy in the 21st century needs to consist of much more than having European Parliament elections once every five years. The European citizens’ initiative is a step in the right direction, but in order to really solve the EU’s credibility problem, an ever deeper involvement of citizens and participation of civil society need to be raised at the core of European politics. In its upcoming election campaign in 2014 the European Movement International asks national governments and parliaments of member states and political parties in Europe to promote active citizenship more strongly in the future and act to implement methods of participatory With the support of the Europe for Citizens Programme of the European Union democracy in their policies. The EU’s credibility can be improved only through the development of European democracy. With the support of the Europe for Citizens Programme of the European Union