It is often said that a period in history is defined by its technological achievements. A case in point is the development of the personal computer during the latter part of the 20th century. This invention has revolutionised the manner in which information is communicated. This has led to other technologies being created, with the beginning of the 21st century seen as the Web 2.0 era. The latter serves as a platform for most social networking which has greatly facilitated the delivery of information whilst making it increasingly personalised.

This scenario brings with it a number of challenges as institutions are seeking to adapt to the new reality. In the light of the numerous communication outlets emerging on a daily basis, the European Union has identified the effective communication of its actions and development of policies as one of its main priorities as illustrated by the creation of profiles on both Facebook and Twitter by the President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek. This was a direct response to reports that the European Parliament was struggling to bridge the distance between itself and the citizens it represents.

Following in the footsteps of their President, members of the European Parliament will be following courses on the use of Social Media. Entitled “MEP 2.0”, the sessions are intended to instruct MEPs on the mastering of social networks and other lesser known communication tools such as Flickr and DailyMotion that have overtaken other traditional forms of media. This is a reality that European parliamentarians are also recognising. As observed by EP Vice-President Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, “Traditional media will become obsolete very rapidly. The European Parliament needs to adapt to this change very quickly if it wants to maintain contact with citizens”.

The MEP 2.0 sessions, which are scheduled to start this month, are based on a communication blueprint created for national parliamentarians in France emphasising direct and instant communication. Another area which the MEP 2.0 courses will cover is the concept of e-democracy given the wide-spread use of internet-enabled devices, such as smartphones, in industrialised countries.

Although the EP is in the process of developing its own social networking platform, “Citzalia”, the importance of remaining relevant requires a coordinated approach that taps into most of the commonly used platforms. In addressing the engrained issues, MEPs are striving to modernise the manner communication of the EP’s functions and activities is conducted, thus making it more accessible to European citizens. More importantly, the stress is being placed on how policy can be more easily understood by all.

It is often said that necessity is the mother of invention. At a time when breakthroughs in technology are based on the creative application of existing concepts, the EP’s willingness to adopt existing communication platforms is a sign that it is willing to reinvent the way it interacts with the citizens it represents.

Simon Grech is an Information Executive at MEUSAC and currently covers matters related to EU Funding Programmes.