An essential step to unlock the true potential of Europe and the Europeans is an EU more directed from the citizens up (bottom-up), than from the politicians down (top-down). The common sense, creativity and inspiration of the collective European citizens themselves can bring very valid solutions, improving or even exceeding those of the politicians. If citizens can be more participatory in our continental community we can, as a whole, really be involved in the change we want to see.
However, the current trend of EU institutions is precisely the opposite, to reduce the possibilities of active and direct participation of citizens in proposals or decision-making at European level.
You yourself can avoid this and in the future continue to contribute to the change you want to see in Europe, starting by making your voice count in these elections.