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Article written by
Daniela Vancic
European Policy and Advocacy Lead
Project period
-
Project status
Closed
Marginalised and underrepresented communities need to have their voices heard in the discussions about Europe’s future. That’s what the Parliament for the Future of Europe (PaFutEU) project was all about ahead of the 2024 European elections. It brought together partners from six EU Member States with the lowest voter turnout in the 2019 European elections: Croatia, Czech Republic, Portugal, Estonia, Slovenia, and Bulgaria.
Through a series of transnational citizens’ panels, the project boosted the voices of communities that are too often left out of EU debates. People ranging from persons with disabilities and ethnic minorities to women, young people, and LGBTQ+ citizens worked together to review and reshape the outcomes of the Conference on the Future of Europe, ensuring that its recommendations reflect the full diversity of Europe.
In the weeks ahead of the European Parliament elections 2024, local events were organised across the six countries, bringing together several candidates across pro-European parties for public debates. During these events, the reshaped recommendations developed through the transnational citizens’ panels were presented, and candidates were invited to respond and discuss them. Citizens took part in open exchanges with the candidates about their priorities and visions for Europe. The events helped foster direct dialogue between voters and their future representatives, creating a space where citizens and politicians could genuinely listen to and learn from one another.
The results of these discussions were compiled into the Catalogue of Ideas, a collection of citizen-driven proposals for a more inclusive and participatory Europe. The publication brings together the insights, priorities, and aspirations voiced throughout the project, offering a concrete roadmap towards a Europe that better reflects its diversity. Read the Catalogue of Ideas here.
By amplifying voices from the margins, Parliament for the Future of Europe helped turn participation into empowerment and ensured that the future of Europe is shaped by the diversity of those who live in it.
Democracy International’s Role
Democracy International coordinated the Parliament for the Future of Europe project and lead its overall implementation. We worked with our partners to design and deliver each transnational citizens’ panel and local event, ensuring that participants felt heard, represented, and equipped to engage meaningfully on European debates.
Our role was to make participation real, from inclusive facilitation and training workshops to transnational coordination.
By coordinating this initiative, Democracy International brought its long-standing experience in citizens’ participation to one of our most urgent democratic challenges: building a Union that where everyone feels heard and empowered.
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Our activities
Kick-off event in Cologne, Germany on Migration
On Saturday, 14 January 2023, the kick-off event in Cologne, Germany tackled the topic of migration. The follow propsals are the result of the event.
Event in Tallinn, Estonia on Digital Transformation
Tallin, Estonia and our Estonian partners, the Estonian Human Rights Centre, hosted the event on Digital transformation on Friday, 31 March.
Event in Lisbon, Portugal on Economy and Social Justice
In Evora, Portugal the Portuguese Women’s Platform hosted the event on Economy and Social Justice on Saturday, 27 May.
Event in Burgas, Bulgaria on Climate and the Environment
Burgas, Bulgaria and our Bulgarian partners, the Bulgarian Association for the Promotion of Citizens Initiative (BAPCI), will host the event on Climate and the Environment on Friday, 16 June.
Event in Zagreb, Croatia on Youth Culture and Education
Our 4th Citizen Panel took us to Zagreb, Croatia, on Friday, 22 September 2023. We were hosted by our local partner Lota's Box and discussed Youth, Culture, and Education.
Event in Prague, Czechia on EU in the World
Our 5th Citizen Panel took us to Prague, Czechia hosted by our local partner Forum 2000 on EU in the World on Sunday, 15 October 2023.
Event in Ljubljana, Slovenia on European Democracy
Our 6th and last Citizen Panel was organized by the Peace Institute in Ljubljana, Slovenia on 14 March 2024 where zoomed in on the topic of EU Democracy.
Local "Get to know your candidates, Get to know your constituents"
Events in all partner countries ahead of the European elections: Get to know your candidates, Get to know your constituents
Project funding
This project is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CERV. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Citizen participation