Reaching Out: Citizens as Drivers of Change for Rule of Law, Environment, and EU Integration
Reaching Out: Citizens as Drivers of Change for Rule of Law, Environment, and EU Integration

Contributor(s): Miloš Pavković (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics, Politics and society, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development, Sociology of Politics, Geopolitics, Politics and Identity
Published by: Centar za evropske politike CEP
Keywords: deliberative democracy; citizen consultations; civic participation; rule of law; EU integration; environmental governance; policy co-creation
Summary/Abstract: In a decade marked by the rise of populist leaders and the global decline of democratic norms, many see the path to democratic renewal as a return to direct democracy and active citizen participation. In this context, the European Policy Centre (CEP), in collaboration with partners from seven countries across the EU and the Western Balkans, implemented an 18-month initiative titled Reinventing Engagement Through Affirmative Citizen Consultation (REACH). With one of its strategic goals being to enhance direct citizen engagement, the project was implemented in both EU and non-EU countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, France, Serbia, and Kosovo. Through REACH, CEP and its partners from the aforementioned countries sought to strengthen democracy, promote civic participation, increase transparency, and ensure that policies reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of the community. To achieve its main objectives, the project was based on organising citizen consultations – structured events where individuals gather to discuss and provide input on policy issues, ensuring their voices and perspectives are included in the decision-making process – in seven countries. The consultations were conducted at three levels: local, national and transnational. They engaged citizens in discussing challenges and developing concrete policy recommendations in three broad areas: rule of law, EU integration/enlargement, and environment. These areas have been recognised by policy experts, academics and international institutions as pressing issues with significant implications for democracy in Europe. Alongside citizens, consultations involved subject-matter experts who supported participants in crafting practical policy solutions for local, national, and supra-national authorities.

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