Citizen Participation Package

ongoing

"CitParticipation a) Strengthens Europe’s democratic resilience in the face of a global democratic backlash; b) Increases the use of citizen participation mechanisms, especially among politically marginalised groups; c) Institutionalises inclusive participatory EU governance, thereby reducing discrimination and enhancing gender equality in policymaking. In the Citizens’ Education pillar, we engage and train underrepresented groups, including 477 women, youth, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. The low-threshold activities ensure they have an equal voice in shaping democratic processes. In 2026, 4 Democracy Camps and youth trainings build the democratic capacities of 142 young men and women. Hosted by Democracy International, a Europe-wide ""Youth Democracy Network"" emerges. Through train-the-trainer activities, young participants become multipliers in their communities. 140 citizen dialogues, conference workshops, and consultations raise awareness of democracy and fundamental rights among 335 members of the LGBTQIA+ community and the general population. In the Policy Advice pillar, 2 policy briefs inform political stakeholders of the citizen consultation results. DI supports the 108 MEPs who voted in favour of a Democracy Intergoup in December 2024 in forming a “Circle of Democracy Friends” at the European Parliament. Addressing structural inequalities, the Circle’s inclusive policy recommendations reflect diverse perspectives, contributing to the implementation of the European democracy action plan and Defence of Democracy Package, Gender Equality Strategy, the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy. The on- and offline activities take place across the EU. A comprehensive PR strategy raises awareness of citizenship rights and counters disinformation. It reaches 67.000 individuals in 2026 (200,000 in 3 years) via social media, a webpage, newsletters, and high-visibility events like ColognePride."