Opening Avenues, Empowering Participation

ended

This project contributes to the implementation of Article 10(3) of the Treaty on European Union which states that every citizen shall have the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union and those decisions shall be taken as openly and as closely as possible to the citizen. The project will identify and promote the use of new opportunities and models for citizen participation that can be applied in EU level policy processes as well as on the national level in the Member States. It will encourage civil society organisations (CSOs) and broadly EU citizens to participate in, and strengthen democratic governance, promote fundamental rights and respect for rule of law. The activities relate to year 2025 under the Framework Partnership Agreement with the European Union. The specific objectives are: SO1: Raise awareness of wider civil society, EU institutions, and broader public on innovative models for participation that can be used to solicit citizens’ input. SO2: Empower a critical mass of CSOs in at least 14 Member States to understand and be able to implement new models of participation. SO3: Raise awareness for and apply EU values and standards that protect the space for citizen and civil society engagement and meaningful participation. 1 informal coordination group of CSOs from at least 14 European countries; 1-3 pilots with innovative participation tools initiated, supported, and/or evaluated; 1 regional (virtual) learning and sharing convening organized on identified models for participation, 5 promotional materials developed and disseminated; the content of the ECNL Learning and Sharing on Participation portal updated; 1 virtual convening organized to discuss issues related to participation and fundamental freedoms; 1 online training organized for at least 10 organization in a country.