Publications

The guide provides an overview of what sortition is, which different processes are available, when which process is best suited, how to carry out the processes, and what they cost. Basics and practical tips are illustrated using successful examples from Germany and other...

Brussels wants to improve the European citizens’ initiative. The Parliament, Commission and Council agree on many – but not all – points. Not lowering the age required to participate from 18 to 16 is would be a missed chance for the EU.

The European Commission brought together 100 citizens from all EU27 Member States to discuss the future of Europe. The Bertelsmann Stiftung evaluated the consultation. The report delivers convincing proof that new forms of dialogue-based democracy can be used successfully at...

During the cross-border German-Polish EU Citizens’ Dialogue, 200 citizens from Poland and Germany discussed the topic “Democracy lives from participation”, first in small groups and then with EU politicians. The short report includes participants’ evaluation of the...

Good citizens’ participation increases the degree of confidence citizens have in political decisions. But it has to be done well.

The European citizens’ initiative is being reformed – and that’s a good thing. To date, the media have hardly reported on this young participation instrument. But if the citizens’ initiative is to have any impact in Brussels, it needs more public awareness.

Ten things to know about the European citizens’ initiative. How it works, who is involved, media visibility, the view of organisers and much more.

Die Bürger Europas haben sich angenähert. Eine Schlüsselrolle in diesem Prozess haben die Städtepartnerschaften, allen voran die 2.200 deutsch-französischen gespielt, die Europa abseits der politischen Bühne zum Leben erwecken. Doch eines der zentralen Gründungsmotive, die...

Ergebnisdokumentation der Tagung "Bürgerbeteiligung und Planungsverfahren. Rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen neu gestalten?" am 29.06.2011 .