New Democracy

On the basis of research data, concepts aimed at strengthening the resilience of democratic institutions will be developed and concrete recommendations for their reform and development discussed with political decision-makers and the expert public. In 2023 the focus is on elections; for example, our study “Resilient Elections” will analyse how elections are undermined and attacked in various countries and what countermeasures are required.

In the “EU Democracy Reform Observatory”, we concentrate on the resilience of the EU and its institutions. Firstly, we are working with the European Policy Centre, the Stiftung Mercator foundation and the King Baudouin Foundation to put forward proposals for an expansion of the EU’s participation infrastructure. Secondly, we are contributing to the debate about what constitutional reforms are required at EU level to expand the EU’s democratic capabilities.

Democracy thrives on discourse, debate and deliberation. In this field of action, we develop and design new democratic spaces in which high quality deliberation is combined with inclusive, digital mass participation. Citizens' assemblies have gained prominence in recent years and are being introduced in many European countries. We have been advocating for this for many years. At the same time, it is important that we make better use of the opportunities for digital participation and involve as many citizens as possible in political discussions and projects. To this end, we are developing a concrete new digital-based participation format.

New forms of inclusive and deliberative citizen participation are to become an integral part of regular policy-making in the EU and the member states. Together with regional, national and European partners, we build a network of institutions to establish quality standards for good citizen participation.

In order to build up the participatory competencies of political decision-makers and to disseminate new forms of participation, we are working with the European Committee of the Regions to carry out a qualification initative for (young) European politicians and administrators.

Link to the Website of the  European Committee of the Regions: A new chapter for participatory democracy (europa.eu)