About Project

This project collects and conducts research on participatory democracy and civic engagement within the European Union. Our mission is to explore whether and how participatory tools can bridge the gap between EU institutions, representatives, and citizens—fostering a more inclusive, responsive, and politically engaged Union.

The European Union is striving to bridge the growing gap between citizens and institutions through participatory innovations such as citizen panels and consultations. This project seeks the key to their success: how to transform technocratic processes into vibrant political engagement and exchange of ideas. It theoretically develops the concept of "empowering dissensus" and examines how citizens and EU parliamentarians can collaboratively shape EU policy. The findings could redefine the approach to participation not only in the Czech Republic but across the EU.

Lead researcher