A breath of fresh air for European politics: How young European politicians are becoming participation professionals

The Winter School Training "Becoming a Participation Professional" is part of the democracy programme "Young Elected Politicians YEP" for young politicians from Europe. The centrepiece of the training was learning and practising different participation methods. These can be used to directly involve citizens at local and regional level. There is a wide range to choose from: whether in the fish-bowl format, a method to actively and directly involve citizens in discussions at events, or in the World Café, in which citizens can develop ideas for politics in a targeted and condensed manner, the participants tried out the methods in a practical way. Another highlight was the simulation of a specific participation process. The participants took on the roles of various stakeholders or citizen groups in order to jointly develop a roadmap for more citizen participation. 

"In times of misinformation and disinformation, direct dialogue with citizens is particularly important," said Vasco Cordeiro, President of the European Committee of the Regions. Therefore, in addition to trying out participation methods, the participants also developed their own projects for their municipality, city or region, which they want to implement together with citizens. From cross-party election appeals to information campaigns or specific infrastructure projects: participants take their ideas and newly learnt methods straight home with them. 

At the end of the Winter School, the participants were awarded a certificate as participation professionals. At least as important, however, is the momentum gained from the joint work and the deeper realisation that Europe means finding common solutions to common problems. After the Winter School, the participants not only continue to act as participation professionals in their municipalities and regions, but also as multipliers for citizen-centred politics in Europe. 

In the run-up to the 2024 European elections, the European Committee of the Regions and the Bertelsmann Stiftung have launched a new initiative. The aim is to promote citizen participation with modern and innovative concepts, especially on EU-relevant topics such as energy, climate and health. The initiative supports regional and local politicians in developing expertise for the implementation of citizen participation projects. Special attention is paid to the young generation of politicians, to whom the "Becoming a Participation Professional" program is aimed. 

Once again, the European Committee of the Regions is organising the 10th European Summit of Regions and Cities on 18 and 19 March 2024 in Mons, Belgium. Organised by the European Committee of the Regions together with the Walloon Region and the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the summit will provide a new perspective on issues close to people's hearts, such as democracy and the need to ensure social, economic and territorial cohesion.