Democratic Inclusion in the European Union
Democratic inclusion in the European Union refers to the efforts and initiatives to foster greater participation, representation, and engagement of citizens in the decision-making processes of the EU. The European Union is a supranational organisation comprised of member states, and ensuring democratic principles within its framework is crucial for legitimacy and accountability.
To enhance democratic inclusion in the EU, several measures have been taken. These include:
European Parliament Elections: The European Parliament is directly elected by EU citizens, allowing them to have a say in shaping EU policies. Regular elections allow citizens to elect their representatives at the EU level.
Citizens’ Initiatives: The EU introduced the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) mechanism, which allows citizens to propose legislation and bring forward issues of concern to them. If an ECI gathers a specified number of signatures from different member states, the European Commission must consider the proposal.
Strengthening Civil Society: Efforts are made to promote active civil society participation in EU decision-making processes. Civil society organisations play a vital role in representing diverse interests and providing input on policies and legislation.
Transparency and Access to Information: The EU has made strides in increasing transparency by making legislative processes more accessible to the public. Information on proposed legislation, consultations, and policy debates is available to citizens.
Engaging Youth: Special attention is given to involving young people in EU decision-making. Initiatives such as the European Youth Parliament and the European Solidarity Corps aim to empower young citizens and provide platforms for their voices to be heard.
Concluding Insights: The ADPA-EED Webinar on Democratic Inclusion and Accessibility for Deaf Citizens in the EU
