The Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) Dublin has been chosen as one of just four host organisations across the European Union to host a ‘European Citizens’ Panel’ as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe. Convened by the European Institutions, this conference will be the largest ever exercise in transnational deliberative democracy.

The IIEA, along with European University Institute, Florence (Italy), The College of Europe, Natolin (Poland) and the European Institute for Public Administration, Maastricht (the Netherlands), will each host a group of randomly selected European citizens to debate the future direction of the EU.

The first group, referred to as ‘Panel 1’, will visit Dublin in December. Their deliberations will begin this weekend in Strasbourg (17-19 September) focusing on the following topics: a stronger European economy, social justice, jobs, education, culture, youth, sports and digital transformation.

The same group will be convened online on 5-7 November before their in-person visit to Dublin on 3-5 December, hosted by the IIEA at Dublin Castle. A full timeline and information on the three other Citizens’ Panels is available below.

Speaking on the IIEA’s participation, IIEA Director General, Michael Collins said: “Participating in the Conference on the Future of Europe is an enormous honour and privilege for the IIEA. The Conference is a unique and ambitious undertaking in transnational deliberative democracy. It is vitally important for the future direction of the EU that decisionmakers take heed of what the citizens have to say”.

IIEA Chairperson, Ruairí Quinn said: “The IIEA is delighted to have been chosen to play its part in this ambitious initiative and looks forward to welcoming participants to Dublin. That we have been chosen amongst such prestigious European research institutions highlights the regard in which the IIEA is held and we are immensely proud of this.”

IIEA Communications Director and Conference Lead, Hannah Deasy said: “The IIEA hopes to build on Ireland’s track record of innovation in participative and deliberative democracy. Ireland’s Citizens’ Assemblies have demonstrated that when you take the time to listen to, and truly engage with citizens, complex and difficult issues can be navigated rather than avoided. The attempt to replicate this transnationally across Europe is very exciting and the IIEA is honoured to be involved.”

Timeline: