Reflecting fundamental democratic values, European governments and EU institutions welcome citizen involvement in policy making. For this aim they provide opportunities for informal and formal agenda setting, non-binding and binding decision-making, and civic monitoring. And people do aspire to engage, however too many do not feel that their opinions and inputs matter. Therefore, e-democracy should be strengthened, amplified by transparency and accountability mechanisms, expanding by innovative online instruments, reinforced by offline activism, stronger linked to formal policy making, sustainably institutionalised, and widely communicated to the public. EDD supports the Motion for a European Parliament Resolution on e-democracy in the European Union (2016/2008) and the Council of Europe Resolution (2015) on e-media for local and regional politicians. The association promotes further research and advocacy for empowering citizen e-participation in policy making
How Citizens’ Assemblies Can Strengthen Democracy?
Neither the prevailing institutions of representative democracy and de facto expertocracy, nor direct or digital democracy alone are sufficient to ensure balanced and legitimate policies. A more integrated design is required. And this is exactly what citizens’ assemblies offer.
Internet Voting: Challenges and Solutions
Internet Voting: Challenges and Solutions
I-Voting in the European Union
As world is fighting with the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing is recommended, i-voting remains the safest option for elections or decision-making. In addition to ensuring social distancing, i-voting could help reach isolated communities, increase accessibility for voters with disabilities and even increase voter turnout by engaging younger generations whose turnout at elections is usually lower. Internet voting can also save costs for holding elections. In Estonia, the only country which introduced i-voting at national level for all voters, it is estimated that during national elections in 2017 i-voting saved 11 000 working days[1].
The EU published European Democracy Action Plan: what is the role of digital transformation in it?
On 3 December 2020 the European Commission has published its European Democracy Action Plan. Affirming democracy as a core European value it aims to support digital transformation and strengthen the resilience of democracies in the EU and around the world in the face of national and global challenges.
Digital Democracy Database
Digital Democracy Database
Participatory Budgeting as Democracy Amplifier in Poland and Ukraine
Participatory Budgeting as Democracy Amplifier in Poland and Ukraine
Ukraine's Wild Card
Ukraine's Wild Card
Opportunities and dangers of digitalisation: Global and European dimensions
Digitalisation is a rapidly enveloping global process, especially prominent on the Internet. The worldwide online connection brings multiple benefits, yet it also bears a number of dangers. This article outlines current developments and trends in the online realm.
Internet voting for open government
A policy brief series