Last week marked a significant milestone in our quest to redefine the democratic landscape of Europe. The Democratic Odyssey team unveiled its first publication: a preliminary blueprint that outlines a vision for innovating the ecosystem of democracy in Europe.
Titled "The European Citizens’ Assembly: Designing the Missing Branch of the EU," this publication is a collaborative effort co-produced by the consortium partners EUI (European University Institute) and DemNext. It is co-authored by distinguished experts Carsten Berg, Claudia Chwalisz, Kalypso Nicolaidis, and Yves Sintomer.
So, what's this blueprint all about, you ask? Well, it makes a compelling case for the necessity of a European Assembly, a political institution composed of everyday citizens from across the European Union (EU), selected through the process of sortition. The publication articulates why this assembly should share genuine power with the existing institutions of the EU. It delves into the core principles and design features that would make such an assembly a transformative force in European democracy. Moreover, it lays out initial pathways for its implementation.
In these pages, the authors not only envision how a European assembly could be designed and developed in an iterative fashion but also explore how it would operate and what powers it could wield within the EU system. They emphasize the urgency of their proposal, stating, "In a broader context of democratic crisis and green, digital, and geopolitical transitions, we need to open up our imaginations to radical political change… Political and technocratic elites must start giving up some control and allow for a modicum of self-determination by citizens."
We invite you to delve into this visionary publication to gain deeper insights into the future of European democracy. To read a summary of the paper, click here. For those who crave a more profound exploration, the full paper is available for download.
The Democratic Odyssey is dedicated to creating a European Assembly that empowers everyday citizens to actively shape the future of our continent. Join us on this remarkable voyage as we continue to navigate the seas of innovation and democratic renewal.
Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, fair winds and following seas!