Topic selection for our pilot assembly

Please open the pdf below to view the questions, which are a result of collective brainstorming and contributions from our constituent network members from all walks of life. The questions also reflect the following topic selection criteria:

• Pressing popular issue with mass appeal: focusing on most pressing issues that European citizens face, reflecting their diverse interests and concerns across borders; capable of galvanizing attention in civil society and in broader mass public, creating awareness of the assembly, attracting media coverage.
• Political and social impact: focusing on a hot potato problem for EU leaders, one that is highly controversial, deadlocked through political & intergovernmental disagreements; discussed extensively by civil society and that strategically relates to post European election political context, by shaping the next European Commission’s work-program (sep 2024 - 2029).
• Cross-cutting: tackling multiple themes/areas: e.g. environment, social justice, economy and culture.
• Future focused: looking at the Future of Europe visions, forecasts, triggering awareness, new ideas, proposals for long term policy programs; intergenerational in scope.
• Demonstrative and strategic: a topic that aids the Democratic Odyssey's 'proof of concept' in demonstrating the potential of a people-powered Europe, via a permanent assembly.

The exact focus of the deliberations will be determined further down the line, in cooperation with the citizens who will participate in the assembly.

Democratic Odyssey topic announcement