16:45 – 17:45 |  Workshop – An Impact Strategy for ECIs (JDE 62)

(Organised by The ECI Campaign)

This interactive workshop focuses on the essential role of impact strategies in enhancing the effectiveness of democratic innovations such as ECIs and randomly selected Citizens’ Panels. Over the past 12 years, only two successful ECIs have been partially implemented in relation to their secondary objectives.

Similarly, stakeholders increasingly recognise that the direct legislative influence of Citizens’ Panels on EU decision-making is still (too) limited, highlighting the urgent need to develop better strategies to maximise their impact.

In this session, participants will explore how to effectively engage with policymakers and increase the likelihood of legislative follow-up within the EU institutions. The workshop will cover strategic communication, overcoming institutional barriers and designing effective campaign plans, all aimed at strengthening the instruments of participatory democracy in Europe. This workshop is ideal for activists, policymakers and civil society organisations who want to improve the success rate of participatory democracy tools.

Moderated by Carsten Berg

Speakers:

• David Knight, Policy assisstant, Cabinet of Comissioner Maroš Šefčovič
• Koen Roovers, Inquiries officer, Office of the European Ombudsman
• Thomas Hieber, Legal expert and academic
• Fabian Pescher, Policy assisstant, Team of EP Vice-President Katarina Barley
• Lana Čop, ECI My Voice, My Choice