Strengthening Citizen Engagement: CASPER’s Role in Shaping Policy

Brussels, Belgium – The Interreg Europe Policy Brief on Citizen Engagement highlights the vital role of public participation in policymaking, ensuring that governance structures reflect the needs of local communities. Among the contributors, Ágnes Németh from the CASPER Project provided key insights into fostering active citizen involvementand overcoming engagement barriers, particularly in rural areas.

Why Citizen Engagement Matters

Citizen engagement is a cornerstone of good governance, reinforcing democratic legitimacy, inclusivity, and trustbetween policymakers and communities. It enables more informed decision-making and fosters policies that are both practical and widely supported. The European Commission has introduced several initiatives aimed at increasing public involvement, including:

• EU Missions – Addressing regional and societal challenges with citizen-driven solutions.

• Citizens’ Engagement Platform – A tool designed to enhance transparency and facilitate public input in governance.

CASPER’s Contribution to Policy Development

The CASPER Project, working within the framework of Interreg Europe, emphasizes community-driven policymaking. Through knowledge exchange and policy learning, the project helps policymakers design and implement tailored solutions that respond to real-world challenges.

CASPER has highlighted that rural areas face specific barriers to engagement, including:

• Demographic decline – Shrinking populations reduce participation opportunities.

• Digital divides – Limited internet access in remote areas restricts online participation.

• Exclusion from decision-making – Rural voices are often underrepresented in policy discussions.

By integrating these challenges into broader European policy discussions, CASPER ensures that rural communities are not left behind in governance reforms.

Five Key Recommendations for Policymakers

The policy brief presents five critical recommendations drawn from best practices across Interreg Europe projects:

1. Expand Digital Participation – Create user-friendly online platforms where citizens can actively engage in policymaking without geographical limitations.

2. Enhance Local Dialogue – Establish regional citizen forums to include diverse perspectives in policy discussions.

3. Co-Create Policies – Foster participatory budgeting and collaborative decision-making by involving citizens directly in governance.

4. Improve Accessibility – Simplify policy language and processes to ensure policies are more understandable and inclusive.

5. Ensure Long-Term Engagement – Shift from one-time consultations to sustained citizen participation, ensuring continuous input in governance.

These strategies bridge the gap between policymakers and communities, creating policies that are responsive, effective, and widely supported.

Future Steps and Policy Impact

The insights from the policy brief will be shared with European policymakers, regional authorities, and governance experts to help shape future policies. CASPER and its partners will continue advocating for citizen-driven policymaking, particularly in regions affected by depopulation and economic challenges.

Key discussions on regional development and citizen engagement are expected to take place in 2025, shaping the future of European governance. As more policymakers recognize the value of direct citizen involvement, new models of governance will emerge that prioritize public collaboration and transparency.

The Role of Interreg Europe in Strengthening Citizen Engagement

Interreg Europe’s initiatives provide a unique platform for policymakers to exchange knowledge and adopt innovative engagement strategies. CASPER’s participation in these initiatives underscores the importance of:

• Strengthening cross-regional cooperation to implement best practices across different governance models.

• Encouraging policymakers to prioritize inclusivity, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

• Developing actionable frameworks that ensure engagement strategies are integrated into long-term policy planning.

Through Interreg Europe, CASPER has had the opportunity to showcase real-world solutions that empower communities and enable policymakers to craft citizen-centric policies.

Conclusion

The Interreg Europe Policy Brief on Citizen Engagement provides actionable insights for enhancing public participation in governance. By advocating for inclusive decision-making, CASPER contributes to shaping policies that truly reflect community needs. As Europe navigates evolving governance challenges, engaging citizens in decision-making remains a cornerstone of effective policy innovation.

For more details, read the full Interreg Europe Policy Brief on Citizen Engagement.

For updates on CASPER’s role in citizen engagement and policy innovation, stay tuned for future developments.