Citizen engagement

Citizen engagement plays a crucial role in promoting good governance and improving policymaking. It involves the active participation of individuals and communities in decision-making processes, fostering democratic legitimacy, inclusivity, and trust between citizens and governments.

The European Commission has introduced several initiatives to encourage citizen involvement in policymaking:

• EU Missions
• Citizens’ Engagement Platform

Both are designed to facilitate public participation in shaping policies. These initiatives empower citizens to contribute to addressing regional and societal challenges.

Interreg Europe projects offer a valuable platform for citizen engagement. Through our projects, policymakers can foster policy learning and develop tailored solutions responsive to community needs.

This policy brief outlines five key recommendations based on good practices from Interreg Europe projects. These insights aim to guide policymakers in enhancing citizen engagement, ultimately leading to more effective and inclusive governance across Europe.