'Dialogues Unfolded'

Civil dialogue holds a crucial place in efforts to strengthen participatory democracy within the European Union (EU), shaping a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process. The EU Civil Society Contact Group defines civil dialogue as an interaction between public institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs), grounded in mutual recognition and responsiveness. It spans various levels of engagement, from informal consultations to legally recognized frameworks. This dialogue is essential within the EU’s intricate institutional landscape, where policymakers often seem detached from citizens. By facilitating direct interaction between policymakers and civil society, civil dialogue ensures diverse societal perspectives inform decision-making, fostering trust, accountability, and institutional responsiveness. The importance of civil dialogue intensifies within the broader debate on participatory democracy across national and European levels. Democracy transcends elections, in...