CEUTP in the European Peer2Peer Community – discussing new models for civic participation

The meeting, held on 11 March 2026, brought together nearly 70 public administration representatives and experts dedicated to advancing civic participation across Europe. The substantive portion of the session featured two pilot projects from different European regions and a proposal to join a new pilot announced by the European Commission and the OECD.

Giulia Cibrario, Junior Policy Analyst in the Innovative Citizen Participation Team at the OECD, introduced the new “With Citizens for Effective Cohesion Policy“ initiative, which aims to involve citizens in monitoring and co-creating cohesion policy. She explained that the project seeks to systemically involve citizens in the monitoring, evaluation, and co-creation of EU-funded actions.

Key aspects of the initiative include:

• Developing mechanisms that give residents a genuine say in planning and implementing investments.
• Increasing the accountability of institutions managing funds.
• Testing engagement methods ranging from deliberative panels and consultations to digital tools and local co-decision-making.
• Establishing permanent, repeatable practices that can be implemented across member states.
• Supporting national and regional administrations in building participation skills and creating more open, responsive management models.

Polish Experiences on the European Stage

For CEUTP, a significant highlight was the presentation regarding our experiences in testing innovative tools and formats, including digital solutions and new co-decision models. Ewa Paderewska—one of CEUTP’s three Champions—outlined the institution’s work to develop civic participation in Poland.

She shared practical insights into engaging citizens in decision-making processes regarding transport investments. Her contribution highlighted CEUTP’s growing role within the European Peer2Peer network and the value of Polish experiences in establishing professional participation standards. By actively participating in the discussions, the Champion further strengthened CEUTP’s position as an institution helping to shape the community’s future.

Insights from Normandy and Looking Ahead

The meeting also featured Mathilde Adriaenssens and Fabrice Saint from the Normandy Region, who shared how they involved residents in shaping cultural policy. They provided concrete examples of how both active cultural participants and those usually uninvolved were invited to co-create regional priorities, proving that deliberative processes can genuinely shape public strategies.

In the second part of the meeting, participants were briefed on an upcoming event organised by CEUTP, set to take place in Warsaw from 6–8 May 2026. The session covered potential themes, formats, and partnerships, emphasising the need to bridge local, regional, and European perspectives. This upcoming gathering is intended to provide a space for deep debate on the quality of participation and the exchange of practices between member states.

More details will be available on the CEUTP website soon!