How to involve citizens in the implementation of Cohesion Policy? Summary of the European Commission pilot project with the contribution of CEUTP

The final product developed by our experts in the project are the recommendations contained in the “Citizen Participation Guidelines for Centre for EU Transport Project beneficiaries/investors.”

Good practices included in the Manual may be a helpful tool for all beneficiaries of the Cohesion Policy in terms of involving citizens in the implementation of their investment intentions. The proposed solutions will help identify opportunities and plan for citizen participation in the design, implementation and evaluation of transport infrastructure projects.

The manual is designed to assist beneficiaries and stakeholders in identifying:

• whether and when citizen participation is useful,
• the order in which the public participation process should be designed,
• quality assurance and follow-up considerations,
• the variety of methods and tools that can be used depending on the target.

Public opinion is an invaluable source of information. If the right conditions are provided for citizens to meaningfully and constructively engage in the decision-making process, the outcome of the investment program can be greatly improved.