Jean Monnet Network “Debating Europe” (2020-2023)

The purpose of debate in the network is twofold: By debating Europe in citizen focus groups, conferences, social media, and further publications and events the network aims on one hand at generating a dialogue and an enhanced understanding of the EU among citizens. On the other hand, the network aims at learning what citizens’ reasons are to be critical or distanced from the EU. The network activities will lead to fruitful exchanges between academics, especially young researchers, students, citizens, civil society activists and EU practitioners, i.e. EU officials, as well as EU and national politicians. The process of exchanging and debating enhances the legitimacy of the EU not only as a polity, but also as a policy-making process by regaining citizen’s trust in their ability to use political discussions to influence the policy-making process, including a wide range of actors.

Keywords: democracy, participation, policy learning, communication, politicization, inclusivity, openness, accessibility, citizens’ political judgement

The Jean Monnet Network “Debating Europe” (DebatEU) uses debate as a methodology for
spreading knowledge on the European Union (EU) to target groups previously not well informed
gaining knowledge about citizens´ opinions
integrating teaching and research activities
enhancing exchange between citizens, students, academics and EU practitioners via conferences, events, a website, social media and various publications.