On 9 December 2025, at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels, Belgium from 10:30 to 17:00, ALDA will organise the event “Shaping the Future of Local Governance in Europe: Fuelling Citizen Visions” under the Citizens Foresight Europe project, funded by the CERV programme of the European Union.
The main aim of this initiative is to bridge the gap between authorities and citizens, promoting an environment where diverse stakeholders collaborate to promote effective and inclusive governance. Through this event, participants will be empowered to contribute to democratic processes and ensure that their preferences are meaningfully represented in future-oriented decision-making.
The event focuses on foresight, a structured and systematic approach to exploring, anticipating, and preparing for possible futures while considering alternative scenarios, emerging trends, and uncertainties.
By engaging in foresight-based discussions, participants will actively co-create visions for the future of local governance in Europe, strengthening democracy from the ground up
Throughout the day, scenario workshops and discussions will encourage participants to explore potential futures for their communities, with a focus on good governance principles within the local context.
To ensure meaningful interaction, the project will employ the Open Space Technology methodology, which facilitates informed and inclusive debates among participants. By bringing together citizens, local authorities, and civil society organisations, the event will promote dialogue, build shared understanding, and encourage the co-creation of innovative solutions to local governance challenges.
Based on the insights gathered during the event, participants will draft policy recommendations addressing key issues linked to citizen engagement and local governance. Co-created by a diverse group of stakeholders, these recommendations will be relevant, practical, and rooted in collective experience. Once finalised, they will be published and shared widely, offering actionable guidance for improving citizen participation and governance practices at the local level.
Beyond policy recommendations, the Citizens Foresight Europe project aims to raise citizens’ awareness of Europe’s future, enhance understanding of foresight and scenario-building methods, and establish a long-term platform for cross-disciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Attendance is free upon registration at this link.
