The European Commission has introduced citizens’ panels as a recurring feature of democratic life in the EU, with the aim of strengthening citizens’ participation in political decision-making. Each panel brings together 150 randomly selected citizens from all 27 Member States. The participants reflect Europe’s diversity, and the panels are tasked with discussing and providing recommendations on key political issues that affect the entire Union. The European Commission aims to carry out three citizens’ panels for adults during 2025–2026.

The first citizens’ assembly, which took place over three weekends between March and May 2025, developed recommendations on the question: “What should the EU spend money on to improve our shared future?”

The second citizens’ assembly, which took place over three weekends between September and November 2025, developed recommendations on the question: How can people of all ages unite to
create a fair and flourishing future?

The third citizens’ assembly takes place between March and May 2026, and the participants will develop recommendations on the question: “How can the EU better prepare, inform, and warn people about future crises?”

Digidem Lab is involved in recruiting of citizen participants for the random selection process in Sweden through the partner network SORT-EU, coordinated by the Sortition Foundation.

(Image Source: European Citizens’ Panel on the New EU Budget)