Nordregio, a research institute of Nordic cooperation, has dealt with regional policy for over 25 years, providing scientific recommendations for Nordic decision-makers. Recently, Nordregio published a policy paper titled ‘Proactively engaging citizens in European Union Cohesion Policy,’ emphasising the significance of citizen participation in cohesion policy, for which the following key recommendations were made:
- Comprehensible language: Communicate cohesion policy using language that citizens understand. Avoid using terms like „cohesion policy.” The notion of cohesion has strong connotations with federalist ideas; therefore, EU policymakers should be aware of the semantic dangers of referring to „cohesion policy,” as it could provide fuel for populist parties advocating the threat of a European superstate. Instead, use „regional policy” to connect with citizens.
- Active contributors: View citizens as active contributors whose regional and local knowledge can enhance the quality of EU cohesion policy. Engaging citizens as contributors initiates serious debates on better integration in policymaking.
- Early-stage involvement: Engage citizens at all stages of policy-making, with emphasis on the programming phase, to increase interest, knowledge, and awareness of policy implementation, and strengthen perception of cohesion policy results.
- Selective engagement: Target citizen engagement in preparing overarching cohesion policy documents. Since engagement is costly and time-consuming, prioritise it around partnership agreements and operational programmes outlining regional and local priorities set for the entire cohesion policy programming period.
- Targeted investment: Provide regional and local authorities with funding to develop and implement citizen engagement activities. This includes raising knowledge, training policy-makers, and covering event costs. External facilitators may also be necessary.
- Permanent forums: Foster citizen engagement through permanent regional forums throughout the cohesion policy cycle.
- Engagement roadmap: Develop a roadmap with a feasible timeline for citizen engagement activities in the post-2027 cohesion policy. The goal is to proactively engage citizens in key policy documents preparation.
- Collaboration with universities: Programme Managing Authorities should collaborate with local universities experienced in citizen engagement to facilitate learning and practical events.
- Sharing best practices: Share experiences and methods of citizen engagement, mapping available digital and traditional tools for policymakers’ benefit.
As conclusion, the document underlined that cohesion policy is the EU policy area closest to citizens, with the strongest potential for proactive engagement. Increasing citizen awareness and support for the EU can be achieved through clear communication and citizens’ direct engagement in cohesion policy-making. The above-mentioned recommendations can contribute to reaching these common European goals.
The document of Nordregio is available here.
