The “Changemakers for European Democracy” project carried out a series of events and activities that brought citizens closer to understanding the functioning of the European Union and the process of the European Parliament elections. In March 2024, after the publication of candidates for the European Parliament in Slovakia, we organised various forms of interactions with the candidates, including discussions and interviews, thereby promoting better awareness of the EU and citizen engagement.
Our goal was to bring the EU closer to citizens through both in-person and online events. As the candidates were known only in March, the first activity with European political figures was a discussion in February with the MEP for the 2019-2024 term.
Close to the elections, an in-person discussion for young people with the candidates was held, focusing on the candidates’ visions and motivations. We provided a comprehensive view of the current and future direction of the EU. We also recorded video-invitations with candidates, in which the candidates encouraged citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote. These videos were subsequently published on our social media as part of an advertising campaign to increase citizens’ interest in participating in the elections. Interviews with the candidates were also conducted and later published on our Facebook page.
After the elections, the aim was to connect people with the newly elected candidates, highlighting their visions, motivations, and opinions they intend to uphold during their mandate. Activities with the elected MEPs aimed to explain the functioning of the EU, particularly the European Parliament. As part of these activities, we recorded an interview with a re-elected MEP, who, besides the aforementioned goals, provided insight into the life of an MEP, how the European Parliament operates, and what happens after the elections.
A public discussion was organised after the European Parliament elections at the House of the European Union in Bratislava. Citizens had the opportunity to discuss the topic “Women in Politics,” with invited experts in political science and sociology and a newly elected MEP. The entire discussion was also streamed on our social media. Various methods such as round tables, opinion polls, and open questions from citizens were utilised during these activities. Thanks to these activities, citizens could directly engage in discussions with candidates and MEPs.
Online activities, including streamed discussions and interviews, allowed the general public to participate from the comfort of their homes. In-person events offered space for direct interaction with candidates and experts, thereby promoting open dialogue and a better understanding of the electoral process. These events also provided candidates with a platform to present their views and plans directly to citizens.
Through these efforts, the “Changemakers for European Democracy” project effectively contributed to increasing awareness about the European Parliament elections. Our work supported citizen engagement in democratic processes and enhanced their understanding of the functioning of the EU.
