Trust in institutions, active citizen participation, the quality and reliability of information, and the impact of technology on public debate were among the main topics discussed during the first session of the European Citizens’ Panel on democratic resilience. The three-day meeting, which began in Brussels on September 18, concluded Sunday with a summary of discussions involving 150 randomly selected citizens from all 27 European Union (EU) Member States.
Four Bulgarians took part in the panel – Gabriela Karadzhonova-Malcheva, Stefan Rusev, Mihaela Koleva and Aleksandar Stoev. During the first session, they worked in focus groups with citizens from different countries, discussing how democracy can become more resilient and how people can participate more fully in public life. Fair and transparent elections, quality journalism, and reliable information were among the main topics on which the Bulgarian participants reached common ground.
One of the issues discussed during the various sessions was whether European citizens have the politicians they deserve. According to the results presented, 75% of participants answered negatively. The problems identified included corruption, the need for greater accountability on the part of politicians and the fulfilment of campaign promises. The discussions also highlighted citizens’ own responsibility when choosing the people who represent them.
Participants identified honesty, responsibility and taking citizens’ interests into account as important qualities of a good politician. According to the discussions, democracy cannot be protected solely by institutions but requires active participation and oversight by society.
Particular attention was paid to the information environment. Mihaela Koleva, a 12th-grade student from Yambol who took part in the focus group on information and technology, said the discussions covered fake profiles, disinformation, paid content and the development of artificial intelligence. It was noted that reliable information is linked not only to the quality of public debate but also to the security of citizens and democratic societies.
The discussions also addressed the need for rules in the digital environment. Participants noted that technological development cannot be stopped, but people need the necessary knowledge and skills to distinguish reliable information from disinformation and content created with the help of artificial intelligence, including deepfakes.
Among the solutions discussed were the development of critical thinking and digital skills through education. Citizens also examined the role of independent and quality journalism, as well as the need for people to be able to verify information they receive online.
Another focus of the discussions was citizens’ perception that their voices do not lead to change. In this context, participants discussed the need for more direct dialogue between citizens and institutions, as well as mechanisms enabling people to see what happens to their proposals and ideas after they take part in public debate.
Participants were also presented with the possibility of continuing discussions outside the panel through a dedicated platform where citizens from different European countries can share ideas, comment on proposals and organize initiatives. In this way, discussions can also reach the local level.
European Commission representatives said the aim of the citizens’ panel was for participants to develop recommendations to be submitted to the Commission and contribute to subsequent work on strengthening democracy in the EU. The Commission defines democratic resilience as the ability of institutions, civil society, citizens and communities to prepare for, withstand and recover from threats and crises while upholding free elections, the rule of law, fundamental rights and the opportunity to participate in public life.
The first session focused primarily on understanding the concept of democratic resilience and identifying the main challenges on which the panel will focus. The next session will be held online in October. Participants will then discuss possible actions to enable citizens and communities to participate more fully in democratic life and will begin drafting recommendations. The final session is scheduled for November, when the final recommendations to the European Commission will be refined in Brussels.
Citizens’ panels are among the European Commission’s tools for directly involving citizens in discussions on European policies, the organizers said. As part of the panel on democratic resilience, participants have the opportunity to exchange experiences across national borders and formulate ideas that can subsequently be considered in the policymaking process, Maciej Berestecki, European Commission (EC) spokesperson for research, innovation, reforms, cohesion and fisheries, told BTA.
Trust in Institutions, Citizen Participation, Information Quality among Key Topics at EU Citizens’ Panel 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-09-20 15:26:00
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