E-Democracy in the EU

Digital tools can offer citizens many advantages in their participation in political debates and decision-making processes in the EU. If applied wisely, they can contribute significantly to a more open, accessible, transparent and efficient system of policymaking at all levels of EU multilevel governance. In this way, digitalization can also help to reduce the democratic deficit in the EU. This chapter discusses the opportunities and benefits that digital tools can provide for democracy in the EU, focusing on formal processes of political participation as well as on more informal ways of civic engagement. It is argued that e-participation tools should be developed in a way to facilitate clear and efficient interaction between stakeholders in EU political processes. Such interaction would benefit from an ongoing two-way communication between citizens and policy makers fostering information sharing, mutual understanding, trust and motivation to participate. Some problematic aspects and future possibilities of implementing e-participation in the EU are assessed. It is concluded that e-participation efforts must be accompanied by an effective mobilization and engagement strategy, building a culture of citizens participation and addressing digital divide, to leave no one behind.