5/2025 Vienna

Vienna Assembly: Shaping the Future of European Democracy

The Democratic Odyssey is not just a single event—it’s a traveling citizens’ assembly, moving across Europe to bring diverse voices into the conversation about the future of democracy. Unlike traditional assemblies confined to one location, this initiative evolves over multiple stops, allowing participants from different countries to engage, contribute, and build upon each other’s ideas.

The journey began in Athens (September 2024), where participants explored the crises facing Europe and the role of citizens in shaping solutions. It then moved to Florence (February 2025), where discussions focused on policy proposals and democratic innovation. Now, the next destination is Vienna (23-25 May 2025)—a crucial moment to refine and advance the collective vision developed throughout the process.

The Assembly pilot will culminate in Vienna, where participants will present the final recommendations shaped over the course of this Democratic Odyssey. This closing chapter will bring together insights from Athens, Florence, and the online gatherings, delivering concrete proposals to policymakers, civil society, and citizens. To enrich and finalize these recommendations, we will welcome new participants from Vienna, who will contribute their own perspectives and help shape the concluding phase of the deliberation. Together, all participants will work towards a manifesto or civic charter, outlining a vision for a more inclusive and resilient democratic future for Europe.

Each stop of the assembly ensures both local and transnational participation, amplifying diverse voices and making deliberation truly European in scope. By adapting to different political and social contexts, the assembly strengthens its impact and relevance.

However, the journey does not end in Vienna. While the Assembly pilot concludes, the campaign for a permanent People’s Assembly for Europe will continue. Building on the momentum and recommendations generated, we aim to advocate for a lasting structure of participatory democracy—one that ensures regular, inclusive deliberation between citizens and decision-makers across Europe. This is a unique experiment in citizen-driven policy-making, and you can be part of it!