The Assemblies of Solidarity is a citizen-led project aiming at connecting people disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 consequences. This project stems from the belief that European democracy should be based on innovative engagement formats, promoting relationships and dialogue between European citizens and residents, through their ability to provide useful input and testimonies that help European decision-makers develop more informed policies.
In total 20 local Assemblies of Solidarity were held by and for citizens, in no less than ten different countries to raise awareness on those three key issues:
- Democracy and fundamental rights
- Well-being and Health
- Environment and climate change
The goal
Because the actions of the European Union affect people throughout Europe in different ways in their everyday lives, the multi-generational citizens’ assemblies have deliberated on those key policy areas that are strategic for both citizens and the EU.
Now what?
We believe that European democracy must be based on innovative engagement formats, fostering the relationships and dialogue between citizens for a more direct and participative form of democracy, to support decision-makers to develop informed policies based on actual needs and priorities.
After collecting ideas and demands in those 20 local assemblies, citizens gathered for a first Transnational Assembly in October 2021 to build the Palermo Climate Declaration which strikes, in 17 points, what are the priorities to avoid a climate catastrophe at European and global level, because nature knows no border.
We strongly believe that climate justice goes hand in hand with social justice, hence why the second Transnational Assembly taking place in Porto on the 23th to 24th of April 2022 will focus on the themes “Democratize, Decarbonize, Decolonize”. Because tackling climate change is a global issue, it requires a global response that involves all communities, where everyone should have equal opportunities to fight for a fair society in Europe and beyond.
What does it look like?
Representatives from the 20 local assemblies will join us at the Porto Transnational Assembly, from all age groups, to defend the ideas that were shared at local level. From there, a democratic debate will establish which of these propositions should be turned into concrete recommendations to EU policy makers including the EU institutions, EU political groups and elected Members of the European Parliament, other NGOs and civil society organizations. Eventually, a deliberative moment in the form of a vote will determine the order of priorities of such proposals, that will be formatted into the Porto Social Declaration.
Info:
When?
- Part 1: What we can learn from local citizens assemblies? – Saturday 23rd of April, 2pm to 6.30pm
- Part 2: Building up the Porto Declaration on Fundamental rights – Sunday 24th of April, 9am to 11am
- Part 3: Deliberation, vote and launch of the Porto Declaration on Fundamental rights – Sunday 24th of April 11am – 13pm
Where?
Porto University – Grand Hall
PARTNERS
