On September 19-20, 2024, EU scholars, civil society organizations, local practitioners, and EU representatives gathered to discuss
the critical gap between the EU and its citizens—particularly in the context of low voter turnout in European Parliament elections. The event provided a platform for debate and exchange,
exploring why the EU’s complexity and transparency issues have led to growing polarization.
Through focus group discussions across Croatia, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Germany,
and Slovenia, we had identified key insights from EU studies students—who, despite their overwhelmingly positive feelings towards the EU, expressed thoughtful criticism and ambivalence about
their role in shaping its future. They envisioned an EU that is a strong global actor, particularly in addressing the climate crisis, but struggled with finding effective ways to contribute. The
conference not only presented these findings but also fostered meaningful dialogue among academics, young researchers, students, civil society activists, and EU and national practitioners. It was
a unique opportunity to explore how we can collectively bridge the EU's democratic gap through lived and practiced democracy
09.00-10.30 Towards the Critical Informed EU Citizen
Claudia Wiesner and Muriel C. Pluschke (Fulda University of Applied Sciences): Picturing Europe
Claudia Wiesner and Muriel C. Pluschke (Fulda University of Applied Sciences): EU Citizens or Consumers
Willy Beauvallet (Université Lumière Lyon 2), Damjan Lajh and Meta Novak (University of Ljubljana) and Cécile Robert (Sciences Po Lyon):
Theorising and Conceptualising the Gap between the EU and Its Citizens
10.45-12.15 Students, Values and the EU
Ana Matan, Mario Munta and Igor Vidačak (University of Zagreb): Strategies to Bridge the Gap between the EU and Its Citizens
Niilo Kauppi and Kim Zilliacus (University of Helsinki)
Ruzha Smilova and Kaloyan Velchev (University of Sofia): EU values and the Youth
14.15-17.30
With the Scientific Advisory board: Céline Belot, Adrian Favell, Virginie Van Ingelgom, Marine de Lassalle Jonathan White
National Context of the Focus Groups and National Findings (Willy Beauvallet, Niilo Kauppi, Damjan Lajh, Ana Matan, Mario Munta, Meta Novak, Muriel Pluschke, Cécile Robert, Ruzha Smilova, Kaloyan
Velchev, Igor Vidačak, Claudia Wiesner, Kim Zilliacus)
Presentation and discussion of the general project findings (Claudia Wiesner and Muriel C. Pluschke)
09.00-10.30 Bridging the Gap between the European Union and its Citizens
Claudia Wiesner (Fulda University of Applied Sciences): Critical Informed Citizens or Critical Informed Consumers?
Thomas Berger (Institute inter.research e.V. / Europe Direct Fulda): Dissemination of Project Results: Integration of EU Civic Skill Training in the Erasmus Traineeship Programme
Ivana Grkeš (University of Dubrovnik): Fact Checking and Disinformation in the Adria Region: The ADMO Project
Marko Roško (University of Dubrovnik, Center for Digital
Investigations and Civic Resilience / DU-CHECK): The EU's Response to Disinformation
11.00-12.30 Bridging the Gap between the EU and its citizens: Public Panel Discussion
Chair: Niilo Kauppi
Participants: Jelena Miloš (The Croatian Parliament Committee on European Affairs), Katarina Slejko (EU Direct Korčula), Marko Žmirak (Center for Development of Youth’s Careers Dubrovnik), Luna
Polić Barović (Dubrovnik Development Agency (DURA))