European Democracy in Action

Democracy is an everyday priority. Notre Europe believes that European integration is a matter for every citizen, actor of civil society and level of authority within the Union. Notre Europe therefore seeks to identify and strengthen ways of democratising European democracy.
Research projects
Our citizens' events
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"Notre Europe's very name, which I chose at the think tank's creation in 1996, embodies a search for simplicity. Everything is in it, because this Europe born after the Second World War, this Europe of peace, is indeed 'ours', whether we be politicians, activists or just citizens." Jacques Delors, L’Europe tragique et Magnifique, Saint Simon, 2006
Research project | 2011
Participation Democracy
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In 1979 the European Parliament adopted universal suffrage and since then its powers have steadily increased. European citizens therefore participate in the European project through their elected representatives. However, a shared public space with an active role for citizens has been slow to take shape.
Research project | 2011
European parties and Parliaments
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Essential to European democracy, this 5-yearly date in the electoral calendar has held for thirty years. Since 1979 these elections have conferred substantial political legitimacy on the European parliament, since it is the only EU institution directly elected by citizens. This democratic legitimacy has in turn served gradually to increase the power of the parliament.
Research project | 2009