Due to their recommending force, deliberative polls can act as an incentives for politicians to take action, says Stephen Boucher from Notre Europe. Such polls could also also help to bridge the gap between the EU insitutions and its citizens, and increase acceptance for economic and social reforms, Boucher argues in an interview with EurActiv.

"One of the interesting features of deliberative polling is that it does not seek a consensus. Participants answer questionnaires before and after the information and deliberation process, reflecting only their personal views. There is therefore not a uniform view of the EU, but lots of nuances from one question to another.

"Overall, however, there are some discernible trends. People want the EU to sort out its institutional difficulties before enlarging further. They accept the need for economic and social reforms, and want both their national governments and the EU to take action.

"If you look at the results, there are therefore many original findings, for instance the fact that people, after deliberation, are more willing to reform pension systems. Or that new and old member states converge on matters related to enlargement."