PRODEMO - Promoting Democratic Engagement Through Mobile Participation

Abstract

The present report illustrates the preliminary outcomes of “Promoting Democratic Engagement Through Mobile Participation” (hereinafter, PRODEMO) – a research project funded by the European Union “Rights, Equality and Citizenship” Programme for 2014-2020. PRODEMO focuses on ‘EU mobile citizens’ – that is: citizens who are of voting age, and eligible to vote, and reside in another EU Member State. In this regard, a clarification is needed. The definition of EU mobile citizens includes multiple types of citizenship – those who are ‘foreign-born’, the ‘foreign citizen’ and the ‘non-citizen’ types. PRODEMO is divided in three phases. PHASE 1. Field research and identification of good practices. During this phase the research partners have conducted desk reviews and research on a selection of European Union (EU) Member States: Italy, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal. Research efforts have focused on political engagement and civic awareness of EU citizens, and specifically of EU citizens of voting age, and eligible to vote, living in EU countries different from their native countries. In particular, phase 1 has been dedicated to the selection and analysis of a number of good practices developed by national and local public authorities of EU Member States, as well as civil society organizations, to promote (both online and offline) political participation and foster engagement of EU mobile citizens. In addition to the desk analysis, CES has prepared a survey aimed at gathering data about EU mobile citizens’ social and cultural background, voting attitudes and political orientations. 2. PHASE 2. Information and awareness raising. This phase focuses on fostering political awareness among EU mobile citizens, and specifically about the existing procedures/initiatives that regulate access to local and European elections in EU member states. Phase 2 includes the organization of a social media campaign, and the realization of a number of information events and workshops (dedicated to EU citizens and civil society organizations’ personnel, respectively). 3. PHASE 3. Mobile Application. The concluding phase of PRODEMO consists of developing and testing a mobile application aimed at offering EU mobile citizens information and assistance on the exercise of their political rights. The application will include an informative section on political rights and participation procedures, as well as a platform on which EU citizens will be able to create geo-located surveys and discussions to highlight issues on a local and community scale.