[FR] How can citizen consultations on Europe be successful in the digital age?

Citizen participation tools such as consultation platforms that have emerged with digital technology are raising high hopes for revitalising democracy in Europe. While organising a single online consultation remains limited by language barriers, a form of joint discussion on the same topics and in several languages now seems realistic.

The proposal to ‘disintermediate’ the relationship between citizens and politics resonates with the feeling of disenfranchisement and the crisis of confidence that has been evident in some recent election results in Europe. It can also be seen as a tremendous opportunity to bring citizens closer to decision-making centres and European institutions.

What lessons can be learned from France’s experience with online discussion tools for organising citizen consultation in Europe? In this analysis, Jan Krewer, Deputy Secretary General of the French Digital Council, reflects on the promises but also the limitations of digital tools for this exercise, going beyond the technical aspects of the issue.