[FR] The deliberation is controversial

European integration has long been a subject of debate. Now it is the democratic debate itself, both within Europe and beyond, that is being debated. Or, more precisely, the advisability and manner of inviting citizens across borders to participate in the process of public policy-making and decision-making at a time when, from the European Commission to the possible candidates for the French presidency, via numerous initiatives in the Member States, efforts are being made to put “participatory democracy” into practice and to learn lessons from the French and Dutch rejections of the draft Constitutional Treaty.

Several recent articles bear witness to this. The review below is intended to provide food for thought for those who wish to debate the issue.