Reforming Europe: Citizens’ Forum

Citizens’ Forum shall aim to strengthen the democratic engagement of citizens by providing them with a forum for an open and transparent public debate centred on addressing key European policies and priorities, as well as their impact in the lives of Cypriot citizens. The action will engage citizens in contributing to the broader discussion on the Future of Europe, in parallel with the future of Cyprus in Europe, leading to a more active, knowledgeable and aware society.

About us

Our Project

Through the Citizens’ Forum project, OPEK provides citizens with a forum of public debate centred on key EU policies and priorities, including the broader discussion on the Future of Europe in parallel with the future of Cyprus within the EU. Through the implementation of a variety of co-financed public activities and discussions, the action raises awareness on key EU policies and their impact in the every-day lives of Cypriot citizens, whilst promoting the role of the European Parliament and its democratic values. OPEK contributes to the creation of a more knowledgeable and engaged society, characterised by a decrease in Eurosceptic attitudes and an increase in the democratic engagement of citizens.

Our project contributes in raising citizen’s awareness on the fundamental role of the European Parliament, as well as its democratic values, through the promotion of strategic engagement with the civil society.

Objectives

  • Promoting the role and democratic values of the EP through the implementation of specific events and campaigns embedded in the legislative schedule
  • Providing reliable and pluralistic information related to the EU on a regular and consistent basis
  • Contributing to the broader discussion on “The Future of Europe”
  • The establishment of a broad civil society dialogue and debate on the EU in Cyprus, as simulation process of engaging citizens

Events

OPEΚ developed from January 2021 to June 2022 via the Citizens’ Forum project more than 70 public activities in the following thematic sections:

  • Europe, a player for peace in the world
  • Rule of law and fight against corruption
  • Economy and social justice
  • European Green Deal and sustainable development
  • Energy policy and renewable sources
  • Digital transformation
  • Health and lessons from the pandemic
  • Education and promotion of peace