21/02/2025
The Democratic Odyssey is embarking on a transformative journey to reshape European democracy through its Pilot Assembly, taking place from February 21 to 23, 2025, in Florence and Fiesole. This innovative initiative brings together randomly selected citizens from across Europe to deliberate on pressing political and social challenges, promoting participatory governance at the heart of EU decision-making.
The Good Lobby’s Role in Strengthening Democracy
As a proud partner of the Democratic Odyssey, The Good Lobby fully supports this initiative, which aligns with our mission to democratise lobbying and equalise access to power. We believe that empowering citizens to engage directly in policy discussions is key to building a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive European Union.
What to Expect from the Florence Assembly
The Florence assembly is the third gathering of the Democratic Odyssey’s Pilot Assembly, following its inaugural session in Athens in September 2024. This event is part of a broader effort to establish a permanent People’s Assembly for Europe, ensuring continuous citizen involvement in EU policymaking.
Participants will take part in:
✅ Immersive experiences to explore democracy through storytelling and civic arts
✅ Dialogue with officials on democratic responses to crises
✅ Collaborative group work to address power imbalances and policy trade-offs
✅ Workshops that connect local actions with European-level decision-making
A Laboratory for Democratic Change
This assembly serves as an experimental space for testing new democratic practices. Instead of focusing on specific policy recommendations, participants will explore how Europe can better engage citizens during crises, tackle disempowerment and alienation, and ensure that long-term and absent voices—such as refugees, non-citizens, and future generations—are included in political discourse.
Join the Movement for a More Democratic Europe
The Good Lobby invites all civil society organizations, activists, and engaged citizens to support this effort. By bridging the gap between local communities and transnational institutions, the Democratic Odyssey paves the way for a stronger, citizen-driven European democracy.