8th Danube Participation Day
The Danube Participation Days are the annual platform for stakeholders in the Danube Region for participatory governance in the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). The conference – that is held back to back with the EUSDR Annual Forum - offers the opportunity to exchange, network and to further develop ideas and projects on participatory governance in the Danube Region. The 8th Danube Participation Day is a side event of the 10th EUSDR Annual Forum hosted by the Slovak EUSDR Presidency.

dcsf.danubestrategy.eu/event/8th-danube-participation-day | capacitycooperation.danube-region.eu/danube-
participation-day

DATES:

Monday, 25 October 2021 | 10.00 – 15.00 CET
Tuesday, 26 October 2021 | 10.00 – 12.00 CET

AGENDA

The Danube Participation Day will provide the opportunity to discuss digital transformation on governance and participation in the Danube Region: What are the potentials and challenges of the digital transition? How do we need to re-design public services? What can we learn from current eGovernance initiatives and smart concepts? How can deliberative processes and meaningful participation of civil society look like in a digital arena? What could be the role of the EU Danube Strategy in supporting participation in digital decision- making procedures?

In June 2020, the European Council endorsed the Council Conclusions on “Shaping Europe’s Digital Future” that recognised the contribution of digitalisation to economic cohesion, climate neutrality, and social inclusion. In doing so, the EU member states supported a vision of a “European society powered by digital solutions that are strongly rooted in common values, and that enrich the lives of all of us”. Furthermore, the European Union is already cooperating for a digital future with the accession countries through the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans and the EU Neighbourhood countries within the framework of the Association Agreements.

In the revised Action Plan of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, the European Commission and the partner countries of the Danube Region marked digitalisation as cross-sectoral priority. This also impacts the capability to ensure meaningful eParticipation in a more digital environment of decision making.

Against the background of the high expectations of digitalisation as booster for a sustainable, innovative and prosperous future, this year’s Danube Participation Day aims at exploring the following questions:
▪ What are the preconditions for a citizens-centred digitalisation and why does it matter?
▪ How do procedures of digital decision-making and digital service provision need to look like in order to serve people’s needs?
▪ Is there a macro-regional eParticipation and how can the Strategy contribute to raise eParticipation in the region?

▪ Which skills do civil society and public authorities need to engage in a citizens-centred digital transition?