Read this Special Report in Romanian or in Dutch.
Participatory budgeting, the co-decision tool on the city expenditure, can be a leverage for equality and inclusion, giving every citizen a say on the initiatives and projects that should be funded by their municipality.
But how can local governments ensure that everyone has a chance to get their seat at the table? And how can they make sure decisions taken improve everyone’s life?
Experts are increasingly calling on governments to include a gender perspective when allocating funds, to make sure decisions taken are not gender-blind. Meanwhile, more and more schools and municipalities have started experimenting with youth participatory budgeting giving a voice to the young generations.
However, obstacles to inclusive citizen engagement remain, especially among ethnic minorities and displaced communities, whose participation is often hindered by the lack of political will and language barriers.
EURACTIV takes a closer look in this special report.
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Participatory tools can help integrate displaced Ukrainians, experts say
Est. 4minWhile co-decision mechanisms in Ukrainian municipalities have been suspended due to the war, participatory tools could still help support and integrate Ukrainian displaced people, according to experts.
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Co-deciding on the city budget can be a ‘training ground’ for young citizens
Est. 4minLetting young people decide how to spend a part of the city budget can empower the youth, boost participation and be a “lesson of civic education,” according to experts.
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Activists say Roma need a voice in local decision-making
Est. 4minActive participation of Romani people and Roma mediators in local policy-making and budgetary decisions is key to addressing the community needs of the largest European ethnic minority, according to activists.
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Experts call on EU to ‘fully integrate’ gender approach in bloc’s budget and policy
Est. 4minDespite the progress achieved at the EU level on gender equality, policies and budgetary decisions have yet to fully include a gender perspective, according to experts and MEPs.
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Involve community leaders to boost civic participation among migrants, experts say
Est. 4minRead this article in Romanian. Co-decision on the city budget expenditure by displaced people can help local authorities better understand their needs. However, these communities often face language and financial obstacles that hinder their participation, according to experts. “If …