As part of the Enlightened Trust (EnTrust) research project, Civil Society Europe is hosting two debates on the 23rd and 25th of April. 

1. A pact on informed and open policy debate: Civil dialogue and the (dis)trust relationship between civil society and EU institutions

Tuesday, 23rd of April. 11:45 – 13:00 CEST

Brussels and online

This hybrid event will delve into the (dis)trust relationship between civil society organisations and EU institutions, and the topic of creating a civil dialogue for EU policymaking. The debate will present the EnTrust project findings and policy recommendations, as well as a summary of the experience of drafting a training manual on civil dialogue and its testing. It will offer a space for decision-makers and representatives of CSOs to discuss ways of establishing a real framework for civil dialogue, and to reflect on the nature of the (dis)trust relationship between civil society and the EU.

2. Distrust, disengagement and the challenges of democracy

Thursday, 25th of April. 12:00 – 13:00 CEST

Online

This event will reflect on current trends around citizens’ (dis)trust towards democratic institutions (e.g. abstentionism on the rise in Europe’s elections), as well as how to redress a narrative of generalised distrust while constructively re-engaging disillusioned citizens. 

To do so, with the participation of representatives of CSOs and EU institutions, the debate will discuss the ‘Guide on Enlightened Trust’ which provides scientific evidence on levels & forms of trust and distrust in political institutions, the determinants that impact their development, and the consequences and potential scenarios associated with different constellations of trust and distrust in democratic governance.