Re-public has a special issue on the crisis in European politics with several articles exploring how deepening citizen participation may be a solution for it.

Two articles caught our attention.

The first is by our friend and colleague Vasilis Kostakis, and is entitled: European Union, production of politics and collective intelligence.

It’s topic: “How could the EU use the concept of collective intelligence and new technologies by creating opportunities for participation in the production of “politics” and collective decision making about vital issues? The platform of collaboratorium that is being developed by Iandoli, Klein and Zollo can offer interesting motives for thought and experimentations.”

The second is by Stijn Smismans and is entitled: Should participatory democracy become the normative model for EU governance?

It’s topic: “Given the limits of the parliamentary model of democracy, participatory democracy can significantly contribute to the democratisation of the EU, argues Stijn Smismans. Instances of direct citizen participation, although limited in impact, can contribute to the creation of a European public sphere.”