On 16 March 2026, the Past2Future project continued its European journey with an inspiring Citizens’ Forum hosted at the Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Portugal. Bringing together citizens, civil society organisations, public authorities, academics, and stakeholders, the event focused on one of the European Union’s most significant milestones: the Lisbon Treaty (2009) and its continuing impact on democracy, citizens’ rights, and civic participation.
The forum created an open space for dialogue, learning, and collaboration, encouraging participants to reflect on how the Lisbon Treaty has shaped the European Union and what it means for the future of citizen engagement.
The day began with a welcoming session, introducing participants to the objectives of the Past2Future project and highlighting the importance of strengthening democratic participation across Europe through dialogue and active citizenship.
A keynote lecture explored the significance of the Lisbon Treaty as a cornerstone of modern European democracy. Participants examined how the Treaty strengthened the role of European institutions, expanded citizens’ rights, promoted transparency, and reinforced opportunities for civic participation within the European Union.
The discussion continued with an expert panel bringing together specialists from different sectors to reflect on the Treaty’s achievements and the challenges facing European democracy today. The panel addressed topics such as democratic governance, citizens’ participation in decision-making, and the importance of maintaining public trust in European institutions.
One of the highlights of the forum was the Open Debate with Citizens, where participants exchanged views on the future of Europe and discussed how democratic participation can be strengthened at both local and European levels. The conversation encouraged diverse perspectives while reinforcing the shared responsibility of citizens in shaping Europe’s future.
The afternoon programme focused on collaboration through interactive workshops and group discussions. Participants worked together to identify priorities for stronger civic engagement, generate ideas for increasing citizens’ involvement in democratic processes, and explore innovative approaches to fostering active participation within their communities.
The outcomes of these discussions were presented during a dedicated session, where each group shared its key recommendations and reflections. These contributions form an important part of the ongoing dialogue promoted by the Past2Future project and will support the development of future project outputs and policy recommendations.
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