Webinar – Voting Rights Policy Dialogue
Webinar – Voting rights for all in an EU divided
– Thursday, November 14, 15:30 – 17:00 CET –
Democracy in Europe has a problem. With an ever-bigger share of its resident population excluded from elections, the EU risks hollowing out universal suffrage. The denial of voting rights for resident foreign citizens significantly contributes to this democratic deficit.
While 14 EU countries have introduced voting rights for third-country nationals at local level at least, the majority of residents with a non-EU passport still live in a member state in which they cannot vote at all. More than only being a question of representation, giving people a say in elections furthers a sense of belonging, long-term inclusion and policymakers’ responsiveness to the needs of newcomers.
Starting with the presentation of an EU-wide overview and the recommendations of a new Policy Brief, this online dialogue will look into the evidence-based arguments for extending voting rights, prospects for transnational agenda-setting and the role that the EU can potentially play for achieving common European standards.
Welcome & introduction
- Alexander Wolffhardt, Migration Policy Group, Brussels
Bridging Gaps in Political Participation: Voting Rights for Third-Country Nationals and EU Citizens in the EU – Recommendations of the Policy Brief
- Sinem Yilmaz & Alexander Wolffhardt, Migration Policy Group
Panel debate
- Ilaria De Altin, Voting Rights For All, Freiburger Wahlkreis 100%, Germany
- Zeynep Balci, Office of the Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium
- Luicy Pedroza, Center for International Studies of El Colegio de México & German Institute of Global and Area Studies (GIGA)
- Tony Venables, ECIT Foundation on European Citizens’ Rights, Involvement and Trust
Debate with panelists & audience, moderation: Olivia Long, Migration Policy Group
Debate with panelists & audience
About the Migration Policy Group (MPG)
MPG is an independent think-and-do-tank based in Brussels. MPG’s purpose is rooted in its ability to inspire networks to provide evidence-based projects, research and campaigns in the areas of integration, migration and anti-discrimination.