Participation Policy Index
A Seat at the Table? The Political Participation Policy Index 2024
Political participation remains the weakest dimension of migrant integration policies across the globe. To address this critical gap, the New Europeans Initiative has developed the Political Participation Policy Index 2024, titled “A Seat at the Table?”. This pioneering comparative index evaluates and benchmarks the inclusivity of political participation policies across all 27 EU member states, offering the first comprehensive assessment of policies fostering the political participation and integration of New Europeans.
The report underscores the essential role of civic engagement in strengthening inclusive democracies while revealing significant disparities in migrant political participation across Europe. The findings highlight a fragmented landscape, where limited efforts are made to promote voting, encourage naturalisation, or support migrant-led civil societies. Despite some progress, migrant political participation remains one of the least areas of developed integration efforts.
The index ranks EU countries based on their adherence to international standards, with Luxembourg, Sweden, Ireland, and Finland leading the way in fostering political inclusion, while Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary score the lowest.
Assessing political participation through eight dimensions
The index measures policy developments across the following eight key dimensions that shape political inclusion:
- A national strategy to increase civic and political participation
- Full political and civic rights through citizenship
- The right to vote in elections for foreign citizens
- Encouragement to vote
- Promotion of representation in political life
- Representation of migrant-led civil society
- Creation, protection, and fostering of a strong civic space
- Civic education for a diversifying society
A call to action for inclusive democracies
The report offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, urging EU member states to:
- Adopt comprehensive strategies to strengthen migrant political participation
- Expand voting rights and simplify political participation processes
- Foster representation in political and civil society
- Invest in civic education tailored to diverse societies
By integrating rigorous research and showcasing best practices, A Seat at the Table? provides a roadmap for governments and communities to close existing gaps and make democracy more inclusive for all residents. The New Europeans Initiative calls for urgent action to ensure that every voice is heard and valued in Europe’s democratic processes.
Watch the webinar & download the report
Want to learn more? Watch our webinar to hear from experts discussing key findings, or download the full report for an in-depth look at rankings and recommendations.
