Through the New Europeans Initiative, MPG contributes to closing the participation gap and making European democracy fit for an increasingly diverse and internationally mobile society. We research policies, identify participation barriers, highlight best practices, and promote evidence-based solutions. The initiative is for all those who arrived and live in an EU country or are their descendants and lack access to full civic and political participation. The needs of New Europeans are the starting point of this programme that is reaching all 27 EU member states. Our activities include:

• Comparative research on participation policies: MPG’s Participation Policy Index compares how national policies support New Europeans’ civic and political participation. Across eight dimensions of participation, the index highlights policy differences across EU countries and identifies the best practices, informing dialogues with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Evidence-based policy solutions to boost participation: Reports, policy briefs and toolkits based on bottom-up research and analysis of existing knowledge offer recommendations and practical guidelines. Topics include meaningful involvement in policymaking, electoral mobilisation, voting rights, and inclusive citizenship policies.
• Innovative formats to put our insights on participation into action: An annual Democracy Academy trains activists and organisations, providing practical advice on e.g. advocacy, mobilising, and campaigning. Leading up to the 2024 EU elections, a VoteEuropa campaign provided get-out-the vote trainings for grassroot organisations and mobilised New Europeans to vote.