The aim of this meeting will be to exchange ideas about ways to overcome formidable obstacles to achieve European electoral reform. This is all the more important because that process can stimulate different ways to extend the franchise, such as lowering the age to vote not just in 5 countries in the European elections and allowing non-citizen residents to vote not just in 12 countries but across EU in local elections.

The discussions will be informal, and personal opinions will not be quoted as reflecting the opinion of a particular organisation. ECIT will produce a background discussion document for the round table. The discussions should take into account the Commission’s report on the results of the 2024 elections to the European Parliament and the public consultations for a European democracy shield.

In a hostile geo-political climate the emphasis is on protecting elections against external threats, This event should be a useful reminder that democracy must also be constantly reformed from within:  to end disenfranchisement and on the contrary to extend the franchise and make voting more appealing.