Vision
The European Parliament's decision of 9 October 2008, concerning the approval of the common declaration regarding the Partnership for Communication in Europe, Leinen Report, stipulates: "communication represents an important element of both representative and participatory democracy" and that "the experience gained in the past European elections and referenda suggests that there is a higher probability of participation by informed people interested in EU affairs, while participation of poorly informed and less interested people is lower".
Mission
The European Institute for Participatory Democracy - Qvorum is a non-governmental organization founded in 2008, which aims at stimulating the participation of citizens and social partners in the policy-making process at national and European level. To this purpose, the Qvorum Institute combines two complementary action guidelines:
a) Encouraging greater openness of the public institutions (especially of the legislative fora) in order to create the political opportunity for as many social stakeholders as possible to get involved in the decision making process (the "top-down" approach);
b) Increasing the citizens' level of political culture so that they are able to easily identify their interests, becoming competent social partners and interacting efficiently with the decision factors ( "the bottom-up" approach);
Activities
Analysis: QVORUM drafts brief or complex analysises concerning the degree of public participation in certain policy areas, as well as for identifying the best methods for conveying information from and towards the factors affected by the modifications of the legislative and institutional framework at European and national level.
Consultancy: QVORUM provides consultancy to social partners to stimulate a better understanding of the national and European political and institutional environment and increasing their capacity to actively participate in the legislative process. In addition to this, Qvorum offers its expertise to political decision makers, interested in optimizing the social dialogue mechanisms.
Public debates: QVORUM creates the framework for debating the current issues, in an open manner, bringing all the stakeholders to the table, so that the means chosen to solve a problem can integrate all their interests in a balanced way. Particular attention is given to facilitating communication between the Romanian representatives in Brussels and potential social partners in the country.
Advocacy campaigns: QVORUM initiates and supports advocacy campaigns aimed at changing the legal and institutional framework for increasing public participation in policy formulation at national or European level.
The Team
The members of the European Institute for Participative Democracy- QVORUM's team bring a unique blend of expertize from civil society, academia, politics, public administration, private sector and the mass media. QVORUM enjoys the support of renowned personalities from Romania and abroad who form the Consultative Council. The Institute conducts its activities in Brussels, Bucharest, Cluj Napoca and other cities in the country.
