Launch of the Belgian presidency citizen panel
Belgium is focusing on citizen participation during its presidency and is launching an innovative initiative at the national level: a citizen panel dedicated to examining artificial intelligence and the role that the European Union could play in this field.
In an effort to be inclusive and representative, 16,200 invitations have been sent out nationwide, targeting a large range of Belgian residents.
What is a citizen panel?
A citizen panel is made up of a range of citizens selected at random, reflecting the diversity of the population in terms of gender, age, income and other criteria. This panel has been formed to provide a collective opinion on subjects of public interest, thus encouraging active citizen participation in decision-making processes. The recommendations arising from citizen panels often serve as references for the public authorities.
Why organise a citizen panel for the presidency?
As part of the presidency of the Council of the EU, Belgian is aiming to engage its citizens in debates on European themes. Our government is specifically seeking to understand citizen perspectives on the direction that Europe should take on artificial intelligence for the 2024-2029 period of governance. The results of the beEU citizen panel will be shared with European institutions, providing them with a source of inspiration for the next legislature.
Composition of the beEU citizen panel
The beEU citizen panel will include 60 people selected so as to provide a faithful representation of Belgian society. To achieve this, over 16,000 invitation letters have been sent out nationwide. Anyone interested can register now. A draw of the people registered will be held to determine the final participants. This method will make sure that everyone has equal opportunity and ensures a diversified panel in terms of age, gender, place of residence, level of income and education. We will ensure that young people and the diversity of the Belgian population are adequately represented.
A panel organised over three weekends
The beEU citizen panel will meet over the course of three weekends, from 10am to 5pm on 24 and 25 February, 23 and 24 March and 20 and 21 April 2024, at the Egmont Palace in Brussels. The conclusions will be presented at a final event. Accommodation will be provided for participants living a long way from Brussels.
Inclusion is the keyword of these panel sessions. Each participant will be able to express themselves freely, irrespective of their path, knowledge, living environment or their opinions. The discussions will be held in French and Dutch, with interpreters available. All participants will receive the information necessary for an objective debate. Qualified hosts will facilitate the discussions, ensuring a trusting and fair environment. Experts will also be present to provide information for the debates.