Citizens’ assembly simulation: Pioneering local deliberative democracy

Back Citizens’ assembly simulation: Pioneering local deliberative democracy

A three-day simulation of a citizens’ assembly was organised by the Congress from 21 to 23 July 2026 in Brezovica/Brezovicë. The event brought together 30 participants from nine municipalities, the Association of Kosovo Municipalities, and the Ministry of Local Government Administration. Stepping out of their usual roles, the participants experienced firsthand how a diverse group of citizens can co-operate effectively and deliver recommendations to public authorities.

Grounded in the methodology outlined in the Congress guide How to organise a deliberative process at the local level?, the event compressed the core lifecycle of a citizens’ assembly into an intensive three-day simulation. Participants navigated three essential stages: an informational learning phase featuring expert briefings and testimonies from Érd (Hungary), Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Bologna (Italy); a deliberation phase in which they drafted recommendations; and a final voting phase and drafting of an institutional response plan. Experiencing both the participants’ perspective and the subsequent institutional follow-up, enabled municipal representatives to acquire a practical, replicable blueprint for introducing deliberative practices in their own municipalities.

The citizens’ assembly simulation proved to be an eye-opening experience for the participants, most of whom are now committed to advocating for a future citizens’ assembly in their own municipalitiy. The Congress, through its Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance, will continue promoting deliberative democracy in Kosovo* and in the wider South-East Europe.

The event was organised as part of the project “Strengthening multilevel governance and participatory democracy”, implemented by the Congress as part of the Council of Europe co‑operation activities in Kosovo*. The project aims to strengthen the co-operation between central and local authorities in local self-government reform and in the advancement of participatory and deliberative democracy.

*All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.

Brezovica/Brezovicë 24 July 2026

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Welcome to the Council of Europe Office in Pristina

The Council of Europe Office in Pristina began its cooperation activities in the areas of human rights, rule of law and democracy in 1999. Since then the Office has continuously facilitated the delivery of significant programmes of support towards the realisation of Council of Europe standards in practice for all people, assisting key institutions in the process of their democratic reforms.

Our cooperation has so far focused on building the capacities of judges and prosecutors on European Human Rights standards, supporting effective civil society engagement, promoting cultural diversity, providing expert support to legislative development, reinforcing independent institutions such as the Ombudsperson Institution, strengthening the role of the media and working to counteract economic crime and corruption, and elections monitoring. We have also provided the support of our expert monitoring and other mechanisms in line with relevant agreements.

The Council of Europe functions in full compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and in this context the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), OSCE Mission, the European Union Office in Kosovo and European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo are among our key strategic partners. Driven by a commitment to addressing local needs, ensuring value-added contributions and reinforcing partnerships, the Council of Europe Office in Pristina actively coordinates efforts with all relevant local and international actors in the field.

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