Democracy in action: Empowering EU citizens for the elections

As the European Union prepares for its upcoming elections, the focus shifts towards reinforcing democratic principles and encouraging citizen engagement. Through the electoral process, citizens exercise their right to vote, shaping the future direction of the EU. However, challenges such as misinformation and transparency gaps persist, underscoring the need for reliable information and transparent governance.

In response to these challenges, the EU has launched initiatives such as the Defence of Democracy package and the European Democracy Action Plan, which seek to strengthen democracy by fostering fair elections and combatting misinformation. The Eurobarometer survey on Democracy further emphasises the critical role of accurate information in guiding electoral decisions, with 51% of EU citizens identifying it as essential. This is where open data steps in as a crucial solution. By providing accessible information to everyone, open data empowers citizens to make informed choices and promotes transparency in the voting process.

One notable example of open data's impact is TrackMyEU.org, a platform that provides invaluable insights into EU legislation and priorities. Users can explore the decisions made by the European Union through a comprehensive database encompassing policies, legislation, votes, and individual Members of the European Parliament. This resource proves highly beneficial during elections and for fostering active democracy, empowering citizens with knowledge of EU priorities, ongoing legislative discussions, and the responsible officials.

Ensuring that people can make informed decisions and guaranteeing a fair and transparent voting process are vital.  As citizens prepare to vote in the upcoming elections, let's continue to uphold the values of democracy and ensure that every voice is heard in shaping the future of the EU.

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