Unlocking true inclusion in citizens’ assemblies
Citizens’ assemblies have emerged as a cornerstone of modern democratic innovation across Europe, offering a mechanism for randomly selected citizens to deliberate on complex policy challenges. However, a new policy brief(opens in new window) from the EU-funded EU-CIEMBLY(opens in new window) project warns that without an explicit focus on intersectionality, these processes risk reinforcing existing power structures rather than dismantling them. While many assemblies strive for demographic diversity, they often fail to address how overlapping systems of oppression such as race, gender, class, disability and migration status create unique, compounded barriers for individuals belonging to multiple marginalised groups. The brief argues that true democratic legitimacy requires moving beyond formal equality to achieve real inclusion, where the voices of the most disadvantaged are not only present but also heard.
From theory to practice: the pilot assemblies
The policy brief is grounded in extensive research, including a systematic evaluation of existing assembly practices and the design of three pioneering pilot assemblies. These pilots, staged at local, national and transnational levels, serve as living laboratories for testing intersectional design interventions. The local pilot in Colchester, United Kingdom, which concluded in early 2026, employed a community co-design approach, empowering affected communities to shape the assembly’s agenda from the outset. The national pilot explores how recruitment strategies and content choices can better reflect the experiences of people from multiple, intersecting marginalised groups. Meanwhile, the transnational pilot tests an enclave-style model, creating a deliberative space for individuals deeply affected by housing insecurity across Europe. Central to all three pilots is a novel approach to facilitation. Recognising that dominant communication norms often silence minority voices, EU-CIEMBLY has developed a facilitation framework built on three activators: valuing diverse communication modes, understanding power dynamics within deliberative settings, and practising reflexivity. This ensures that the process itself does not become a barrier to participation. By staggering these pilots, the project team is able to learn from each iteration, refining the model for subsequent pilots.
Recommendations for a more inclusive democracy
The brief concludes with eight actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners aimed at integrating intersectionality into the very fabric of citizen engagement. Key among these is the call to treat intersectionality as a continuous practice rather than a recruitment checkbox. This means providing sustained logistical support, such as childcare, transport and digital training, and maintaining adaptive check-ins to ensure full engagement. The brief also urges the establishment of EU-wide standards for inclusive engagement, and it emphasises the need for accountability mechanisms that ensure assembly recommendations reach relevant policymakers. The EU-CIEMBLY (EU-CIEMBLY: Creating an Inclusive European Citizens’ Assembly) policy brief also suggests revising the functioning of EU Citizens’ Panels to embed intersectionality and designing outputs and engagement strategies that amplify marginalised voices. Lastly, it calls for sustained core funding for intersectional civil society organisations, recognising them as essential democratic infrastructure. By adopting these measures, the EU can ensure that its democratic innovations do not only mimic diversity, but actively challenge structural inequalities, paving the way for a more resilient and representative Europe. For more information, please see: EU-CIEMBLY project website(opens in new window)
