From February 21 to 23, citizens, policymakers, activists, and researchers will gather at Palazzo Buontalenti and Palazzo Vecchio to take part in transnational discussions on the future of democracy.
After its inaugural assembly in Athens last September, Florence now welcomes the next phase of this experiment in transnational deliberation, with upcoming stops planned in Vienna and beyond. Find the programme here.
Building the Future of Democratic Participation
Democratic Odyssey is not just a series of events; it is a movement aiming to establish a permanent transnational citizens’ assembly for Europe.
“The EU should serve as a laboratory for radical democratic transformation, fostering a more participatory and inclusive political environment. We imagine this assembly as a permanent institution embedded in European decision-making and public life.”
— Kalypso Nicolaïdis, Professor at the EUI and Scientific Lead of Democratic Odyssey
“This initiative brings civil society into a transnational experiment to reimagine democracy, drawing inspiration from Florence’s historical tradition of civic councils.”
— Niccolò Milanese, Director of European Alternatives and partner of the initiative
What to Expect in Florence
Friday, February 21 – The assembly begins at Palazzo Buontalenti (Via Cavour 65) at 16:00, where randomly selected citizens from Florence and Fiesole will deliberate on key themes from the Athens gathering. Among the distinguished guests is George Papandreou, former Prime Minister of Greece and General Rapporteur on Democracy at the Council of Europe.
Simultaneously, the wider public can join the Civic Action Village at Caffè Letterario Le Murate, where open discussions on democracy, climate change, migration, and inequality will take place. Highlights include a screening of the documentary Food For Profit, a climate crisis roundtable moderated by Virginia Fiume, and a performance by slam poetry world champion Giuliano Logos, followed by a DJ set with Elena Giannetti.
Saturday, February 22 & Sunday, February 23 – The deliberations continue at Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Buontalenti, where participants—including representatives from institutions, civil society, and transnational organisations—will collaborate on solutions for global challenges. Cristina Scaletti, Mayor of Fiesole, and Laura Sparavigna, Councillor for the Municipality of Florence, will address the assembly at Palazzo Vecchio.
More info here. The event will be live streamed and accessible here.