ABSTRACT
Electronic Participation (eParticipation) is becoming a political priority for many European countries, often perceived as an essential ingredient of electronic government (eGovernment) policies. Strengthening of participation and democratic decision-making constitutes one of the five priorities adopted by the European Union (EU) in the i2010 e-Government Action Plan. 1 According to the EU 'e-government strategies at all levels should advance trust and confidence in public services and online democratic participation'. 2 Also, in its recommendations on eDemocracy 3 the Council of Europe emphasizes the importance of maintaining and improving democratic institutions and processes in the context of the new opportunities and challenges arising from the information society. eParticipation emerges as a priority also at a global level. The United Nations suggest a threestep plan for enhancing eParticipation, 4 , 5 namely: (a) increasing e-information to citizens for decision-making; (b) enhancing e-consul tation for deliberative and participatory processes; and (c) supporting e-decision-making by increasing the input of citizens in decision-making.
