Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims at providing initial answers to the question as to whether the participatory shift in the European Communication Policy is merely rhetorical or whether there is a clear political will to institutionalize citizens' involvement. And if these participatory procedures can be considered a move forward in the direction of a more legitimate and democratic Europe. The book shows some case studies which focuses on citizens' participation with the exception of Citizens Agora, a consultation organized by the European Parliament, whose focus is on civil society associations. It evaluates the legitimizing potential of the Deliberative Citizens Involvement Projects (DCIP)s, which can be subdivided in two large categories. On the one hand, whether they have the capacity to connect them to the authoritative institutions of the Union and whether they could contribute to the emergence of a more substantial European Union (EU) citizenship.