The EU is largely recognised as a system of multi-level and polycentric governance, rather than as a standard institutional architecture. “Governance” means that the relevant actors, whether public or private and independently from their formal legitimization, are included in the policy process. More controversial, however, is the question if this governance system is technocratic or democratic. It largely depends on the place and role of the citizenry in shaping priorities, defining policies, contributing in their implementation and evaluating them.

This section of the site is devoted to gather information on the citizens' side of EU governance. The main focus is on the EU policies aimed at including citizens in the policy making process, both in general and with reference to specific programs, such as "Europe for Citizens", or norms, such as those regarding the European Citizens' Initiatives.

On the other hand, general issues affecting the role of citizens in EU governance are considered; for example the issue of representation.
Finally, attention is given to the way some EU policies have an impact on Community citizenship, especially in the management of Eurozone crisis, where a number of citizens' prerogatives are under discussion.