The policy debate "Ahead of the European elections - active citizens, information and misinformation about the EU" was held on 7 June 2024 at the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Zagreb, as a third event planned by the Jean Monnet Chair project „Active European Democratic Citizenship for Resilient Society“.
This public debate was used to conclude the academic year at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Zagreb, but also to wrap up the European Parliament's official communication campaign on EU elections in Croatia, in cooperation with the EP Office in Croatia.
The workshop aimed to discuss with wider group of students and guests key challenges related to the active citizenship, and the spread of information, and misinformation about the EU in Croatia.
An excellent contribution was provided by the European Parliament Office in Croatia, namely Maja Ljubić Kutnjak, Marko Boko, and Ivo Antunović who openly shared their experiences and lessons from the campaign.
Students attending the courses covered by the Jean Monnet Chair, showed high level of engagement in the critical analysis of the European Parliament’s communication strategies.
Besides, the event provided an opportunity to listen to some of the key findings from students’ EU factchecking activities focused on statements of MEPs on the EU green and digital transition.
Lastly, a valuable input to the discussion was provided by Helge Klouman Marstrander, deputy Head of Mission of Norway to Croatia, who shared perspectives from outside the EU, especially lessons from failed Norway's EU accession referendums.
As the discussion was held right before the EU elections, this debate served as a useful reminder on how the 2024 European elections can shape the societies we want to live in and why it is important for citizens to make their voices heard.
