CitiSense: Making Sense of EU Enlargement for, with and by Citizens

Informed and inclusive public debate on EU enlargement is essential as future accessions will reshape Europe’s security, economy, society and democracy. CitiSense develops a citizen-centred approach to enlargement: enlargement for, by and with citizens. The project examines how citizens in EU member states and candidate countries understand enlargement, what concerns and expectations they have, and how their perspectives can inform more legitimate and responsive policymaking. Bringing together 16 partners - universities, think tanks and civil society organisations - CitiSense combines evidence-based research, dialogue and participatory engagement. It will map public attitudes, develop country reports, educational resources and multimedia outputs, and test formats that connect citizens, experts and policymakers. The three-year project (October 2026-September 2029) supports a more transparent, inclusive and politically sustainable enlargement process.

Funding: European Union – Horizon Europe