The European Parliament’s citizens’ panel model, solidarity, and the active involvement of all residents regardless of their background are key to building a more open and accessible Novi Sad, participants concluded at the second citizens’ panel held at the Europe House Novi Sad.
The panel was organized as part of the project “Strengthening Serbia’s Response to Migration and Inclusion Challenges” and was designed following the example of the European Parliament’s citizens’ panels, which bring together people from different backgrounds across EU Member States to discuss important legislation and propose amendments.
The aim of such gatherings is to promote direct democracy and enable citizens to actively participate in developing recommendations for improving life in their local communities.
“Our community is made up of everyone who lives in Novi Sad, regardless of where they come from. Whether they are members of the Russian or Ukrainian communities, people who have been forced to leave their homes, or labor migrants – they are all part of one large community that we want to connect”, emphasized Ida Boka from the Volunteer Centre of Vojvodina, which is implementing the project.
According to Boka, the focus of the event is on inclusion and networking among organizations, initiatives, and individuals in Novi Sad who work with migrants or who have themselves relocated to the city.
During the panel, participants discussed the city’s resources and needs, seeking answers to the question of whether Novi Sad is sufficiently open to people whose native language is not Serbian.
“We want to see what we can do to make life in our community better, more inclusive, and easier for people who move here. We will soon launch calls for programmes through which citizens will be able to contribute their time and help achieve this goal”, Ida Boka announced.
The project, implemented by the Volunteer Centre of Vojvodina in partnership with the Centre for the Protection and Assistance to Asylum Seekers, the “Klara i Rosa” Association from Subotica, and the organisation “Dituria” from Bujanovac, will continue its activities throughout the autumn.
From September until February, new panels will be held once a month, each focusing on different specific topics and featuring expert speakers and participating organisations.