Citizen panels provide an opportunity to inform those interested in / affected by a project and to discuss its various aspects in public.

Suitable

• for informing the general public about a planned project or a planning process at communal level, where ordinary citizens’ views and suggestions are to be gathered

Sequence of events

Citizen panels involve an information phase, in which those interested are informed about the project planned, and a discussion phase, in which the participants can express their views, wishes and ideas. Citizen panels are usually employed at communal level, either to handle one specific issue or as a permanent facility for discussing varying matters of concern to ordinary citizens.

Participants

Interested citizens, representatives of interest groups, politicians, administrators, possibly experts

Point to note

• In contrast to a purely informatory meeting, a citizen panel incorporates the opportunity to present points of view and to table wishes and ideas. To make this possible, it is vital to choose a suitable time for holding the panel: leeway for discussion must still be available.