Citizens’ forums driving decarbonisation in central and eastern Europe: Lessons in public participation

Briefing    |    25 February 2026

Decarbonisation planning is demanding not only due to its technical complexity, but also because of its social implications. Decisions regarding heating systems, transport, infrastructure, land use, and public investment directly affect everyday life, often raising questions about affordability, fairness and institutional trust.

Across nine countries in central and eastern Europe, citizens’ forums have been tested as practical tools for involving local voices in decisions regarding decarbonisation, and to ensure that planning processes are guided by lived realities on the ground. This briefing draws on concrete experiences from each country and concludes with an evidence-based evaluation of the lessons learned along with recommendations based on successful and unsuccessful practices.