The first in-person Citizens’ Assembly on housing was successfully held on 25 of April, 2026 at the University of Cyprus in Nicosia, marking an important step toward active citizen participation in shaping recommendations for one of Cyprus’s most critical social issues. The Citizens’ Assembly is being implemented as part of the EU-CIEMBLY project, which is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Research and Innovation Program that addresses the need to introduce new forms of citizen participation and consultation in European political life.
The assembly brought together citizens from different regions and social groups, who had the opportunity to exchange views, share personal experiences, and discuss challenges related to housing. Through a structured and participatory dialogue, participants began to develop ideas and recommendations that will contribute to improving housing conditions.
Participants were supported by trained facilitators, ensuring that all voices were heard with respect and on an equal footing. Requiring no specialized knowledge, the assembly relied solely on the experience, judgment, and willingness of citizens to contribute effectively to the issue of housing.
The project aims to create a pioneering Citizens’ Assembly centered on intersectionality, participation and equality.
The Assembly’s process includes three sessions: an initial online meeting held on April 22, 2026, the in-person session held today, April 25, and a final online session to be held on May 6, 2026. The results of the discussions will be documented in specific recommendations, which will be forwarded to the relevant government agencies.
During the live session, representatives from various organizations contributed to the discussion, including Niovi Georgiadis (Office of the Commissioner for Gender Equality), Matthaios Dimitriadis (Cyprus Red Cross), Stefanos Spaneas (CODECA – Centre for Social Cohesion, Development and Care), and Kleanthis Pissarides (University of Cyprus).
The citizens’ recommendations will be received during the final online meeting by DISY-EPP MEP Michalis Hatzipantelas and Commissioner for Citizens’ Rights Panagiotis Palates, so that they may be heard in decision-making centers both in Cyprus and in the European Parliament.
This initiative aims to amplify the voice of citizens in the public debate on housing, while contributing to a broader European effort toward more participatory and democratic decision-making processes.
