Active participation for a more open, participatory and inclusive democracy
The Greek Forum of Refugees actively participated in TRANSEUROPA Festival 2026, held in Athens from 7 to 11 October under the theme “Reclaiming the Cloud(s)”.
Organised by European Alternatives, the festival brought together people from different European countries, civil society organisations, communities, activists and citizens, creating a space for discussion on democracy, migration, human and digital rights, and new forms of participation.
For the Greek Forum of Refugees, our involvement went beyond taking part in the programme. Through Democracy4all, we actively contributed to shaping and delivering activities, particularly on 10 October, focusing on the political participation of people with migrant and refugee backgrounds
In the morning, we co-organised a workshop on migrant and refugee political participation with European Alternatives. Drawing on lived experiences and different journeys across Europe, we discussed the barriers that continue to limit political participation, as well as ways for people and communities themselves to build a stronger presence in public and political life.
.
The participation of Maguy Ikulu, who arrived in Belgium as a refugee and is now an elected municipal councillor in Ganshoren, in the Brussels Region, was particularly significant. Her personal journey offered a powerful example of how the political participation of people with refugee and migrant backgrounds is not only a demand for the future, but a reality already taking shape in European societies.
In the afternoon, during the open discussion “European Call for Migrant and Refugee Political Rights”, the Greek Forum of Refugees shared experiences from Greece and presented the initiative for migrant and refugee voting rights in local elections. The discussion connected the work already underway in Greece with a broader European dialogue on democratic representation and political rights. The Greek Forum of Migrants also actively contributed to the discussion.
Alongside these activities, GFR actively contributed to “Digital Borders: a citizens’ assembly on migration, border control and new technologies”, also helping to facilitate the discussion. The assembly focused on the use of artificial intelligence, biometric systems and surveillance technologies at borders, highlighting critical questions of accountability, personal data protection, human dignity and respect for fundamental rights.
TRANSEUROPA Festival also provided a space to connect beyond the organised discussions. Cultural activities, music and informal gatherings created opportunities to meet new people, exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation between people and organisations from different countries.
Our warm thanks go to European Alternatives, the organisations, communities, speakers and everyone who took part and shared their experiences and thoughts.
For the Greek Forum of Refugees, participating in TRANSEUROPA marked another step in our ongoing work to strengthen the voices of refugees and migrants themselves in public debate.
Through Democracy4all, we continue working towards a democracy in which people with refugee and migrant backgrounds are not merely the subjects of policies and decisions, but active participants in shaping them.
