The Vote4OurRuleofLaw (Vote4ORoL) Fellowship is an initiative designed to engage young Europeans more actively in the European Parliament (EP) elections, aiming to increase turnout rates to levels more comparable with national elections.

This programme focuses on empowering young voters by highlighting the significant impact EU decisions have on their lives and the importance of electing politicians who are committed to protecting democracy. By providing education on the EP's role and the importance of informed voting, the fellowship seeks to develop a well-informed talent pool of first-time voters to enhance electoral participation in the upcoming June elections and beyond.

Participants in the fellowship will work in teams on weekly research tasks under the guidance of mentors. These tasks are structured to equip them with the knowledge needed to make informed voting decisions and to persuade others to participate actively in the electoral process. The program includes a curriculum that covers a range of topics from understanding what motivates young people to vote (or not), the connection between national concerns and EU policies, the importance of the rule of law in European democracy, to a practical reality check on how the EP and EU decision-making processes work.

The fellowship culminated in the publication of a comprehensive report, co-authored by all participants, summarizing their research findings and providing essential information for making informed choices at the EP elections. 

This project was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Culture of Solidarity Fund powered by the European Cultural Foundation in collaboration with Allianz Foundation and the Evens Foundation.

The project is supported by the Research Institute Law & Society (LSI) at Humboldt University and Princeton Program in Law & Public Policy.

Curriculum

  • Week 1 of the Fellowship offers a comprehensive analysis of voter turnout in European Parliament elections with a particular focus on understanding the motivations behind young people's participation. The European Parliament elections serve as a crucial barometer of democratic engagement and political participation across member states. However, youth voter turnout has often been lower compared to other age demographics, sparking interest and concern among policymakers.

  • Week 2 of the Fellowship will provide a comprehensive examination of the European Parliament (EP), one of the key institutions of the European Union (EU). Students will gain a deep understanding of the EP's structure, functions, decision-making processes, and its impact on EU governance and legislation. Students will explore the role of the EP in shaping EU policies, representing European citizens, and contributing to the democratic legitimacy of the EU. Moreover, week 2 offers an in-depth exploration of the complex interplay between national political parties, European Parliament (EP) parties, and political groups in the context of European Parliament elections. Through a comparative lens, students will examine how voting choices in one EU Member State can influence the composition and dynamics of political groups in the European Parliament, with particular attention to the rise of populist movements and their transnational connections.

  • In Week 3 of the Fellowship, the participants will explore the symbiotic relationship between democracy and the rule of law in the European Union. It delves into theoretical foundations, EU institutional dynamics, and contemporary challenges. Fellows will analyse case studies, institutional roles, and debates on topics like populism and judicial independence. Through discussions, the participants will develop critical insights into EU governance and democratic principles. By the end, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how democracy and the rule of law intersect within the EU framework, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to discussions on European governance and democracy.

  • On the 4th and 5th of April Fellows will get the opportunity to come together in Berlin at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. These two days will serve as a time to exchange their findings and delve deeper into the ongoing conversation of first-time voters and the EP elections. Fellows can envisage workshops on topics such as ‘‘Reality Check’: what you should know as a voter about how the EP and EU decision-making really work (but nobody tells you)’.

  • Throughout weeks 4 to 6 of the Fellowship, participants will embark on a comprehensive synthesis of the knowledge acquired over the preceding three weeks. The focal point of their endeavour will be the creation of a substantive paper probing the foremost challenges hindering the dissemination of knowledge about the European Parliament within their respective national contexts. Participants will subsequently devote their focus to synthesising their research discoveries into the precise format necessary for the culmination of their final report.