In a moment when public discourse across Europe is increasingly marked by the rise of extreme-right ideologies and the alarming spread of undemocratic forces throughout society, the need for inclusive, critical, and creative spaces for dialogue has never been more urgent. In response to this growing polarization, Building Bridges has launched a bold and timely initiative: five public encounters held in different cities across the continent. These events brought together a diverse spectrum of participants, artists, city representatives, activists, thinkers, researchers, workers, migrants, and engaged citizens, united by a shared commitment to reflecting on and reimagining the meaning and function of walls and borders in both the recent past and our contemporary world.
These encounters served not only as forums for discussion and exchange but also as laboratories for democratic experimentation, fostering grassroots engagement and cross-sector collaboration. The focus on borders, physical, symbolic, political, and social, allowed participants to explore the ways in which divisions are constructed, maintained, and contested within and between societies.
This document presents a synthesis of the key outcomes that emerged from the five Building Bridges citizens’ assemblies. It highlights shared themes, differences in local contexts, and points of convergence across the various gatherings. By capturing the insights and propositions generated during these encounters, the report aims to contribute to broader political and social debates concerning the future of democracy, the inclusion of youth voices, and innovative approaches to migration and integration policy, both at the local and transnational levels. At its core, this work invites policymakers, civil society, and communities to rethink borders not just as lines of separation, but as potential spaces for dialogue, solidarity, and transformation.