We support Dutch businesses and regional government bodies in navigating complex European issues, and assist organisations seeking to strengthen their presence in Europe in gaining a broader European perspective. We also carry out assignments for various European institutions.
Berenschot EU closely follows developments across Europe and maintains a diverse and extensive European network. With our office located in Brussels’ European Quarter, we remain close to the heart of decision-making and exceptionally well informed.
Today’s societal challenges often have an international or cross-border dimension. On issues such as security, migration, and the economy, different levels of government must collaborate more closely than ever. Traditional top-down decision-making is no longer sufficient; addressing these challenges effectively requires acknowledging local contexts. In fact, tailor-made solutions can only be achieved by involving local governments and, above all, citizens themselves.
Many well-intentioned initiatives to engage citizens fall short, often because they either (a) fail to reach a diverse range of citizens, or (b) poorly manage expectations.
When it is unclear what happens with citizens’ input, trust in participation risks eroding altogether. To prevent this, stakeholder engagement and genuine citizen involvement are essential. This means creating opportunities for people to interact with governing bodies through accessible formats and intuitive digital platforms. In this way, participative governance becomes a cornerstone of modern strategic communication.
Berenschot has extensive experience in supporting government bodies with participative governance and guiding organisations in implementing effective strategic communication processes. In our projects, we apply practical, engaging, and results-oriented participatory interventions. These interventions motivate people to engage, interact, and receive feedback on how their contributions are used. Examples include training sessions for municipal councils, facilitating concrete initiatives, and delivering a “participative scan” of local democracy—all designed to strengthen participation in local communities.
