The use of referendums and the call for referendums have increased during the last years. As a tool for democracies, be it to justify or legitimize new policies or to verify trade agreements, EU membership or even a withdrawal from a union – the tool is powerful when used correctly. The people is heard – directly and unfiltered.
But referendums are under heavy scrutiny when the referendum fails during implementation, is called in to question when they are not correctly applied, or “fails” to give the “right” result.
This debate highlights the use of referendums in different European countries and democratic traditions and try to answer whether referendums really are our best democratic tool.
10:00 Welcome, by moderator Eirik Løkke, Fellow, Civita
10:05 Introduction to referendums and different democratic models in Europe, Jan Erik Grindheim, Associate Professor, University College of Southeast Norway
and President of European Movement Norway
10:30 The Catalan Case, Marina Falcó, Director General of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Catalonia
10:40 The case of the British: Scotland, Brexit, and what is to com, Jan Erik Mustad, Associate Professor, University of Agder
10:50 The Norwegian case - living in the shadow of the 94’ referendum, (TBC)
11:00 Comments and debate with Q&As from the audience
11:40 Closing remarks
11:45 End of seminar
