Political Dialogue Stories: What Dialogue Can Do – Voices from the Open European Dialogue’s Parliamentary Steering Committee
Davide Albeggiani, Programme Manager of the Open European Dialogue, Associate, APROPOS
Rebecca Farulli, Programme Manager of the Open European Dialogue, Associate and R&D Lead, APROPOS
Disclaimer: The Open European Dialogue is a politically neutral cross-party, cross-country dialogue platform for European politicians. This piece represents the perspectives of the author(s) and does not necessarily portray the views of the Open European Dialogue, its partners, or all of its participants.
The Open European Dialogue (OED) Parliamentary Steering Committee is a cross-party group of politicians from across Europe. They come from different parties, countries, and political cultures, but are united by a strong dedication to the OED’s mission of promoting political dialogue across political divides. At the beginning of each year, the Committee gathers to share political insights from their national contexts and to inform the OED’s agenda for the year ahead, ensuring that its thematic focus and activities remain relevant to the work and needs of parliamentarians. However, the value of these meetings goes beyond their strategic and agenda-setting importance: they offer a rare moment of reflection – a space for elected representatives to step back, gain perspective, and connect with peers.
What follows are stories and reflections shared by Steering Committee members during recent annual gatherings. They speak of the real-world impact of the OED’s work across six key functions, the personal and political value of cross-party dialogue, and the broader relevance of sustained, trust-based conversations in today’s political landscape.
#1 | A Safe and Supportive Space for Dialogue
In the often combative and performative world of politics, few spaces offer the opportunity to address urgent issues while also allowing time for deep, thoughtful reflection. Several MPs described the OED as exactly that – a space that offers a “high rock” perspective, allowing participants to step back, breathe, and engage in forward-looking, thoughtful conversation beyond the pressure of partisan politics. One MP shared how, during a challenging election campaign, the OED network served as a genuine support system, with colleagues from different countries offering encouragement and advice: “I had a safe space and an open platform to talk about the challenges I faced as a politician with colleagues from all over Europe.”
Others emphasised the emotional and professional reassurance that comes from being part of a community of peers who understand each other’s work and face common challenges.
#2 | Cross-border Collaboration and International Solidarity
Dialogue across national lines is often limited to formal fora or diplomatic channels. The OED enables parliamentarians to build relationships across borders that would otherwise be difficult to forge.
One politician described how a conversation initiated at an OED dialogue led to a powerful act of cross-border solidarity, with an MP from a foreign country directly supporting their country’s Schengen accession process.
Another parliamentarian recalled organising a visit of 24 German Bundestag members to Cyprus, following a connection made through the OED. The delegation met with top political figures and engaged in deep, place-based dialogue – an initiative made possible by the trust and openness cultivated through the network.
#3 | Learning and Capacity-Building
The OED is also a space for learning. Many Steering Committee members credited the network with expanding their knowledge and skill sets through expert-led trainings and thematic exchanges. Topics like artificial intelligence (AI), crisis governance, and navigating political conflict were highlighted as areas where policymakers gained new tools directly applicable to their parliamentary work.
Several shared how insights gained at OED events helped them develop new language, frameworks, and confidence, informing legislative priorities at home, including around emerging technologies and complex foreign policy issues. One member even initiated an informal, cross-party parliamentary committee in their national context focused on “future-facing” topics such as youth participation and AI.
This kind of learning – open and informal, peer-led, and grounded in the real experiences of politicians – is recognised as a uniquely valuable model for capacity-building in today’s fast-paced political landscape.
#4 | Policy Innovation and Legislative Impact
The OED’s Policy Design Sprints emerged as a powerful mechanism for peer-led policy innovation: structured, collaborative sessions where parliamentarians co-create policy proposals in response to complex challenges.
One MP described how this process led to the development of a concrete policy prototype for improving parliamentary accountability during crises. Another reflected: “the Policy Design Sprint has enabled me to reflect more deeply on common issues and has helped me grow as a policymaker.”
These kinds of innovative formats are felt as an opportunity not only to generate ideas but also to sharpen strategies, strengthen cross-party collaboration, offering a space for thoughtful legislative design.
#5 | Renewed Motivation and Inspiration
Several MPs spoke of the OED as a source of renewal and motivation. One member called OED dialogues “moments of inspiration and optimism” that carried over into their daily political work.
Beyond policy content, it is also the interpersonal connections and sense of shared purpose that leave participants feeling re-energised, helping them sustain commitment in an increasingly complex and demanding political environment.
#6 | Bridging Political Divides
Perhaps most powerfully, the OED is recognised as an enabler for participants to overcome national and political divisions through open dialogue.
One story recounted a facilitated conversation between MPs from two countries in the midst of diplomatic tension. Despite the political conflict between their governments, the two parliamentarians were able to initiate a collaboration that demonstrated mutual respect and common purpose. The result wasn’t a resolution, but a relationship – and from that, a path to joint action.
Others emphasised the value of engaging with colleagues from different political cultures, building mutual understanding, gaining new perspectives, and refining their approaches, especially in settings where parliamentary work can be adversarial, divided, and polarising.
A Living Network for Political Dialogue
These stories reflect individual experiences and, together, illustrate the OED’s enduring value: a living network that fosters not only policy innovation but also personal and political transformation.
From cross-border solidarity to lasting professional growth, the impact of these exchanges continues to shape how parliamentarians work, collaborate, and lead in a complex and interdependent Europe.
To all past and current OED members: a heartfelt thank you for your continued commitment and invaluable support in promoting a culture of dialogue in politics.