Connecting people and place: local fabrics of trust

In this Episode:

Why do people still feel distant from regional and EU institutions - even in an age of digital participation tools? This question lies at the heart of our conversation with Sonia Bussu, Associate Professor in Public Policy at the University of Birmingham. 

While digital platforms have expanded opportunities for engagement, they cannot on their own bridge the gap between institutions and communities. Trust remains rooted in local relationships, shared histories, and the everyday experiences that shape how people connect to public life. Technology can support participation, but only when it is grounded in a real understanding of places, identities, and inequalities. 

Our guest Sonia Bussu takes us beyond the theory and into the real world. She explains how participation succeeds when institutions understand the stories, inequalities, and identities that define a place - and fails when communication remains distant or generic. 

 💬As she puts it: “Legitimacy comes from relationships rather than messaging.”

Guest:

Sonia Bussu, Associate Professor in Public Policy, University of Birmingham (UK/IT). 
Her work focuses on participatory and deliberative democracy, community engagement, and inclusive methods that strengthen the voice of marginalised groups in policymaking,  with experience across Europe and the UK. 

Host:

Emna Chaouch | Public speaker | Podcast host 

About the podcast:

The EuroPCom podcast series on public communication is produced by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) in close cooperation with the EuroPCom partners. 

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