GEtCoheSive tested new ways of involving people who are often underrepresented in public decision-making. Between 2023 and 2026, the partnership developed and piloted participatory and deliberative governance approaches in cities including Berlin, Vienna, Ljubljana and Parma, focusing on environmental policies and access to care and welfare services. The project went beyond research by implementing pilot processes that engaged vulnerable groups, third-sector organisations and public administrations in the co-design of local policies and services. These pilots provided practical insights into how participation can become more inclusive, accessible and effective, particularly for people who face social, economic or migration-related barriers to engagement. A key outcome of GEtCoheSive is a set of transferable tools, methodologies and policy recommendations that public authorities and community organisations can continue to use after the project’s completion. These include guidance on engaging vulnerable groups, designing participatory processes, fostering cooperation between public institutions and civil society, and evaluating the quality and impact of participation. The project also produced comparative analyses of governance challenges across Central Europe, local action plans, and practical lessons from real-world pilot activities. Together, these outputs provide a resource for cities and organisations seeking to strengthen social cohesion, improve public services and make policy-making more inclusive. Although the project has ended, its outputs remain available to support policymakers, practitioners, researchers and community organisations interested in participatory governance and citizen engagement.