Chișinău, Republic of Moldova               29 April 2026         Agenda

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In turbulent times where democratic foundations are challenged, the Council of Europe is working towards a New Democratic Pact for Europe to restore citizens’ faith in democratic institutions.  In the Reykjavík Declaration “United around our values”, Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe reaffirmed their commitment “to securing and strengthening democracy and good governance at all levels throughout Europe” and underlined the essential role of multilevel governance in achieving these aims. 

In 2026, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe prepared a set of Parameters to facilitate application and implementation of the Reykjavík Principles for Democracy, building on Council of Europe standards to protect, promote and strengthen democracy.

This Conference, organised under the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, aims to contribute to  the New Democratic Pact; pursue the commitments undertaken in the Reykjavik Declaration; and build on the conclusions of the Multilevel Governance Conference organised in Gozo in June 2025, under the Maltese Presidency of the Committee of Ministers.

Context

Across Europe, democratic backsliding and declining citizens’ trust in democracy and its institutions, constitute major challenges for democratic governance. Addressing these challenges requires co-ordination and co-operation between different levels of government and depends on mobilisation and engagement of relevant actors and stakeholders.

How can member states pursue multilevel governance and territorial administrative reforms that enable them to engage citizens, improve service delivery, and strengthen participation to ensure that democratic institutions truly serve all citizens?

The Conference will showcase innovative policy approaches to strengthen vertical and horizontal coordination between national, regional, and local authorities in preparation and implementation of reforms.  It will highlight examples of good practice in inclusive stakeholder engagement and effective participation in decision-making processes.  It will demonstrate that effective consultation, coordination and meaningful participation lead to measurable improvements in the delivery of services to citizens.

Objectives 

The Conference, organised by the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress, with the involvement of the CDDEM, aims to:

  • Showcase good practice in consultation, participation and co-operation between public authorities, civil society and communities.
  • Promote structured, inclusive, and sustainable consultation mechanisms as a basis for strengthening democratic legitimacy, accountability and public trust.
  • Strengthen citizen participation in public decision-making, including through innovative, deliberative and digital tools, in line with Council of Europe standards.
  • Explore coherent frameworks for the distribution of competences and responsibilities across levels of governance to enhance policy coherence, coordination and public service delivery.
  • Demonstrate how to use the Parameters for application and implementation of the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy in support of democratic governance reforms.
Additional Documents

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Why a New Democratic Pact for Europe?

Democratic backsliding, disinformation, impunity, and authoritarianism are undermining democracy in Europe. People are increasingly afraid and frustrated. It comes at a time when democratic security – the resilience of our democratic institutions, freedoms, and values – is our first line of defence against the threats we face. A collective response is needed. There is no quick fix and no single solution. With the New Democratic Pact, the Council of Europe unites with its partners to boost solutions that work and create new responses. To identify them, consultations are needed. The Pact will serve as a collective and inclusive process – not to reinvent democracy, but to reinforce its foundations, amplify its benefits, and innovate its form to make it tangible for everyone, especially younger generations. The directions set during the consultation phase running through 2026 will shape the work that follows.


 

 Read the conclusions of the Conference here.