Check against delivery

Speech by Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe

Adam Lambe,
Andreea Scrioșteanu,
Dear friends,
I am delighted to be here to close this seminar.

We are here because we care about a rule-based international order and respect for the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.

We are here because we care about Europe.

We are all here because we do care about democracy — and with it, its foundations of human rights and the rule of law.
Looking at Europe and the world today – there is little to celebrate.
Full-scale war has returned to Europe.
And Europe is now being dragged into an escalating conflict in the Middle East.

At the same time, our democracies are threatened by misinformation, populism and artificial intelligence.

Foreign interference is driving polarisation and feeding growing distrust of institutions.

And the civic space is diminishing, as freedom of expression, academic freedom and freedom of the press come under attack.
And that’s where we come into this — where we must act.
And I am delighted to see you all here, contributing your ideas on how to strengthen democratic security.
We launched the consultations into establishing a New Democratic Pact for Europe precisely because we need to hear your voices.

Democracy is far from perfect, and we need to find a way of strengthening and revitalising it – together with you.

As you know, we have a track record of working together, as the Council of Europe has long worked for and together with young people.

Through the European Youth Foundation, National Youth Councils and this Youth Centre, you have already contributed to the work addressing the shrinking civic space and other challenges facing young people and civil society in Europe today — and you will be vital to the process going forward.

I remember last October in Malta, where National Youth Councils delegates spoke at the 10th Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth.
I think it was a key moment for all of us, when youth delegates sat side by side with Ministers.

And indeed, it was shortly after that, that the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities adopted the New European Charter on the participation of young people in local and regional life.
A Charter that affirms that meaningful participation demands rights, means, support and spaces for young people.
It is only in that way you can influence decisions in a meaningful way.

Decisions that affect everything from employment to education, housing and community life — your lives, and those of your communities.
I would appreciate it if you could help us promote the Charter even more, by raising awareness among local authorities and your vast youth networks throughout Europe.

You can help us translate the Charter into real change, bridging standards with implementation.

Also through training and support, you can help youth councils at municipal level and teach your peers about participatory democracy. 
Basically, bringing the Charter to life.

Dear friends,
You have the knowledge, the experience and you have power.
At this time when fear is sweeping across Europe, driven by disinformation, impunity and authoritarianism, we can only make a difference if we stand up for what we believe in.

Because too many of us take too much for granted.
And indifference and complacency are in many ways our worse enemy.
Because today, we must fight for our rights – our fundamental human rights – our values.

Yes, democracy is a process.
And we try to amend and develop it as we go along.
So let us discuss and seek solutions that help revitalise and strengthen our democracies.

Yes, democracy is far from perfect, but the alternatives are much worse!