In light of rising insecurity, democratic backsliding and increasing lack of trust by people in democratic institutions and processes, a growing number of Council of Europe member States have been looking at ways to strengthen democratic practices. Deliberative democracy has the potential to enhance people’s trust in democratic institutions and processes and boost participation in public life.

The European Committee on Democracy and Governance (CDDG) is tasked with preparing a report on deliberative and participatory forms of democracy, with a view to complementing Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)4 on the participation of citizens in local public life and the 2017 Guidelines on civil participation in decision-making. A Working Group on deliberative democracy was set up and met for the first time on 5-6 May 2022.

The Working Group considered a report on new forms of deliberative and participatory democracy prepared by Council of Europe experts. It discussed, inter alia, Dos and Don’ts of deliberative democracy, factors of success and considered best practices and innovative approaches in the above-mentioned fields, with a view to identifying elements for eventually preparing a Recommendation on deliberative democracy. The Working Group also held an exchange of views with Congress and other bodies of the Council of Europe.