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Congress President at the World Forum for Democracy: We must work together for a democracy that listens, includes and delivers
“Democratic security is not only about protecting institutions – it is also about making sure democracy works for the people it serves. Municipalities and regions are close to people’s everyday concerns and can make services, decisions and participation more responsive,” underlined Congress...
World Forum for Democracy gathers 1,400 participants from 60 countries in Strasbourg
What future is left for us?” World Forum for Democracy opens with a call to earn back trust
As young people across the world take to the streets to demand political change, defend their rights and call for a greater say in their future, the 46-member Council of Europe is organising the World Forum for Democracy to assess the state of democracy amid growing global uncertainty and explore...
PACE President: ‘Democracy has no emergency button. It has us’
Opening the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg, PACE President Petra Bayr warned that the most dangerous threats to democracy often go unnoticed. “The most dangerous threats to democracy make no noise at all”, she said, pointing to disinformation, weakening institutions and the gradual...
Instruments form part of the Congress contribution to the Council of Europe’s New Democratic Pact
Congress adopts early-warning instruments against democratic backsliding at local and regional level
This week, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has adopted several early-warning instruments against democratic backsliding at local and regional level, as its contribution to the Council of Europe’s New Democratic Pact for Europe. “We are concerned about the...
World Forum for Democracy 2026: imagining possible futures to strengthen democratic security in Europe
From consultation to action, the New Democratic Pact for Europe enters a new phase
What needs to change for democracy to work better for you?
“Your voice for democracy” consultation: last days to submit proposals, then citizens vote for the ideas that matter most
Citizens have until 4 November, 23:59 CET, to submit their proposals to Your voice for democracy, the Europe-wide consultation under the Council of Europe's New Democratic Pact for Europe. From 5 to 12 November, everyone will be able to vote on the proposals received. Since 12 October, people in...
‘The game-changers’ – Budapest conference focuses on how to rebuild young people’s trust in democracy
Rebuilding the trust of young people in democracy was the focus of a major parliamentary conference which took place today in Budapest – with recent street protests and political change driven by students and young people in several countries on the minds of several of the speakers. Organised by...
Council of Europe Secretary General exchanges with Congress members on threats to democratic society
Local democracy is Europe’s early warning system – Alain Berset
Democratic security as a response to street protests across Europe, the young driving change, reforming the Council of Europe to make it fit for today’s challenges, and the key role of local authorities in detecting and countering democratic backsliding were among the main themes of today’s...
Local democracy is crucial for rebuilding trust: Congress session opens in Strasbourg
“Across Europe, we are witnessing growing social tensions and unrest in many of our cities. We cannot ignore the reasons and concerns that fuel much of this unrest,” stressed Congress President Gunn Marit Helgesen at the opening of the 51st session, in Strasbourg on 27 October 2026. “The rising...
Workshop and Roundtable on Deliberative Democracy and Citizens’ Assemblies takes place at the European Youth Centre Budapest
On 19-21 October 2026, the Council of Europe Youth Department and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, in partnership with DemNet Foundation organised a two-day workshop and a public panel discussion on deliberative democracy and citizens’ assemblies. Over 30 participants...