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 representing civil society, youth organisations and local and regional authorities from across Europe came together at the European Youth Centre Budapest to explore how citizens' assemblies work, what it takes to plan and run one, and how to build the political and institutional support needed to make it happen – with a specific focus on the local and regional level.

 Through practical examples, discussion and peer exchange, participants examined how to plan inclusive processes, build support from local and regional authorities and ensure recommendations lead to follow-up. The programme also featured a public roundtable on deliberative democracy and citizens’ assemblies, bringing together perspectives from municipalities, civil society and government.

This event was the third activity in the programme "Strengthening Democratic Resilience through Youth Engagement and Deliberative Democracy", which was launched at an international roundtable at the European Youth Centre Budapest in September 2025 and continued with an online webinar in May 2026. The programme aims to build awareness and practical capacity for deliberative democracy – in particular, youth citizens' assemblies – across Council of Europe member states.

This activity was part of the Council of Europe’s contribution to the New Democratic Pact for Europe.

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.