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.

The Council of Europe’s event series “Strengthening Democratic Resilience through Youth Engagement and Deliberative Democracy” aims to enhance the intersections between youth engagement and deliberative democracy, provide inspiration and practical guidance for actors from the youth sector of member states, and equip future advocates and practitioners with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement high-quality deliberative processes that meet standards set by the Recommendation CM/Rec (2023)6 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on Deliberative Democracy.
 

  This series of events is 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.