Democracy in Europe faces mounting pressure. In Berlin, Germany marked 75 years of membership in the Council of Europe with an Anniversary Conference that looked back on decades of cooperation while setting out ideas to safeguard democratic values for the future.

The event brought together political leaders, academics and civil society voices to debate the state of freedom and democracy, and to raise the Council of Europe’s visibility at a critical moment for the Organisation.

Marking the anniversary, seven “Democracy Ambassadors” were appointed from civil society. Their work will spotlight key Council of Europe priorities, including democracy, women’s rights, youth participation and the fight against corruption.

“These appointments are a first step in preparing a ‘Berlin declaration on Democracy’ which can be considered as a German contribution to the New Pact on Democracy, initiated by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe,” said Ambassador Heike Thiele, Permanent Representative of Germany to the Council of Europe. “By these Ambassadors, we count on a strong networking of Council of Europe representatives with the German civil society,” Ambassador Thiele added.

The conference was co-hosted by the Council of Europe and Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, with support from the European Movement Germany, under the theme “Strengthening Networks for Democracy – 75 Years of Germany in the Council of Europe.”

 The New Democratic Pact for Europe