Today, democracies are facing multiple challenges, including shifting geopolitics, rising authoritarianism, erosion of democratic norms, declining confidence in democratic institutions and threats from hybrid and digital disruption. In this complex environment, it is important to examine the role of multilevel governance in addressing these issues and to reflect on ways not only to safeguard but also to renew democratic practices, particularly at the local and regional levels.

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, together with the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) and the Government of Catalonia, is organising an international seminar “Stronger Democracy through Multilevel Governance” on 19 November 2025 in Barcelona.

The event will bring together local democracy stakeholders to explore key challenges and opportunities linked to participatory processes, local democracy, multilevel governance, territorial cohesion, decentralisation, and the digital information environment.

This event is part of a series of consultations contributing to the New Democratic Pact for Europe. The Pact is both a strategic and political process to reinforce the foundations of democracy, amplify its benefits, restore confidence and innovate its form to make it tangible and meaningful for all, especially for younger generations.

The Pact builds on the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy, which seek to secure and strengthen democracy and good governance at all levels throughout Europe.

 

  • The event will take place on 19 November 2025, at the World Trade Center in Barcelona. It is organized as a side event of the CPMR 53rd General Assembly. CPMR is an institutional partner of the Congress.
  • Agenda
  • Simultaneous interpretation in English, Spanish, French, Catalan will be provided.
  • Contact person in the Secretariat of the Congress: [email protected]


 

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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.