Council of Europe actively contributes to enhancing regional digital governance by leading three panels at the Southeastern European Policy Dialogue on Internet Governance SEEDIG 2025 in Athens on 10 - 11 of October 2025.
On 10 October the panel discussion “Public-Private Policy Dialogue: Human Rights and Digital Business” will explore how public and private sectors can align digital innovation with human rights through international frameworks like the Council of Europe’s AI Convention, risk assessments, and digital tools, highlighting corporate practices, regional initiatives, and ongoing cooperation to promote ethical, rights-based digital transformation. A follow-up panel will discuss how to counter harmful online content and disinformation while safeguarding freedom of expression, promoting a human rights-based and multi-stakeholder approach aligned with Council of Europe standards, with a focus on strengthening democratic resilience and content governance in South-Eastern Europe. On October 11, a panel discussion “Cyber interference with Democracy” will explore how information and communication technologies are misused to manipulate democratic institutions, electoral processes, and public trust in governance. The focus would be on recent cases of cyber interference in elections through malicious activities, outlining various forms of such interference, and discussing preventative and responsive measures grounded in the principles of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Council of Europe representatives will equally address the SEEDIG Youth school on the eve of the event on Council of Europe Digital Agenda and opportunities for youth.
