The Council of Europe is launching "Your voice for democracy", an online consultation inviting citizens of its 46 member states to answer one open question: "What needs to change for democracy to work better for you?"
It is part of the New Democratic Pact for Europe, the Organisation's response to democratic backsliding, falling trust in institutions and growing polarisation across the continent.
A few minutes, on any device
Many people feel that democracy no longer works for them. The consultation is a chance for people in all 46 member states who want democracy to work better to say what should change.
Taking part takes a few minutes on a phone, tablet or computer. Participants can submit their own proposals on how to change and improve democracy, and they can vote on the proposals made by others. The platform allows participants to vote and propose solutions in 36 languages. You can submit your ideas until November 2. Starting November 3, it will only be possible to vote to decide between the proposals submitted.
No topic is out of scope. Unlike an opinion poll, the consultation lets citizens put forward their own ideas and shows which ones gather consensus or prompt debate.
From citizens' ideas to the Pact
The consultation follows a first consultation phase in the context of the Pact that listened to governments, parliamentarians, local and regional authorities, international partners, civil society, academia and the private sector.
Together, the ideas collected through the consultation can make a change: the results will feed into the final outputs of the Pact, expected in 2027, which will serve as a basis for decision makers to renew their commitment to democracy.
