| The process leading to the New Democratic Pact will culminate in the 2026 Summit of Heads of State and Government, where crucial political decisions and commitments will be made to reinforce democracy in Europe. |
Strasbourg, June 13 (DPnet).– The Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will participate on June 20 in a flagship event of the New Democratic Pact for Europe advancing the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy — featuring dynamic team challenges, plenary debates on democratic resilience and free expression, and collaborative innovation to counter disinformation and revitalise democracy in the digital age.
The New Democratic Pact is conceived as a Commitment for 21st-Century Democratic Security in Europe, redefining democracy — making it stronger, more adaptable to old and new challenges, and more inclusive. By leveraging innovation, technology, and collective action, this initiative will empower people, reinforce democratic institutions, and drive democratic resilience. The Pact will highlight the importance of democratic security, safeguarding the values that form the foundation of our societies.
The Council of Europe's strategy for strengthening democratic resilience in Europe rests on three key pillars:
- Learning and Practicing Democracy by supporting formal and non-formal education initiatives that equip European citizens —especially young people— with the skills, attitudes, and critical thinking necessary for engaged citizenship. It will also be about ensuring equal opportunities for democratic participation and access to rights for all.
- Protecting Democracy by developing robust responses to internal and external threats, including corruption, electoral interference, and disinformation — particularly the misuse of digital technology and AI. And by safeguarding media freedom as a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Democratic security is key.
- Innovating for Democracy by enhancing democratic processes through deliberative and participatory democracy, as well as by harnessing new technologies to improve accessibility, trust, and efficiency in governance. Since Reykjavik, the Council of Europe has launched an ambitious programme addressing key areas such as education, gender equality, youth participation, civil society, media freedom, AI and human rights, culture and heritage, and anti-corruption efforts. A newly established intergovernmental committee on democracy serves as an incubator for innovative policies to strengthen democratic processes and resilience.
Contacts: Giuseppe Zaffuto, Tel. + 33 3 90 21 56 04; Estelle Steiner, Tel. +33 6 08 46 01 57
Comments powered by CComment