As democracy practitioners and advocates from around the world gather in Brussels for Democracy R&D 2025 conference, we open with a question that speaks directly to European political leadership: Where is European democracy headed — and what role will you play in shaping its future?
In a time of democratic strain, rising polarisation, and declining trust in institutions, the impetus for renewal is real. Citizens are demanding more voice, more transparency, and more meaningful engagement. Whether you are policymaker, politician or democracy practitioner, your response matters.
This high-level pre-conference brings together diverse actors engaged with democracy to assess where we stand now — and to chart the ways forward from here.
Why join us?
- Shape the agenda on democratic renewal and Europe’s global credibility as a democratic actor.
- Explore how deliberative and participatory models can strengthen policy legitimacy, improve outcomes, and build trust.
- Connect with leading thinkers & practitioners of democratic innovation.
- Build bridges to align European political ambition with the energy of a global democratic community.
Programme overview
- 16:00–16:20 | Opening Remarks
- 16:20–16:30 | The State of Democracy: Europe and the World – Setting the Scene
- 16:30–17:20 | Panel 1: How Democratic is Europe? A Critical Diagnosis of Our Democratic Institutions
- 17:20–17:30 | Break & Transition
- 17:30–18:30 | Panel 2: Bold Ideas to Innovate European Democracies
- 18:30–19:00 | Closing Remarks
- 19:00–20:00 | Networking Reception
Organized by
FIDE — Europe, G1000, Missions Publiques, Democratic Society, Egmont Institute, European Partnership for Democracy and Hannah Arendt Instituut.