How can we strengthen democracy today?
Democracy is the cornerstone of the European Union and key to building peace, security, and shared prosperity. More than a system of governance, democracy is our way of life - safeguarding rights and freedoms and fostering open and just societies.
Yet democracy does not thrive on its own. It depends on active civic engagement, trustworthy information, independent media, free and fair elections, and resilient institutions. And in a rapidly changing world, democracy demands continuous adaptation and reinforcement.
Protecting democracy and building the democratic resilience of citizens, societies and institutions is an urgent and shared responsibility.
Join the debate and make an impact
This online debate invites you to share your views, experiences and ideas on how to strengthen democratic resilience across Europe.
Contribute your perspectives on key aspects of democratic life, such as access to reliable information, media literacy, awareness of citizens’ rights, participation in decision-making, and the skills needed to engage in democracy in a digital world.
This debate follows up on the European Democracy Shield. It will feed into ongoing and future EU initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy and will inform future participatory processes, including a European Citizens’ Panel on Democratic Resilience.
Are you organising an event related to democratic resilience? Advertise it here on our platform and invite people to join it!
Why does democratic resilience matter?
Democracy goes beyond institutions and elections. It depends on citizens’ trust, participation and ability to form opinions freely.
Today, democratic societies face growing challenges, including disinformation, information manipulation and declining trust in institutions. Strengthening democratic resilience means ensuring that citizens can exercise their rights, access reliable information, and participate safely and meaningfully in democratic life.
Reinforcing democratic resilience is one of the key horizontal principles of the European Democracy Shield across all its priority areas.
Your input will help explore how democracy can remain strong, inclusive and responsive in today’s complex environment.
Why do we need this debate?
Timeline
- May–December 2026Online contributions
Citizens create, comment on and endorse contributions on the Citizens' Engagement Platform.
- May–December 2026Events
Events organised across the EU by citizens, civil society organisations and partner networks will complement and feed into the online debate.
- September–November 2026European Citizens' Panel
Citizens' contributions feed into the Panel. The Panel debates and addresses recommendations to the European Commission.
- From November 2026Taking action on Citizens' Panel recommendations
Follow-up to Platform contributions and Panel recommendations by the European Commission.
- 2027Feedback on the outcome
Communicate to citizens about the policy actions informed by their contributions and recommendations.
