The kick off event of the project EUact2 project (“Towards Democratic and Inclusive Europe: EP Elections and Active Citizens Participation and Contribution”) took place at Bratislava, on 19 October 2022. It was organized by the coordinating institution, GLOBSEC, with participants from all partners – European Movement (EM) Ireland, ELIAMEP, and IDM.

In the light of the complex setting of the Russian war in Ukraine, this event addressed democracy in modern Europe. The speakers included Sebastian Schäffer, Managing Director, Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM); Noelle O Connell, Executive Director, European Movement (EM) Ireland; and Spyros Blavoukos, Head, Arian Condellis European Programme, ELIAMEP, Greece.  They got engaged in a lively discussion based on the following questions:

  • What is the state of democracy across Europe today? Where are the citizens?
  • How can crises be used as a democracy-strengthening impetus?
  • What are some good practices across the EU? What have we learnt from the Conference of the Future of Europe and other participatory formats?
  • Defending democracy versus democracy on the offence: Is there a difference?

Find out the full report of the event here.