The question of how to strengthen democratic resilience is gaining new prominence in the EU policy debate. The European Democracy Shield and the new European Centre for Democratic Resilience have given fresh momentum to this discussion.
The focus is not solely on countering disinformation, foreign interference and other threats. It is also about strengthening democracy from within. This holistic approach means (re)building trust, greater participation, thriving civic space and strong democratic capacity across all levels of governance. It also means creating stronger links between local governments, EU institutions, national governments, civil society and researchers.
This challenge will be at the centre of the Nets4Dem Conference: Local Action, European Impact. Strengthening Democratic Resilience, taking place in Brussels on 5 May.
Registrations for the conference are now open, inviting participants to join the discussion and hear from key actors shaping democratic resilience across Europe.
Organised by Eurocities and TEPSA, the conference will explore how democratic resilience can be strengthened in practice and the role different actors have to play. It will look at how local, national and European levels of governance can better connect and complement one another, and how collaboration across sectors can support more resilient democratic systems. The programme will also highlight the role of democratic infrastructures such as Nets4Dem in connecting actors, knowledge and practice across Europe.
The conference will bring together cities, EU institutions, civil society organisations and researchers to share learnings and practical experiences from across Europe. By connecting these different communities, the conference aims to bridge policy, research and practice.
Speakers will include:
- André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities
- Anthony Zacharzewski, co-founder and President of Democratic Society
- Tara Tepavac, Research Associate at the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, University of Belgrade (IFDT)
- Alisa Aliti Vlašić, Director of European Strategy and Networks at Coglobal
- Sahib Singh, Researcher and Practitioner at Demos Helsinki
- Melisa Ross, Co-lead and Researcher at Global Citizens’ Assembly Network
- A European Commission representative from DG MOVE (TBC)
- Mayors of European cities (TBC)
- Senior representatives of leading civic and research organisations (TBC)
The conference will conclude with the Nets4Dem Democratic Innovation Awards, recognising impactful and inclusive local projects developed with the support of Nets4Dem.
View the detailed programme and register today: https://eurocities.idloom.events/Nets4Dem_conference
