The Council of Europe has published the report of the international conference "Shaping democratic renewal: civic space and the path to a New Democratic Pact for Europe", which took place in Strasbourg on 2-3 February 2026. The document summarises the discussions, exchanges, and key conclusions of over 500 participants from across Europe .
This publication offers an overview of the current state of civic space, highlighting both main challenges and concrete opportunities for action. It also presents a series of recommendations for member states, the Council of Europe, and civil society, with particular attention to strengthening democratic resilience and security and ensuring meaningful participation.
The report emphasises the importance of civic space as a foundation of democratic societies and highlights its significance for human rights and the rule of law. It is intended as a resource for policymakers, civil society actors, and all those interested in democratic development.
Readers are invited to explore the report and consider its findings.
