On 20 June, the Council of Europe will organise a flagship event in Strasbourg as part of the New Democratic Pact for Europe. This gathering will feature dynamic team challenges, plenary debates on democratic resilience and free expression, and collaborative innovation to counter disinformation and revitalise democracy in the digital age.
Building on the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy, the event will feature an intensive hackathon with 11 diverse teams from across Europe, alongside plenary debates addressing the pressing challenges facing democracy today: disinformation and gender equality, disinformation and elections, disinformation and culture. The programme also includes presentations of team pitches, an award ceremony, and social activities - all designed to foster creativity and drive meaningful change.
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset will open and actively engage in the debate, underlining the organisation's commitment to safeguarding democracy across the continent.
Democracy faces significant threats - from the spread of disinformation to rising political polarisation, eroding public trust, and growing inequalities. Launched as a continuation of the Reykjavik Declaration, the New Democratic Pact seeks to revitalise democracy and uphold the core values of freedom, equality, and the rule of law. This event marks an important milestone in that effort.
The hackathon will bring together youth activists, civil society leaders, tech developers, policymakers, diplomats, legal experts, economists, scientists, philosophers, social entrepreneurs, psychologists and artists. Together, they will co-create innovative solutions to make democracy more engaging, inclusive and resilient in the digital age.
The event will explore crucial questions, including:
- How can democracy adapt to the emerging challenges of the digital age?
- How can freedom of expression be protected under European human rights law while effectively countering disinformation and propaganda?
- How can democratic resilience be increased?
Additionally, a satellite event at the European Youth Centre in Budapest will engage young people from Council of Europe member states, offering expert guidance as they develop their own creative solutions.
About the New Democratic Pact for Europe
Launched by Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset as a follow-up to the Reykjavik Declaration, the New Democratic Pact for Europe aims to protect and revitalise democracy in Europe by promoting transparency, citizen engagement, and the rule of law, especially in the face of modern threats such as disinformation and political fragmentation.
