Marking Europe Day on 5 May, the seventh edition of the European Conference has been held in Kristiansand, Norway, focused on the theme of "Democracy under pressure - preparedness, resilience and the future of Europe."
Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge participated in the opening session together with the Mayor of Kristiansand Mathias Bernander and head of the Norwegian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Lise Selnes.
Deputy Secretary General Berge emphasised that "There is no need to redefine our values, fundamental rights, the rule of law. Democracy is not perfect, but it is the best system forward." He also underlined the need to reach out and engage in a dialogue throughout Europe, and the importance of the New Democratic Pact for Europe in this regard.
All countries are capable of democracy
At a time of immense challenges for democracy in Europe and beyond, Yulia Navalnaya, the Russian democratic leader in exile and human-rights activist, argued that the cause was not impossible in her speech at the opening session:
"I know there is no such thing as a people incapable of democracy. Russia will have another chance to choose a democratic path. Dreaming is not enough; we must work actively together to make this dream come true."
Her speech was followed by a session bringing together different perspectives to the future of democracy in Russia and Europe.
The New Democratic Pact is Europe's shield
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stressed in his keynote speech that the importance of democratic culture is as important as the institutions: "We need to protect the very fabric of society, democracy and the rule of law. That requires a democratic shield, such as the New Democratic Pact for Europe that came out from the Reykjavik Summit."
An important element of the conference was also the participation of young people in the conversations and lectures about the future of democracy, human rights and the security situation in Europe.
The conference, organised in collaboration with the Council of Europe, brings together politicians, researchers, business, youth and civil society for conversations about democracy, human rights, security, values and the future of Europe. The aim is to strengthen knowledge, build bridges between different actors and create an open space for dialogue on the big questions that shape our time.
Learn more about the Council of Europe's wide-ranging work for democracy
Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge
