Some 200 representatives of European Union institutions, the Council of Europe, civil society, legal practitioners, academics and the media gathered in Warsaw, Poland on 22-23 April to discuss the role of civil society in defending the rule of law in the framework of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The conference was opened by the Minister of Justice of Poland, Adam Bodnar, the Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General, Bjørn Berge and the Director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Maria Telalian.
In his opening remarks, Bjørn Berge emphasised that "civil society is one of our strongest lines of defence against the democratic backsliding that we are experiencing today - at a time when the rule of law is also under significant pressure."
In an interview with Polish Television (TVP), Bjørn Berge underscored the important role of civil society. "We need to mobilise all good forces to revitalise democracy and recommit to the rule of law together. And civil society certainly has a vital role in that."
On the first day, several panels explored the role of civil society as a core EU value and its place within the European Democracy Shield. Discussions also addressed the protection of journalists and human rights defenders participating in public debate, alongside the protection of academic freedom and the role of academia in strengthening the rule of law.
The conference will also address various aspects of the rule of law: its importance in shaping public understanding and commitment and the role of an independent legal profession in ensuring fair and just legal systems. There was also a debate on the role of ombudsman institutions and the importance of legal and civic education in shaping the rule of law.
Speech by Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge
