Strengthening democracy
In an era marked by global democratic decline and rising authoritarianism, the European Forum Alpbach 2023 convened to address the pressing need for reinforcing democracy in Europe. Under the umbrella of the Ideas for Europe project, a selection of seminars and sessions of the Democracy & Rule of Law Track focused on three central questions, paving the way forward for democratic renewal.
Safeguarding Democratic Resilience: In a digital age rife with misinformation and polarization, seminars like "Radicalisation and Extremism: Where Reality Meets the Digital Space" and "Making Progress in Polarised Times" explored the digital realms where extremism thrives. These sessions were integral parts of the Ideas for Europe project, aiming to identify strategies to counteract radicalization and polarization.
Including Citizens in Democratic Processes: Recognizing the disillusionment among citizens, efforts were made to engage them effectively. Labs such as "Civic Foresight – Anticipating and Counteracting Disruptions of Democracy" and "Youth as Key for Democratic Renewal – Impacting European Elections" delved into the role of citizens, particularly youth, in shaping democratic renewal within the framework of the Ideas for Europe initiative.
Improving Democratic Leadership: Gender parity in political leadership emerged as a critical focus. "Reimagining Politics – Delivering on Gender Representation in Political Leadership" explored innovative approaches to accelerate the journey towards gender equality in politics, aligning with the goals of the Ideas for Europe project to promote inclusivity and diversity in democratic leadership.
Here you can find an overview of all seminars and workshops hosted at EFA23:
Methods and Tools to Counter Disinformation
5-day Seminar: Radicalisation and Extremism: Where Reality Meets the Digital Space
3-day (closed) Lab: Youth as Key for Democratic Renewal – Impacting European elections
Workshop: Fact or Fake? - How to Spot Misinformation (in cooperation with Alliance for Europe)
Presentation of Civic Engagement Prototypes & Discussion with Experts
5-day Seminar: Making Progress in Polarised Times
3-day (closed) Lab: Civic Foresight – Anticipating and Counteracting Disruptions of Democracy (in cooperation with The CIVICS Innovation Hub)
3-day (closed) Lab: Youth as Key for Democratic Renewal – Impacting European elections
3-day (closed) Lab: Reimagining Politics – Delivering on gender representation in political leadership
Workshop: Citizens’ Assemblies Simulation (in cooperation with ALDA - European Association for Local Democracy)
Chat session: European Parliament Elections 2024 - How Will Young People Vote?
These seminars and workshops, held as part of the Ideas for Europe project at the European Forum Alpbach 2023, reinforced the collective effort towards strengthening democracy. As Europe prepares for the 2024 European Parliament elections, the discussions underscored the importance of addressing pressing issues and making politics more relevant and engaging for the youth.
The European Forum Alpbach 2023 served as a beacon of hope, bringing together diverse voices and expertise to chart a course towards a more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant democracy in Europe, in alignment with the overarching goals of the Ideas for Europe project. Let's seize this momentum to enact meaningful change and uphold the principles of democracy for generations to come.