High-Level Event on Democracy 2026

Democracy is the cornerstone of the European Union and is key to building peace, security, economic prosperity, competitiveness, and social cohesion. Protecting democracy and building democratic resilience of citizens, societies and institutions is an urgent collective endeavour. The EU institutions, Member States, civil society and private sector each have a role to play to protect our democratic values, freedoms and way of life.  

As announced in the European Democracy Shield communication, the European Commission will organise a High-Level Event on Democracy, bringing together representatives from Member States and EU institutions, as well as key stakeholders active on democratic innovation and building democratic resilience. The event will showcase progress made on the European Democracy Shield in several priority areas, from safeguarding the integrity of the information space to boosting societal resilience and citizens’ engagement and strengthening democratic institutions, free and fair elections and free and independent media.  

It will offer a unique opportunity to highlight ongoing work and exchange knowledge and experiences.