About
Democracy on the European continent is under attack. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a war against democracy itself. Our democracy cannot be taken for granted. It must be nurtured and taken care of every day. This is what the von der Leyen Commission has strived for since the start of its mandate.
Europe’s strength lies in its unity, and this unity is based on our shared democratic values: our commitment to fundamental human rights; the protection of a free and independent press; upholding the rule of law; and equality between women and men, rural and urban, young and old.
Democracies must be worked on and renewed every single day, and this requires citizens to be empowered to speak up. The Conference on the Future of Europe, which concluded on 9 May 2022, has empowered citizens to shape the future of our European Union. The Commission has listened, and is now focused on delivering on their proposals.
24 July 2024 - The Commission has published its fifth annual Rule of Law Report which monitors significant developments and takes stock of the rule of law situation in all EU countries. It shows that the EU is much better prepared to detect, prevent and address emerging challenges than 5 years ago. Key recommendations for 2024 include carrying out further reforms to strengthen judicial independence and anti-corruption frameworks, as well to improve the functioning of independent authorities and to ensure a free and pluralistic media landscape. 68% of the 2023 recommendations have been, fully or partially, addressed, showing that the report has become a true driver of positive reforms.
Key figures from the Conference on the Future of Europe
European citizens participating in transnational panels to make recommendations to the EU on key issues
Empowering citizens to share ideas and help shape our common future
Building a Union of Equality, free of discrimination based on gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation
Ensuring the protection of rights of all children
Promoting free and fair elections, strengthening media freedom and countering disinformation
Promoting the rule of law, and preventing and mitigating emerging challenges
Protecting media pluralism and independence in the EU
Developing stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas and communities
Timeline
- 6-9 June 2024
2024 European elections take place
- 7 May 2024
The Council adopts two directives to strengthen the role of equality bodies across the EU
- 7 May 2024
Entry into force of the European Media Freedom Act
- 6 May 2024
- 24 April 2024
The Parliament approves first ever EU rules on combating violence against women
- 8 February 2024
Political agreement on the European Disability and Parking Cards
- 6 February 2024
Political agreement on new rules to combat violence against women and domestic violence
- 24 January 2024
Political agreement on the European Media Freedom Act
- 24 January 2024
- 12 December 2023
Defence of democracy: The Commission proposes to shed light on covert foreign influence
- 30 November 2023
Political agreement on countering abusive lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP)
- 7 November 2023
Political agreement on transparency of political advertising regulation
- 11 October 2023
- 12 July 2023
The Commission proposes an initiative to strengthen the rights of victims of crime
- 6 July 2023
The Commission presents the 2023 Strategic Foresight Report
- 5 July 2023
The Commission publishes its fourth annual Rule of Law Report
- 8 June 2023
- 31 May 2023
- 3 May 2023
Anti-corruption: Stronger rules to fight corruption in the EU and worldwide
- 5 April 2023
The Commission adopts a proposal for a Regulation on the transfer of criminal proceedings between Member States
- 7 March 2023
The European Parliament and the Member States reach a political agreement on the European Year of Skills
- 17 January 2023
Commission announces plans to ensure talent is nourished and launches the ‘Talent Booster Mechanism'.
- 16 December 2022
First European Citizens' Panel as a follow-up to the Conference on the Future of Europe
- 12 October 2022
Commission kick-starts work on the European Year of Skills
- 19 September 2022
- 16 September 2022
- 13 July 2022
- 21 June 2022
The Commission presents the 2022 Strategic Foresight Report
- 28 April 2022
- 1 January 2022
- 9 December 2021
- 25 November 2021
- 8 September 2021
The Commission presents the 2021 Strategic Foresight Report
- 20 July 2021
- 30 June 2021
- 17 June 2021
- 29 April 2021
- 24 March 2021
- 4 March 2021
- 27 January 2021
- 3 December 2020
- 13 November 2020
- 12 November 2020
- 30 September 2020
- 18 September 2020
- 9 September 2020
- 17 June 2020
- 24 June 2020
- 24 June 2020
- 5 March 2020
Policy areas
Looking at the main drivers of demographic change and their impact across Europe
Tackling racism, xenophobia and discrimination on the grounds of age, sexual orientation and gender identity
Detecting, analysing and exposing disinformation
Building a more inclusive and protective Europe
Share your views as citizens and businesses on new EU policies and existing laws