Conference Conversations – state and future of democracy
YouTube, 28.09.2021
Interactive Online Talkshow
At this fourth edition of the Conference Conversations, moderated by Jacki Davis, Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor, European University Institute; Dominik Hierlemann, Senior Expert, Bertelsmann Stiftung; Herman Van Rompuy, President Emeritus of the European Council; President, European Policy Centre; Janis A. Emmanouilidis, Director of Studies, European Policy Centre, discussed issues related to democracy and the Conference on the Future of Europe.
Following the launch of the first sessions of the Conference's European Citizens' Panels, this edition of Conference Conversations focused on the potential political ramifications and consequences of the Conference, particularly on the future of democracy, both at the EU level and beyond. These Panels are a central aspect of the Conference activities and serve to connect citizens with the EU institutions by allowing randomly selected citizens to directly participate in the debate on the future of Europe.
Our panellists discussed both the overall state of democracy and how the participative elements of the Conference could actually influence the future of representative democracy. What is the current state of democracy within the EU, and to what extent should the Union and its member states be concerned with deteriorating levels of democracy? Is the Conference a useful vehicle to discuss the larger challenges and issues facing Europe? What are the chances that the results of the Citizens' Panels will lead to real change and reforms in the EU? How vocal should the Union be as a promoter of democratic values and what influence can the Conference have on the current rule of law debate?
Conference Conversations is part of the Conference Observatory, a joint initiative of Bertelsmann Stiftung, the European Policy Centre, King Baudouin Foundation and Stiftung Mercator, which closely monitors the Conference on the Future of Europe, assesses its impact and presents ideas on how to improve it.
Link to video on YouTube here
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