What makes democracy work for everyone?

Fundamental rights.

They allow people to participate, be heard and shape the societies they live in. They also set the limits that no majority should be able to override. 

European democracies have shown that they can adapt in times of profound change while preserving the values that hold the EU together.

Democracy is more than elections.

A resilient and thriving democracy depends on people being free to:

• vote and stand for office;
• access trustworthy information;
• express their views without fear of censorship;
• enjoy privacy and equal treatment;
• seek justice when their rights are violated.

Democracies stay strong when governments are held accountable, institutions remain independent, and power is separated and balanced.

Today, democracy faces growing pressure.

Europe is going through profound change: geopolitical and economic instability, widening inequality and polarisation, disinformation, technological disruption and pressure on civic space.

These challenges are reshaping democratic life. But they also create opportunities to strengthen our democratic societies – to ensure they can better respond to the needs of people and protect their rights.

he Vienna Forum for Fundamental Rights and Democracy 2027

The Forum will explore how fundamental rights anchor democracies in times of change, guiding how they adapt and setting limits on what change can take away.

Together, we will examine how to build democracies that are: inclusive today, effective and responsive in practice, and resilient for tomorrow.