MEPs, national parliamentarians, EU experts and civil society representatives will gather in Brussels this week for discussions on strengthening democracy and rebuilding citizens’ trust in democratic institutions.
The second EU Parliamentary Democracy Forum will take place in the European Parliament’s hemicycle on 29 and 30 September, with participants examining issues including election protection, the role of civil society and parliamentary oversight at both EU and national level. Geopolitical disruption and its impact on democratic systems will also feature on the agenda.
The forum will open on Tuesday with remarks by Verona Murphy, Ceann Comhairle of Ireland’s Dáil Éireann, and European Parliament Vice-President Katarina Barley. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’s democratic forces, will then deliver an opening address before taking part in a discussion with European Parliament Vice-President González Pons and answering questions from participants. On Wednesday, EU Commissioner Michael McGrath, responsible for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection, will take part in discussions. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will deliver the closing remarks.
