In this year of elections, this timely webinar examined the state of democracy and how it can be strengthened.
Key messages
What are the main challenges facing democracy in Europe, and what can be done?
Our webinar, held on 24th September, attracted over 50 people from 20 countries. Chaired by Professor Ole Petersen, the webinar addressed key issues around the state of democracy, particularly in the face of rising populism.
Professor Barbara Prainsack, Chair of the European Group on Ethics (EGE), introduced two recent publications by the EGE. The latest, a Statement on defending democracy, distinguishes between ‘thin’ democracy and a ‘thick’ democracy that is substantive and pluralistic. She emphasised that there are many approaches to defining ‘populism’, but that ‘authoritarian populism’ is not compatible with what is defined as ‘thick’ democracy.
Professor Nils-Eric Sahlin, Vice-Chair of the EGE, considered what is needed to support ‘thick’ democracy. Maintaining a collective memory of European history is vital, and institutions like schools and museums have a crucial role to play in this. He also stressed the importance of the law and legal processes in managing risks posed by authoritarian populism.
Dr Mario Scharfbillig introduced the Joint Research Centre’s recent report on Trustworthy public communications, which sets out ten recommendations for public communicators. He emphasised the need to build trust in public administration, that there were many ways of facilitating this, examples of which are described in the JRC’s report.
Professor Cathrine Holst (University of Oslo) commented on some of the main messages of the reports by the EGE and JRC. She emphasised that although citizen inclusion is vitally important to public trust, there are a number of other factors, including high-quality policies and institutions. Whilst it was important to think about innovation in democracy, it was also necessary to reform the legacy systems and mechanisms that exist. An ethical approach to democracy is vital and should be a core part of a democratic ecosystem.
A discussion with the audience followed the presentations. It ranged across a number of issues, such as differing forms of populism; the role of the tech giants; whether citizens are turning away from politics; the role of schools and democratic education; political leadership; and the role of the academic community in promoting democracy.
Watch the webinar
Further information
About the European Group on Ethics (EGE)
Founded in 1991, the European Group on Ethics (EGE) is an independent advisory body of the President of the European Commission. The EGE provides the Commission with high quality, independent advice on all aspects of EU legislation and policies, where ethical, societal and fundamental rights issues intersect with the development of science and new technologies. In 2023, it published an Opinion on Democracy in a digital age and in 2024 issued a Statement on Defending democracy in Europe.
About the Joint Research Centre
The Joint Research Centre is the European Commission’s science and knowledge service. Its recent work includes the report, Trustworthy public communications (2024), of which Mario Scharfbillig was joint author.
Updated 25th September 2024. For further information please contact AECardiffHub@cardiff.ac.uk
