Members of the Epeka Association attended the Youth Innovating Democracy event, which took place at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg. The event is at the heart of the consultation process for a New Democratic Pact for Europe.

Why do we need a new democratic pact?

Democracy in Europe faces challenges such as the backsliding of democratic standards, disinformation and authoritarianism. Our aim is not only to reinvent democracy, but to strengthen its foundations, maximise its benefits and innovate it in a way that makes it tangible for everyone, especially the younger generations.

Key topics of the event

The event will be structured around three key pillars where innovation is most needed:

  • Juvenate politics: How to put young people at the heart of political decision-making, overcome their absence from power structures, and upgrade practices such as lowering the voting age and introducing youth quotas.
  • Equality alive: Addressing issues of economic justice, access to social rights and overcoming exclusion that creates distrust in democratic institutions among young people.
  • Empower communities: Creating an ecosystem for the democratic participation of young people, with an emphasis on the role of civil society, youth centres and participatory methods.

Objectives of the event

  • Co-creation: Involve young people and youth organisations in the design of the New Democratic Pact for Europe.
  • Recognition of practices: To highlight successful initiatives and achievements of young people in the field of democracy revitalization.
  • Dialogue: To provide a space for networking and direct dialogue between young people and political representatives of the Council of Europe and the Member States.