The question of how to strengthen democratic resilience is gaining new prominence in the EU policy debate. The European Democracy Shield and the new European Centre for Democratic Resilience have given fresh momentum to this discussion. 

The focus is not solely on countering disinformation, foreign interference and other threats. It is also about strengthening democracy from within. This holistic approach means (re)building trust, greater participation, thriving civic space and strong democratic capacity across all levels of governance. It also means creating stronger links between local governments, EU institutions, national governments, civil society and researchers. 

This challenge was at the centre of the  Nets4Dem Conference: Local Action, European Impact. Strengthening Democratic Resilience, which took place in Brussels on 5 May. 

Organised by Eurocities and TEPSA, the conference explored how democratic resilience can be strengthened in practice and the role different actors have to play. It looked at how local, national and European levels of governance can better connect and complement one another, and how collaboration across sectors can support more resilient democratic systems. The programme also highlighted the role of democratic infrastructures such as Nets4Dem in connecting actors, knowledge and practice across Europe. 

The conference brought together cities, EU institutions, civil society organisations and researchers to share learnings and practical experiences from across Europe. By connecting these different communities, the conference aimed to bridge policy, research and practice. 

Speakers:

• André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities 
• Anthony Zacharzewski, co-founder and President of Democratic Society 
• Tara Tepavac, Research Associate at the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, University of Belgrade (IFDT) 
• Alisa Aliti Vlašić, Director of European Strategy and Networks at Coglobal 
• Sahib Singh, Researcher and Practitioner at Demos Helsinki 
• Melisa Ross, Co-lead and Researcher at Global Citizens’ Assembly Network 
• Daniel Fleischer-Ambrus, Team Leader for Democracy, DG JUST European Commission
• Frederik Ceulemans, City of Brussels Alderman of Citizen Participation
• Anu Juvonen, President of the Board of Directors, European Partnership for Democracy

The conference concluded with the Nets4Dem Democratic Innovation Awards, recognising impactful and inclusive local projects developed with the support of Nets4Dem.

The winners:

• Katalin Hegyes, InterGest Hungaria
• Erdem Vardar, Founding Director, Yuva Association
• Despina Ungureanu, Head of Participatory Governance at Timișoara