Towards a New Democratic Pact for Europe: Defending Democracy in Troubled Times
The Council of Europe’s 2024 annual report by the Secretary General, “Towards a New Democratic Pact for Europe”, offers a timely and urgent reflection on the state of democracy across the continent. Despite Europe’s relatively strong performance in global indices on human rights and democratic governance, the report reveals deep and persistent challenges to democratic institutions, civic space, and public trust.
At FIBGAR, we believe this report is essential reading for all those committed to defending democratic values and the rule of law. Its findings resonate with many of the issues we address daily in our work: the erosion of freedoms, the shrinking space for civil society, the spread of disinformation, and the weakening of institutional checks and balances.
Shrinking Freedoms and Press Under Pressure
The report highlights the growing difficulties faced by independent media across Europe. Traditional media outlets, already under economic pressure, are increasingly unable to counter the surge in disinformation that distorts public debate and undermines electoral processes. While various regulatory efforts have emerged to tackle online disinformation, their impact remains limited.
Journalists continue to face threats and attacks, both online and offline, often with insufficient or delayed responses from authorities. Defamation lawsuits and restrictive legislation are used to silence dissent and diminish media freedom—trends that pose serious risks to transparency and democratic accountability.
Civil Society Under Scrutiny
The rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly have also come under increasing strain. Civil society organisations, particularly those working in support of refugees and migrants, face burdensome legal requirements and disproportionate restrictions. In several member states, draft laws on “foreign influence” threaten to stigmatise and limit the activities of organisations engaged in cross-border solidarity.
This shrinking civic space endangers pluralism and undermines one of democracy’s core pillars: the active participation of citizens in public life.
Disconnection and Distrust
Another key concern raised by the report is the growing disconnect between institutions and citizens. According to the OECD’s 2024 survey on trust in public institutions, only 44% of respondents express confidence in their national governments. While public services like education and health maintain relatively high satisfaction levels, trust in political parties and in the legitimacy of decision-making processes is worryingly low.
This crisis of confidence is amplified by increasing polarisation and the spread of hate speech, especially in online spaces. Substantive political debate is being replaced by hostile rhetoric, personal attacks and scapegoating of vulnerable groups. This environment not only weakens democratic discourse but also facilitates the rise of authoritarian narratives.
Eroding Checks and Balances
The report also warns of the erosion of essential democratic safeguards. In some countries, executive interference in judicial and parliamentary functions threatens the independence of key institutions. Mechanisms intended to provide parliamentary oversight are sometimes used selectively or excessively, distorting the balance of powers. The institutionalisation of parliamentary opposition and the protection of its rights in law remain fundamental to safeguarding constitutional democracy.
A Call to Action
Despite these concerning trends, the report also offers a path forward. Good democratic governance—rooted in transparency, ethical standards, and citizen participation—is increasingly recognised as key to rebuilding trust. Across Europe, innovative practices are being adopted to make governments more responsive and accountable, many of them based on guidelines developed by the Council of Europe.
Yet, as the report makes clear, much remains to be done. Many reforms remain incomplete, and in some contexts, integrity mechanisms exist only on paper. Participation is often encouraged in principle, but the civic space in which that participation occurs is narrowing.
At FIBGAR, we echo the call of the Council of Europe: a new democratic pact is not only necessary—it is urgent. Rebuilding trust in institutions, defending civic space, and ensuring that democracy delivers for all citizens must be priorities across Europe. We remain committed to working alongside civil society partners, institutions, and citizens to protect and promote human rights and the rule of law in this crucial moment for Europe’s democratic future.
