Democracy27 launched on the Monday 1st June at the Brussels Press Club, bringing together citizens, civil society organisations and decision-makers to help shape the next chapter of European democracy.
Chaired by former European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová, and vice-chaired by former Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and former French Minister of Education and Women’s Rights Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Democracy27 will engage citizens across Europe and develop recommendations to help democratic institutions better respond to people’s concerns and expectations ahead of the 2027 political cycle.
“Democracy27 starts from a simple question: if people value democracy, why are so many losing confidence in how it works? Our commitment is to listen, understand where the cracks are appearing, and turn that into pathways for action. As Ursula von der Leyen underlined in her 2025 State of the Union address, democracy must offer “solutions to people’s legitimate concerns” – and citizens’ voices must be heard.”
said Věra Jourová, Chair of Democracy27.
The initiative launches at a time when confidence in democratic systems is under pressure. Youth turnout in the 2024 European elections fell to 36% among under-25s, down from 42% in 2019, while a 2025 survey found that 43% of young Europeans were not convinced democracy is the best form of government. Democracy27 will explore what is driving this disconnect and identify practical ways to strengthen democratic participation, responsiveness and trust.
Over the next six months, Democracy27 will conduct country visits, citizen dialogues and stakeholder consultations across Europe, beginning with France. Insights gathered through these engagements will inform recommendations for European, national and local decision-makers.
The initiative is supported by a network of civil society organisations that have collectively engaged more than one million people through democratic participation and civic engagement programmes across Europe. Its work will be guided by a Task Force bringing together leaders from public service, civil society, business, labour, media, security, academia and citizen participation.
“Ireland’s Citizens’ Assemblies demonstrated what can happen when people are given the time, information and respect needed to engage with complex issues. That spirit of meaningful citizen participation is at the heart of this initiative.”
said Leo Varadkar, Vice-Chair of Democracy27
“Democracy begins long before election day. It begins when people feel heard, included and able to influence the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy27 will help ensure those experiences are reflected in future democratic reforms.”
said Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Vice-Chair of Democracy27.
The initiative will publish its findings and recommendations in a report and roadmap in early 2027.