This event is by invitation only
In the past two decades, populism has surged worldwide, often challenging established democratic norms and structures while also increasing the risk of authoritarianism. Under Chatham House rules, this lunch dialogue will explore the use and misuse of democratic innovations — such as referenda, participatory budgeting, and citizen assemblies— by populist agendas. it will do so with one key question in mind: what strategies can be employed to balance the potential benefits of democratic innovations with the risks of their misuse for populist gains?
Co organised by TEPSA and the Egmont Institute, the event will discuss the following questions:
- Can participatory reforms and deliberative processes effectively address the rise of populism and its roots?
- How can democratic innovations be safeguarded against misuse by populist movements while still enhancing citizen participation?
- What strategies can be implemented to mitigate the risks of democratic innovations being co-opted by populist agendas?
Nets4Dem’s second Democracy Retreat will feature three interventions from Elizabeth Calderón Lüning (The Democratic Society), David Mekkaoui (Europe MédiaLab) and Mara Almeida (European Commission) and plenary discussions. Invitees will also engage in active conversations around roundtables, guided by a set of questions.
The discussion, under Chatham House rules, will be moderated by Sonia Chabane, Project Manager at TEPSA.
This lunch will bring together 40 participants from policy circles, such as the European Commission, the Council, Members of Parliament, political parties and experts in democratic innovations and researchers from sister Horizon projects on democracy (Nets4Dem & RECLAIM).
Contact information
Should you have any questions about this event or future Nets4Dem activities, do not hesitate to contact Sonia Chabane, Project Manager at TEPSA.
Read more on this event by accessing the document below