Time to listen. Time to act.
A European initiative for democratic renewal
Democracy27 brings together citizens, civil society and decision-makers to establish democratic renewal as a recognised political priority within the European Union.
Built from civil society.
Connected to decision-making.
In response to the growing dissatisfaction in democratic systems, a broad network of civil society organisations has come together with a cross-sectoral Task Force of leading figures.
They share a conviction: democracy should not only be defended against external threats. It should be continuously and proactively improved through institutional innovation, meaningful citizen participation and reforms that strengthen legitimacy, accountability and public trust.
The objective: To put democratic reform on the political agenda and build a democracy that is more responsive, inclusive, and effective.
The Task Force
16 prominent European leaders are joining forces with civil society to make democratic renewal a political priority.
Věra Jourová
Chair
Leo Varadkar
Vice Chair
Najat Vallaud-Belkacem
Vice Chair
Emily O’Reilly
Task Force Member
Priscillia Ludosky
Task Force Member
The Consortium
The Democracy27 Consortium brings together national and European organisations that have engaged more than 5 million citizens across Europe through participatory processes, civic initiatives, and democratic innovation.
“Democracy27 starts from an observation: people value democracy, yet they feel it is failing them. Our commitment is to listen, understand the roots of this disconnect and turn those insights into a roadmap for action.”
Věra Jourová
Chair of the Democracy27 Task Force
Europeans value democracy, but they are losing trust in how it works in practice.
16 prominent European leaders are joining forces with civil society to make democratic renewal a political priority.
Strong support
%
of EU citizens say it is important for them that all EU Member States respect the core values of the EU, including fundamental rights, the rule of law, and democracy
Source: Eurobarometer 2024
Deep dissatisfaction
%
of EU citizens are unsatisfied with the way democracy works in their country
Source: Eurobarometer 2026
Democracy27 seeks to understand this disconnect and to identify practical, actionable recommendations for decision-makers by listening to a broad range of citizens and societal actors across Europe.
“The growing distrust of citizens towards institutions is a signal that should not be ignored, and one that goes well beyond partisan critique, touching administrative institutions, justice, and the press.”
Najat Vallaud-Belkacem
Vice-Chair of the Democracy27 Task Force
It’s time
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Time to Listen
From May 2026
Six country visits to gather input from citizens, decision-makers, civic actors & opinion leaders
Research & data collection covering all 27 EU countries
Flagship report
Early 2027
A shared diagnosis of why confidence is weakening
Actionable recommendations for policy-makers
Time to Act
2027
Task force, civil society and decision-makers carry the recommendations forward to catalyze democratic renewal
“We need to make sure that we don’t take our democracy for granted. It needs to be updated, renewed and replenished for the 21st Century.”
Leo Varadkar
Vice chair of the Democracy27 Task Force