The resilience of democracy and the protection of democratic values are core priorities for European
society as a whole. In response to current geopolitical threats, the Commission is advancing the establishment of a European 'Democracy Shield'.

This key initiative provides a comprehensive framework for EU institutions to protect democratic systems against increasingly complex threats and to strengthen societal resilience across the EU. At the same time, the State of Hessen has put a particular emphasis on promoting democracy and strengthening democracy research. Such research provides robust empirical evidence and expertise that strengthens the resilience of political systems across Europe and safeguards them against both internal and external challenges.

This evening event will offer insights and practice-oriented findings from democracy research to support the further development of the European Democracy Shield. A central objective of Hessian initiatives is to strengthen democratic resilience in the face of extremism and polarisation, while fostering stronger cooperation and networks. In this context, the European Centre for Democratic Resilience has recently started its activities, working in close cooperation with the Member States to promote resilient democracies. What opportunities does the Centre open up for the EU and its Member States – and where are further efforts and action required to reinforce the Democracy Shield?

With the EU’s research and innovation framework program Horizon Europe, and with a new funding landscape emerging beyond 2028, the research community is at a critical juncture that should be strategically seized. Marking the 80th anniversary of the Hessian Constitution and drawing on Hessen’s expertise in interdisciplinary democracy research, our evening event provides a timely platform for dialogue.

Please register via this link.

Simultaneous interpretation provided (English/German).