Experts gather to discuss Democratic Standards, AI Governance, and inclusive participation in Europe

Experts gather to discuss democratic standards, AI governance, and inclusive participation in Europe

The Steering Committee on Democracy (CDDEM) held its fourth plenary meeting from 26 to 28 November 2025 in Strasbourg. The gathering focused on advancing democratic governance, particularly addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies and the need for inclusive citizen participation across Europe.

Key topics addressed

Democratic standards and governance: Discussions highlighted ways to strengthen democratic institutions and uphold human rights in evolving political landscapes.
Artificial Intelligence governance: Experts examined ethical frameworks and standards to guide the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies while safeguarding democracy.
Inclusive participation: Participants stressed the importance of involving diverse societal groups in decision-making processes to enhance transparency and legitimacy.

Insights from the meeting

A representative of the Committee emphasized:

"Embedding democratic principles into AI governance is critical to maintain trust and protect citizen rights in the digital era."

Experts agreed that fostering broad participation not only improves policy outcomes but also strengthens social cohesion.

Ongoing work and future perspectives

The CDDEM commits to continuing its efforts to develop practical tools and recommendations that support member states in implementing democratic standards in the context of digital transformation.

This meeting reinforced the vital link between democracy, technology, and citizen engagement, highlighting ongoing challenges and collaborative solutions in Europe's governance landscape.

www.coe.int — 2025-11-25