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What can we learn from one another when people come together to rethink democracy?

How can fundamental rights become more visible and meaningful in everyday life? How can participation give people a genuine say in the decisions that affect them? And how can citizens play a stronger role in shaping responses to major challenges such as climate change?

At Shaping Democracy 2026, we are bringing together people with different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives to explore these questions, learn from one another, and develop new ideas for democratic life in Europe.

19–21 November 2026
Bürgerhaus MüZe, Berliner Straße 77, Köln, Germany
Conference language: English
Participation is free of charge

Over three days, Shaping Democracy 2026 will create space for exchange, new perspectives, and meaningful connections. Citizens, activists, researchers, local government representatives, participation practitioners, and people simply interested in democracy will come together from across Europe.

Through interactive workshops, discussions, exhibitions, and public events, we will explore four central themes:

Fundamental Rights
How can we make the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights more visible, accessible, and relevant in everyday life?

Participation
How can people take part in political decision-making in ways that are inclusive, meaningful, and effective?

Climate Democracy
How can citizen participation contribute to climate policies that are ambitious, democratic, and broadly supported?

Democratic Innovation
Which new ideas, formats, and methods can help strengthen democracy and the way we make decisions together?

This is not a conference where you are expected to simply sit and listen. You are invited to bring your own questions and experiences, discover perspectives from different parts of Europe, and meet people who are exploring democracy in many different ways.

You do not need any previous knowledge or professional experience in democracy or citizen participation to join. If you are curious about how democracy can be shaped, strengthened, and reimagined together, you are very welcome.

Shaping Democracy 2026 builds on the European projects CharterNet and Citizens for Climate, bringing together ideas, experiences, and practices from across Europe.

Programm und aktuelle Informationen zu Shaping Democracy 2026

We would be delighted to welcome you in Cologne this November.

Register now for free.