The 2024 EU Election and The Decline of Global Democracy

Over the last six years, a greater number of nations have seen a deterioration in democratic standards than those witnessing improvements, with 2021 marking an all-time low. Following the peak of the pandemic, acts of territorial aggression have had far-reaching effects, influencing living expenses, food availability, and safety. This backdrop sets a critical stage for the upcoming 2024 EU election, highlighting the urgent need to address the worldwide decline in democracy. 

“The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, nondiscrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail.”
Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. 

The President of the Civil Society Organizations’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), EU advisory body, Mr. Séamus Boland, is visiting Denmark giving us this unique opportunity to hear about the importance of democracy for the European Union and the state thereof. And the role of civil society in strengthening democracy both in Europe and in the world. 

Juliane Marie Neiiendam, danish member of the EESC, will be presenting The Global State of Democracy 2023 Report. Followed by a debate with President Séamus Boland. 

Democracy can be measured by the state of:  

• Representation
• Rights 
• Rule of Law 
• Participation 

Gain an insight into the development of these factors around the world. 

Agenda: 

• A sandwich and drink before we start
• An introduction to EU and the EESC. And the role of President Séamus Boland.
• Presentation of The Global State of Democracy 2023 Report.
• Presentation by President Séamus Boland about the state of democracy and the role of civil society.
• A debate about the democratic challenges in the EU and how EU affects the world developments.

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For those who want to know more:

• EESC: EESC Homepage | EESC (europa.eu) 
• Civil Society Organisations Group: Civil Society Organisations' Group | EESC (europa.eu) 
• Séamus Boland: curriculum_vitae_seamus_boland_03082022.pdf (europa.eu) 
• The Global State of Democracy 2023 Report.  

Participation in the meeting is free. If you are not a member of IDA or IDA Global Development, we encourage you to sign in via this link: IDA Global Development | Tværfagligt netværk | IDA.