Athens
Friday 11 September 2026

Democracy at its roots

09.00 - 13.00
Olympia Theatre, Akadimias 59 10679 Athens
from: EN, DE, FR, EL, ES, IT, RO, TR
to: EN, DE, FR, EL, ES, IT, RO, TR

REGISTER HERE

Rooted in a shared commitment to defend and strengthen democracy in Europe and beyond, this high-level gathering will bring together local and regional leaders, members of the European institutions, young elected politicians and representatives of civil society for an open and forward-looking exchange.

Taking place in Athens on the 11th September, the meeting will provide a dedicated space to reflect on the current state and future of democracy in Europe, as well as on the role of different levels of governance in safeguarding democratic values and institutions.

In a context marked by increasing political polarisation, the spread of disinformation and growing challenges to democratic norms, the discussions will focus on how democratic resilience can be reinforced through cooperation between European, national, regional and local actors. Particular attention will be given to the essential role of cities and regions in fostering citizen participation, strengthening social cohesion and rebuilding trust in public institutions. 

Participants will also explore how democratic systems can respond effectively to emerging threats, including the rise of extremism and the erosion of public trust. The exchange will further consider how key European policy frameworks, including the future Multiannual Financial Framework, can contribute to more inclusive, resilient and democratic societies.

Against this background, the meeting will offer a platform for high-level dialogue and exchange of best practices, allowing participants to share concrete experiences and policy approaches from across Europe. The objective is to foster cooperation and generate new ideas to strengthen democratic governance at all levels.

Speakers

Haris Doukas
Luca Menesini

Luca Menesini

Iratxe García Pérez

Nicolas Schmit

Giannis Maniatis

Zita Gurmai

Jean-Marc Germain

Gergely Karácsony

Kata Tüttő

Anne Hidalgo

George Papandreou

Nikos Androulakis

Antje Grotheer

Dario Nardella
Maria Chivite

Maria Chivite

Roberto Gualtieri

Özgür Özel

Krzysztof Śmiszek

Programme

PROGRAMME

Thursday, 10 September 2026

17:45 – 19:30 Study Visit 

  • Meeting point at 17:45 in front of Athens City Hall (Athinas 63, Athens 105 52)

20:00 –  Welcome Reception

  • Location: Terrace of the Athens City Hall (Athinas 63, Athens 105 52)

Friday, 11 September 2026

08:30 – 09:00 Registration 

09:00 – 09:15 Opening remarks 

  • Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens, Vice-President of the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions 
  • Luca Menesini, President of the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regiona

09:15 – 09:40 Empowering people and communities

  • Nikos Androulakis, President of PASOK-Movement for Change

  • Iratxe García Pérez, President of the S&D Group in the European Parliament

    Moderator: (tbc)

09:40 – 09:45 Video message

  •  Zohran Mamdani*, Mayor of New York 

09:45 – 10.30 High-level talk: EU Budget Support

  • Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome, Member of the PES Group in the European Committee of the Empowering people and communities Regions
  • Charalambos Prountzos*, Mayor of Nicosia
  • Maria Chivite, President of Navarra, Vice-President of the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions
  • Jean-Marc Germain, S&D Coordinator in the BUDG Committee in the European Parliament 

  • Christina Kitsos*, Mayor of Geneva

    Moderator: Young Elected Politician (YEP)

     Debate with the audience 

10:30 –10:40 The Paris transformation: insights from

  • Anne Hidalgo, former Mayor of Paris, Global Ambassador, Covenant of Mayors (GCoM)

10:40 –11:25 Leadership in Action: New threats to Democracy – The Role of Cities and Regions

  • Gergely Karácsony, Mayor of Budapest 
  • Giannis Maniatis, S&D Group Vice President in the European Parliament
  • Zita Gurmai, President of PES Women

  • Nicolas Schmit, President of the Foundation of European Progressive Studies (FEPS)

    Moderator: Young Elected Politician (YEP)

Debate with the audience 

11:25 – 11:40 Democracy Under Pressure: Special address by

  • Özgür Özel

Letter on Democracy

  • Words from imprisoned Mayor of Istanbul (Türkiye) Ekrem İmamoğlu, Laureate of the Mayor Paweł Adamowicz Award 2026

11:40- 12:25 Responding to democratic challenges – local solutions

  • Antje Grotheer, President of the Bremen State Parliament
  • Dario Nardella, S&D Group Member in the European Parliament

  • George Papandreou, Member of the Greek Parliament, former Prime Minister of Greece

    Moderator: Young Elected Politician (YEP)

Debate with the audience 

12:25 – 12:35 Closing remarks

  • Krzysztof Śmiszek, Vice-President of the Party of European Socialists (PES)
  • Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions

12:35 – 12:45 Signing of Athens Declaration

  •  Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens, Vice-President of the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions

12:45 – 13:00 Family Picture

 

* Speaker to be confirmed

 

14:30-16:30 FEPS fringe workshop: "Housing in Practice" 

  • Location: Athens City Hall (Athinas 63, Athens 105 52)

 

Further reading