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

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

Programme

08:30- 13:00

PROGRAMME

08:30 – 09:00 Registration 

09:00 – 09:10 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
  • Iratxe García Pérez, President of the S&D Group in the European Parliament

09:10 – 09:20 Democracy at its roots: key-note speech

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

09:20 – 09:30 The Paris transformation: insights from 

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

09:30 – 10.30 High-level talk: Empowering people and communities

  • Roxana Mînzatu*, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights, Quality Jobs and Preparedness
  • Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome, Member of the PES Group in the European Committee of the Empowering people and communities Regions
  • Nicolas Schmit, President of the Foundation of European Progressive Studies (FEPS) 
  • Christina Kitsos*, Mayor of Geneva
  • Giannis Maniatis, S&D Group Vice President in the European Parliament

  • Zita Gurmai, President of PES Women

    Moderator: Young Elected Politician (YEP)

Debate with the audience 

10:30 –11:30 Leadership in Action: EU budget support – local solutions

  • Gergely Karácsony, Mayor of Budapest 
  • Christel Schaldemose*, Vice-President of the European Parliament
  • Nikos Androulakis, President of PASOK-Movement for Change
  • Silvia Salis*, Mayor of Genoa 

  • Jean-Marc Germain, S&D Coordinator in the BUDG Committee in the European Parliament 

    Moderator: Young Elected Politician (YEP)

 Debate with the audience

11:30 –11:35 

  • Video message Zohran Mamdani*, Mayor of New York 

11:35 – 12:35

Democracy Under Pressure: Special address by

  • Özgür Özel*, Elected Leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP)
     

Local and regionals experiences: Our battles: striving for democratic values

  • Sadiq Khan*, Mayor of London 
  • Maria Chivite, President of Navarra, Vice-President of the PES Group in the European Committee of the Regions
  • Charalambos Prountzos*, Mayor of Nicosia 

  • Dario Nardella*, S&D Group Member in the European Parliament

    Moderator: Young Elected Politician (YEP) 

Debate with the audience 

12:35 – 12:40 Letter on Democracy

  •  Read-out of letter from imprisoned Mayor of Istanbul (Türkiye) Ekrem İmamoğlu 

12:40 – 12:50 Key-note speech

  •  Antonio Costa*, President of the European Council 

12:50 – 13:00 Conclusions

  • Katarina Barley*, Executive Vice-President of the  Party of European Socialists (PES)
  • George Papandreou, Member of the Greek Parliament, former Prime Minister of Greece

  • Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions

     

* Speaker to be confirmed

Further reading