Brussels Launch of the Global State of Democracy 2026 Report: Democracy in an Age of Conflict
Can democracy withstand an age of conflict?
Now in its eighth edition, International IDEA’s Global State of Democracy Report continues to deliver high-level, evidence-based analysis on democratic performance worldwide, offering a trusted resource for understanding global democratic trends.
Kicking off the International Democracy Day Brussels 2026 series, the launch event will gather representatives from EU institutions and Member States, alongside members of civil society, academia, and the broader democracy and security communities. The programme will feature a presentation of the report’s main findings, followed by a high-level discussion exploring how democratic societies can navigate an increasingly complex security landscape while protecting the rights, institutions, and meaningful public participation that are essential to lasting peace and resilience.
Agenda items
12:45 – 13:15 | Light Lunch
13:15 – 13:22 | Welcome Remarks
Miia Lahti, Ambassador of Finland to the Political and Security Committee
13:22 – 13:30 | Opening Remarks
Martin Bille Hermann, Deputy Political Director and Managing Director for Multilateral Relations, Human Rights and Democracy, EEAS
13:30 – 13:40 | Opening Remarks
- Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General, International IDEA
13:40 – 13:55 | Presentation of the The Global State of Democracy Report 2026: Democracy in an Age of Conflict
- Dr Seema Shah, Head of Democracy Assessment, International IDEA
13:55 – 14:40 | Panel discussion
Moderated by: Sam van der Staak, Director for Europe, International IDEA
- Jolita Butkevičienė, Director for Innovation in Science & Policymaking, Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission
- Jānis Sārts, Director, NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence
- Katri Viinikka, Ambassador for Democracy and Rule of Law, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
14:40 – 14:45 | Closing Remarks
- Sam van der Staak, Director for Europe, International IDEA
