Discovering Brussels and its participatory culture on the go. This guided walking tour offers an interactive way to get to know Brussels and its history as Europe’s political capital.
The walk is open to everyone participating in the conference.
Democracy Walks
Tuesday, 14 October, 10 AM
Meeting Point
Permanent Assembly in Brussels
Tuesday, 14 October, 1 pm
Brussels Parliament
Belgium is pioneering in the new wave of deliberation with its examples of permanent assemblies.
This session will showcase local examples from Ostbelgien, Brussels Parliament and Brussels Permanent Climate Assembly.
The event is open to DRD network members only and has limited seats.
European Democracy at Crossroads
Tuesday, 14 October, 4 pm
Brussels City Hall
As democracy practitioners and advocates from around the world gather in Brussels for Democracy R&D 2025 conference, we open with a question that speaks directly to European political leadership:
Where is European democracy headed — and what role will you play in shaping its future?
In a time of democratic strain, rising polarisation, and declining trust in institutions, the impetus for renewal is real.
Citizens are demanding more voice, more transparency, and more meaningful engagement.
Whether you are policymaker, politician or democracy practitioner, your response matters.
This high-level pre-conference brings together diverse actors engaged with democracy to assess where we stand now — and to chart the ways forward from here.
Limited seats.
Registrations open in September!
JOIN US TO
Shape the agenda on democratic renewal and Europe’s global credibility as a democratic actor.
Explore how deliberative & participatory models can strengthen policy legitimacy, improve outcomes, and build trust.
Connect with leading thinkers & practitioners of democratic innovation.
Build bridges to align European political ambition with the energy of a global democratic community.
