Pre-programme
Tuesday, Oct. 14
Find out details on the Pre-programme events of Democracy R&D 2025 in Brussels. A recording from the Permanent Assemblies in Belgium session is available below.
Permanent Assemblies in Belgium
Watch back the Livestream:
Belgium has been a trailblazer in the establishment of permanent and institutional citizens’ assemblies. Since 2019 it has seen the establishment of no less than four permanent citizen assemblies. These are those of the German-speaking community, the Brussels Parliament, The Walloon Parliament and finally the Brussels Climate Assembly that makes recommendations to the Brussels Government on climate issues.
But, how were they planned? How are they going and what have been the results? Get your questions ready! During this session, we will hear from the implementers themselves.
16:00— 19:00
Council Room, Brucity Hall
European Democracy at a Crossroads
Rue des Halles 4, 1000 Brussels
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.
