The 2025 edition of the International Democracy Day Brussels Conference brought together over 600 participants from across the world to explore the evolving relationship between democracy, inclusion, and security. Under the theme “A World Turned Upside Down: Democracy and Inclusion in an Age of Insecurity,” the conference addressed how democratic resilience depends on truly inclusive societies—both within Europe and beyond. With today’s increasing threats to democratic norms, from disinformation to geopolitical tensions, the event called for stronger partnerships and more responsive tools to support democracy in fragile times.

Held across two days and two venues—the Renaissance Hotel and the European Economic and Social Committee—the conference featured high-level panels, expert lightning talks, and interregional dialogue. Opening keynotes from Commissioner Dubravka Šuica and leading democracy figures such as Kevin Casas-Zamora, Emma Theofelus, and Tasnim Jara underscored that inclusion, particularly of youth and women, is not only a moral imperative but a practical one for building lasting peace and cohesion. The central session on Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) brought powerful voices from across Africa, with speakers sharing personal testimonies and strategies to reform political parties and empower grassroots leadership.

Throughout the programme, speakers explored how Europe can lead by example—by embedding democratic values in its external action, fostering civil society cooperation, and adapting financial instruments to better serve democracy support in the Global South. The discussion around the EU’s future budget highlighted growing consensus on the need for dedicated, protected funding for democracy and human rights, while others stressed the importance of linking democracy efforts to broader agendas such as climate action, gender equality and digital participation.

On the second day, participants were welcomed by EESC President Oliver Röpke and Commissioner Marta Kos, who called for bold thinking on enlargement and the role of civil society in safeguarding democratic transitions. Speakers such as Thomas Carothers, Kajsa Ollongren and Richard Youngs urged the EU to renew its democratic ambition both internally and in its foreign policy, calling for more co-created, flexible and sustainable approaches. The conference closed with a strong reminder that democracy remains a pillar of stability, inclusion and development, particularly in contexts marked by conflict or authoritarian backsliding.

IDD Brussels 2025 was organised jointly by International IDEA, the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), the European Endowment for Democracy (EED), the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), and Carnegie Europe. The event was supported by the Global Democracy Coalition and took place within the framework of the Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) programme. Across both days, more than 500 people attended in person and 34 speakers from all continents took the floor. In an increasingly uncertain world, the message from Brussels was clear: inclusive democracy is not optional—it is essential.