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FRA at the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee on Democracy

FRA joined the 4th plenary meeting of the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CDDEM) from 26 to 28 November in Strasbourg.

The CDDEM discussed and agreed on parameters to facilitate the application and implementation of the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy adopted in May 2023. Such parameters can contribute to the evaluation of democracies, the identification of gaps and vulnerabilities and the necessary action to enhance the quality of democracies. 

Democracy is an increasingly important thematic focus within the EU, as shown in the recently adopted European Democracy Shield and EU Strategy for Civil Society. The EU treaty provision listing the founding values the EU shares with its Member States links democracy to fundamental rights. 

The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which has just celebrated its 25th anniversary also includes a number of provisions that are of direct relevance to democracy, such as the freedom of expression and information, the freedom of assembly and of association, provisions on equality and citizens’ rights. 

FRA will further expand on the link between democracy and fundamental rights based on an expert workshop that it will convene in 2026.