Discussion Series: Democratic Resilience in Europe

A voter casts her ballot during parliamentary elections in Bankya, Bulgaria on April 4, 2021. © AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu

What is happening with democracy and elections in Europe? To encourage discussion and to share information about key issues in European politics, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) holds monthly online discussions with experts and experienced practitioners, organised by its “Regional Elections Administration and Political Processes Strengthening” program and the IFES Regional Europe Office in Prague, Czech Republic. Participants have an opportunity to ask questions and voice their thoughts about the issue being discussed.

The Democratic Resilience in Europe discussion series has received broad interest and high-level participation. An array of international good practices and recommendations have been identified, and these insights have provided integral input to the actions of election management bodies, observers and advocacy groups.

Upcoming Events

Since early 2020, IFES has held regular online discussions on issues related to electoral integrity and democratic processes in Europe. As of May 2022, 19 installments have been held, and in total over 1,900 people from 95 countries have participated. The audience is generally made up of interested members of the public with an interest in politics and elections, though not necessarily working in these fields.

Hybrid in-person event: Malign Kremlin Influence on Democratic Institutions, the Case of the Czech Republic and Implications for Central Europe

June 28 at 11:00-12:15 a.m. EST/UTC-4 & 17:00-18:15 CET/UTC+2 & 18:00-19:15 EEST/UTC+3

The resilience of democratic institutions and processes in light of security risks and disinformation strategies that seek to undermine the core values of democracy is an essential issue for current European democracy. With new types of hybrid warfare, strengthening cybersecurity, tracking illicit financial flows and combating disinformation have become key components for national critical infrastructure.

Are the Czech Republic and V4 countries ready to face the challenges posed by Kremlin sponsored propaganda? What threats are on the horizon given the upcoming Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU and the presidential elections?

For an in-depth discussion, join IFES for the 20th installment of our discussion series. The hybrid event will be held both in-person in Gröbe Villa, Havlickovy Sady 58, Prague 2, Czech Republic and online via Zoom.

Please confirm your in-person attendance no later than June 24, 2022 here.

Should you be unable to attend in-person, follow the hybrid event online and register via Zoom here.

Moderator

Dr. Magnus Öhman, Senior Political Finance Adviser and Regional Europe Office Director, IFES

Panelists

Veronika Vichova, Deputy Director for Analysis and Head of the Kremlin Watch Program, European Values Center for Security Policy, Czech Republic
Kristyna Bagge, Analyst on Russian Disinformation, Semantic Vision, Czech Republic
Rasto Kuzel, Executive Director, MEMO 98, Slovakia
Kevin Sheives, Associate Director, International Forum for Democratic Studies, National Endowment for Democracy, USA
Matt Bailey, Senior Cyber and Information Integrity Advisor, IFES

There will also be an opportunity for the audience to ask the panelists questions.

To learn more about IFES’ discussion series, please see the recordings from previous sessions.