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 March 2022, 17 installments have been held, and in total over 1,800 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. To register for the May 31 event, please click the link below.

Digital Transformation as an Anti-Corruption Tactic: Evidence and Experience from Europe?

May 31 at 9:00-10:15 a.m. EST / UTC-5 & 15:00-16:15 CET / UTC+1 & 16:00-17:15 EET / UTC+2

Corruption remains a major problem throughout Europe, and it negatively impacts democracy, governance and the economy. Digital transformation has gained prominence as an anti-corruption tactic globally, particularly with respect to public services as it focuses not just on digitalization, but on cultural, organizational and operational change within an institution. If not introduced carefully, however, a process of digital transformation can itself become a flashpoint for corruption. This webinar will examine the evidence and experience around digital transformation and anti-corruption in Europe and share specific lessons from experts in the region who have led such processes.

For an in-depth discussion about these issues, join IFES for the 19th installment of our discussion series. The event will be held live via Zoom in English.

Register here.

Moderator

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

Panelists

Ms. Katherine Ellena, Senior Global Legal Advisor and Director of Center for Anti-Corruption & Democratic Trust, IFES
Mr. Hannes Astok, Executive Director of e-Governance Academy, Estonia
Mr. Oleksandr Starodubstev, Deputy Head of the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, Ukraine

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.