Protecting Democracy – Strengthening Democracy

Freedom, equality and participation: Democracy shapes the way we live, our access to education, and the opportunities available for political and social participation. At the same time, democracy appears to have been forced on the defensive in many places. Political extremes that fundamentally question the democratic model are gaining strength. Democracies around the world are increasingly under pressure – including Germany’s democracy. Targeted attempts to exercise influence from outside play just as much a role in this as do internal threats posed by social polarisation and the loss of trust in democratic institutions and procedures. Against this backdrop, the question arises with renewed urgency: What can we do to preserve our democracy?

At its annual conference on 17 June 2026 in Weimar, entitled “Protecting Democracy – Strengthening Democracy”, the German Ethics Council will examine the preconditions and normative foundations of a thriving democracy. The location and date themselves condense historical lessons from the history of democracy: 17 June refers to the popular uprising in the former GDR and to German reunification, while Weimar stands for both the beginning of parliamentary democracy in Germany and its failure. Together, place and date symbolise the ambivalence and vulnerability of democratic systems.

The annual conference brings together experts from academia, politics and practice to reflect on the following questions with the audience:

• What do we understand by democracy today?
• What are the current threats to democratic systems?
• In what ways do developments in Germany differ from or relate to global phenomena?
• What lessons can be drawn from German history and from international experience?
• What role do society, politics and law, as well as the economy, media and emotions, play in the success and failure of democracies – and how does the crisis of democracy in turn affect these areas?
• What protective instruments and reform approaches exist to strengthen democratic structures?
• How can democracy be shaped to become resilient and future-proof?

In addition, a wide range of participatory formats will offer opportunities not only to discuss democratic coexistence, but to actively investigate it. A hands-on exhibition featuring committed initiatives and exhibitors will showcase the diversity of democratic education and civic engagement, inviting attendees to exchange ideas. Interactive offerings will also engage online audiences in a variety of ways.

Please switch to the German version for further information.