Friends of Europe’s Post

🗳️ On International #DemocracyDay, we are reminded that democratic rights and values are under threat all over the world. Trust, the foundation of a functioning democracy and society, helps underpin social cohesion. It plays a crucial role in maintaining stable communities, economies and governments, as well as the legitimacy of the democratic institutions designed to serve citizens. However, only about 4 in 10 people in OECD countries trusted their national government in 2021, while EU citizens tend to trust the EU more than their national governments. The decline in civic engagement throughout Europe is a longstanding trend that originated several decades ago, coinciding with the crisis faced by mainstream political parties and trade unions. At Friends of Europe, we believe in a #RenewedSocialContract in which we need to revitalise civic engagement by improving and updating European civic education and citizen capacity-building. Indeed, citizens participating in Debating Europe's '2024 Voices - Citizens Speak Up!' project generally support the idea of mandatory civic education, viewing it as essential for informed citizenship. Younger citizens, in particular advocate for a more interactive approach, while older ones stress its importance for understanding democratic processes. 👇 Making democracy work for all is one our '10 Policy Choices for a Renewed Social Contract for Europe', check out the full report below. #Voices4Choices #CivicEngagement #EUDemocracy

🕊 As we celebrate International #DemocracyDay, check out this new piece by Sam van der Staak, Director for Europe at the International IDEA, in which he argues Ursula von der Leyen should make democracy the cornerstone of the EU’s security agenda. Indeed, the choice for a security-inspired name for Von der Leyen's democracy plans, 'Democracy Shield' fits neatly with the EU’s other big aim, which is to invest in a stronger European defence agenda. With Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, mounting tensions with China and an uncertain outcome of the US elections, democratic erosion has become the defining factor for the rise in global insecurity. ⤵ Read this #CriticalThinking article below. #EUDemocracy #Security #FutureOfEurope

🆕 Listen to the second episode of our new #PolicyVoices podcast series on AI & Democracy! 📣 This six-part series by Debating Europe is supported by the U.S. Mission to the European Union and the European Commission. Two narratives dominate the discussion on AI: it's either a catastrophe or a cure-all for humanity's problems. In reality, the situation is more nuanced, requiring a balance between ethical concerns and preserving democratic principles in the AI era. In the second episode of this series on AI & Democracy, host Catarina Vila Nova welcomes Olivia Gambelin, AI ethicist and founder of Ethical Intelligence, and Erika Staël von Holstein, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Re-Imagine Europa, to discuss: 👉 What are the main ethical challenges raised by the introduction of AI into politics? 👉 How can we overcome these challenges for a healthier democracy and brighter AI future? ⤵️ Listen to the full episode below. #AI #AIEthics #EUDemocracy #FutureOfEurope

🌟 Many thanks to all who joined us this week for an enlightening conversation on European competitiveness in the healthcare sector. This debate, organised in partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb, took place only two days after the release of the Draghi report on European competitiveness, and convened industry leaders and policymakers to explore how Europe can leverage its healthcare strengths to bolster its overall competitiveness. Indeed, participants argued that despite its strong contributions to health systems, industrial capacity and research, Europe’s life sciences sector has lost ground to global competitors like the US and China, especially in innovation investments. A central message was the need to rebalance the social contract underpinning healthcare innovation and ensure that progress and development in European life sciences meets profitability with patient needs and public health benefits, requiring new public-private collaborations to ensure equitable access to essential medicines. As Europe navigates an increasingly competitive global landscape, public and private actors should coordinate their efforts to make sure the life sciences sector can drive broader economic and societal progress. 📷 Have a look at the photos of the event: https://lnkd.in/eDvGJZEN ➡️ Learn more about the event here: https://lnkd.in/e4wdmrZH #RenewedSocialContract #EU4Health #Competitiveness #FoEDebate

📆 #SaveTheDate | 26 September | Join our upcoming #AISocietyForum to explore how AI can shape the future of work and democracy for the better.   As artificial intelligence transforms the world around us, we face the dual challenge of harnessing its potential while safeguarding fundamental values. At the AI & Society 2024 Forum, we will dive into how AI can be governed to ensure trust, inclusivity and accountability in both the workplace and democratic institutions. On the agenda, key topics include: 👉 The evolving relationship between AI and human capital: how can AI boost productivity while ensuring fair labour practices? 👉 Safeguarding democracy in the AI era: what policies are needed to protect democratic integrity and transparency? We are delighted to welcome distinguished speakers, including: 🔸 Abigail Gilbert, Co-Director at the Institute for the Future of Work 🔸 Jens-Henrik Jeppesen, Senior Director for Corporate Affairs, EMEA & APJ at Workday 🔸 Véronique Schaber, Deputy Head of the Vocational Training Department at the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth of Luxembourg 🔸 Paul Nemitz, Principal Adviser on Digital Transition in the Directorate General on Justice and Consumer Policies in the European Commission 🔸 Max Reddel, Advanced AI Director at The International Center for Future Generations - ICFG 🔸 Lindsay Gorman, Managing Director & Senior Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States’ Technology Program   📝 Register here: https://lnkd.in/dy58mQ88 ➡️ Learn more about the event: https://lnkd.in/deE_8z74   #EUDemocracy #AIAct #DigitalEurope #FutureofEurope #AI

🎙 Make sure to listen to the first episode of our new Policy Voices special series on AI & Democracy brought to you by Debating Europe and joined by Rachael Dean Wilson, Managing Director of the Alliance for Securing Democracy at the German Marshall Fund of the United States Fund, and Joseph Elborn, Executive Director of the Evens Foundation. ⁠ 📣 This podcast series is supported by the U.S. Mission to the European Union and the European Commission ⤵ Listen to the full Policy Voices episode on: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ewQZ5ghd Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eimvPGqH YouTube: https://lnkd.in/exug-7zW #AI #USElections2024 #EUDemocracy

🔴 STARTING SOON | 13.00 | Join us for an #FoEDebate on Europe’s competitiveness and the lessons to be drawn from the healthcare sector. As competitiveness takes centre stage this week following the presentation of the long awaited #Draghi report, we will explore the need for the EU to invest in innovation to revitalise European competitiveness in the global landscape. Joining us, we are thrilled to welcome esteemed speakers: 🔹 Thomas Heynisch, Deputy Head of Unit at the European Commission Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) 🔹 Andras Kulja MD, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety 🔹 Tilly Metz, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament subcommittee on Public Health (SANT) 🔹 Tamsin Rose, Facilitator 🔹 Monica Shaw, Senior-Vice President, Head of European Markets at Bristol Myers Squibb 🔹 Els Torreele, Independent researcher and Advisor on global health equity and medical innovation 🔔 Stay tuned and follow the event live here: https://bit.ly/3M6p324 #Innovation #HealthInnovation #Competitiveness #FutureOfEurope