Vienna Forum for Fundamental Rights and Democracy 2027

Vienna Forum for Fundamental Rights and Democracy

They allow people to participate, be heard and shape the societies they live in. They also set the limits that no majority should be able to override. 

European democracies have shown that they can adapt in times of profound change while preserving the values that hold the EU together.

A resilient and thriving democracy depends on people being free to:

Democracies stay strong when governments are held accountable, institutions remain independent, and power is separated and balanced.

Today, democracy faces growing pressure.

Europe is going through profound change: geopolitical and economic instability, widening inequality and polarisation, disinformation, technological disruption and pressure on civic space.

These challenges are reshaping democratic life. But they also create opportunities to strengthen our democratic societies – to ensure they can better respond to the needs of people and protect their rights.

The Vienna Forum for Fundamental Rights and Democracy 2027

The Forum will explore how fundamental rights anchor democracies in times of change, guiding how they adapt and setting limits on what change can take away.

Together, we will examine how to build democracies that are: inclusive today, effective and responsive in practice, and resilient for tomorrow.

For two days, the Hofburg will become a space for debate, ideas and action. People from different generations and backgrounds across Europe will come together to explore the following question:

How do we ensure fundamental right are protected, so that democracy works for everyone?