Democratic resilience in focus as European parliamentarians gather in Brussels

The second EU Parliamentary Democracy Forum will be held in the European Parliament’s hemicycle in Brussels. The key topics on the agenda are safeguarding elections, the role of civil society, parliamentary oversight at the EU and national levels and how to face geopolitical disruption.

On Tuesday 29 September, following opening remarks by Verona Murphy, Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann (Chair of the Irish Parliament’s lower chamber), and EP Vice-President Katarina Barley (S&D, DE), Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian Democratic Forces, will deliver an opening address, followed by an exchange with EP Vice-President González Pons (EPP, ES) and questions from the floor.

On Wednesday 30 September, a discussion with Commissioner for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection Michael McGrath will be followed by closing remarks by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

Check the full programme of the event and more details on the dedicated webpage.

When: Tuesday 29 – Wednesday 30 September 2026

Where: Hemicycle, Paul-Henri Spaak building, European Parliament, Brussels

How: Accredited journalists can attend the forum in person. The sessions will be webstreamed and recorded on Parliament’s Multimedia Centre. Interview requests for Ms Tsikhanouskaya can be sent to Franak Viacorka: [email protected].

Background

The EU Parliamentary Democracy Forum brings together MEPs, national MPs, representatives of EU institutions, civil society organisations, academics, and experts to exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices on strengthening democratic resilience across Europe. It is organised under the leadership of President Roberta Metsola with the support of the European Parliament Vice-Presidents responsible for relations with national Parliaments, Esteban González Pons and Katarina Barley.