Regional Advocacy Network Participates in Council of Europe Conference on Democratic Renewal

The Regional Advocacy Network (RAN) of Helvetas took part in the International Conference “Shaping Democratic Renewal: Civic Space and the Path to a New Democratic Pact for Europe”, held on 2–3 February 2026. RAN was represented by Valbona Karakaçi, who joined policymakers, civil society actors and experts at the event organised by the Council of Europe under the New Democratic Pact for Europe initiative.

The conference forms part of the ongoing implementation of the Reykjavík Principles for Democracy, endorsed by Heads of State and Government at the 2023 Reykjavík Summit as a shared roadmap for strengthening democratic resilience across Europe. Discussions focused on defending civic space, reinforcing institutions, and charting a renewed commitment to democratic governance.

The Regional Advocacy Network of Helvetas was honoured to contribute to these exchanges, which continue to shape a deeper understanding of civic space and its role in Europe’s democratic renewal.