The report identifies 10 key challenges and emerging trends impacting European
democratic systems and suggests future policy options. These challenges are structured
across three interconnected levels: citizens and societal dynamics, the information and
knowledge environment, and institutions and the democratic system. This framework aims
to provide a comprehensive and integrated view of democracy as a connected ecosystem,
emphasising how challenges in one area can affect the entire system. Recognising this
interconnectivity is crucial for addressing these challenges and ensuring democratic
resilience.
From the citizens’ perspective, a shift towards latent support for non-democratic
governance has been seen, partly due to representation gaps affecting social groups like
young people. This can diminish institutional trust and weaken democratic support, evident
in declining voter turnout, rising populism and increased polarisation. The weakening
of democratic norms could lead to confrontation-focused political culture, increasing
instability. Addressing democratic disillusionment is vital to prevent drastic changes in
political attitudes, and deliberative processes offer potential for revitalisation, although
they must emphasise diversity and inclusivity.
The information landscape has been transformed by social media, challenging citizens’
ability to access accurate information and exacerbating divisions. Technological
advancements, particularly AI, could further amplify these issues, potentially decreasing
trust in experts and institutions. Democratic institutions themselves are facing declines
in quality, including in respect of electoral integrity and the rule of law, while facing
risks from coordinated efforts of global autocracies to undermine EU democracies. To
build resilience, institutions must earn citizens’ trust, as it underpins political agency and
democratic effectiveness. Countering the erosion of this trust is crucial, as it is a key target
for democracy’s adversaries.
VASILOPOULOU Sofia;
ALMEIDA Mara;
CHIVA Cristina;
BODA Zsolt;
SANTOS CAMPOS Andre;
FALANGA Roberto;
STASAVAGE David;
WEIMER Maria;
ALMEIDA Mara;
2026-01-23
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC139315
978-92-68-33909-1 (online),
978-92-68-34340-1 (print),
1831-9424 (online),
1018-5593 (print),
EUR 40544,
OP KJ-01-25-585-EN-N (online),
OP KJ-01-25-585-EN-C (print),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC139315,
10.2760/8819294 (online),
10.2760/3947298 (print),
