The Egmont Academy: Democracy & the Rule of Law in the EU

Democracy and the rule of law are core, shared, foundational values of the European Union, as enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union. In the last decade, these two fundamental principles have consistently resurfaced as key topics in EU policy debates, on account of the rising threats they face from both internal and external sources. In this context, the European Commission has increasingly highlighted the importance of both democracy and the rule of law as cornerstones of the EU. Democracy, essential for “building peace, security, economic prosperity, competitiveness, and social cohesion” within the Union, is inextricably linked to and reliant on the rule of law.

In view Of upholding these values in an ever more hostile and fractured world, the Commission has set out three objectives guiding its actions:

• Strengthen the rule of law for a fair and well-functioning society
• Protect and defend democracy and increase societal resilience and preparedness
• Champion civic engagement and participation to bring citizens’ ideas at the heart of policymaking

Objective(s) & Expected learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to present and discuss the crucial but multifaceted issue of democratic resilience and rule of law with students/young practitioners.

Specific objectives:

• Strengthen the participants’ understanding of the EU’s rule of law framework (with particular attention to the Rule of Law toolbox and the 2026 Rule of Law Report), fostering critical reflection on effectiveness and limitations of existing rule of law mechanisms;
• Understand the EU democratic resilience framework (focus on the EDS and the Centre for Democratic Resilience), foster critical engagement with contemporary threats to democratic systems (including FIMI and hybrid threats), identify effective approaches to protect democratic institutions;
• Discuss the EU’s whole-of-society approach to democracy protection and resilience, explore the three collective action pillars in light of contemporary challenges, and identify innovative strategies that enhance societal resilience and meaningful citizen involvement in democratic processes.

Registration Fees & Payment

The tuition fees per participant (VAT included) are as follows:

• Early Bird: 460€ (Maximum of 5 spots available, valid until 30 September)
• Student: 270€ (Maximum of 5 spots available)
• Standard: 540€

Payment must be made to the Institute via wire transfer. Upon registration, participants will be provided with a specific reference code to use for the transaction. Please note that all payments are final and strictly non-refundable once completed.

Please find here the draft programme.