Democracy
Democracy means the freedom to vote for whoever you want, in elections that are fairly conducted, with news coverage and comment from a media that can report the truth without fear of persecution. It also means the absence of corruption and nepotism and the existence of strong constitutional checks and balances including the independence of the judiciary. The Council of Europe strives to promote and protect these values throughout Europe, at all levels of government.
Council of Europe videos on democracy
2'32"Watch now
Celebrating our diverse and common European culture
18 September 2020
Council of Europe Strasbourg
0'30"Watch now
20 years fighting one of Europe's biggest scourges
17 June 2019
Council of Europe Strasbourg
1'30"Watch now
Study reveals widespread sexism and violence against women in parliaments
1 March 2019
Council of Europe Strasbourg
7'50"Watch now
Citizens should not rely on politicians but get involved themselves
19 September 2018
Council of Europe Strasbourg
3'37"Watch now
The basis for our democratic system is under threat
29 August 2017
Council of Europe Strasbourg
10'19"Watch now
Chinese campaigner spent 19 years in forced labour camps
22 November 2012
Council of Europe Strasbourg
2'08"Watch now
New survey on threats to media freedom in Europe
4 April 2017
Council of Europe Strasbourg
8'03"Watch now
Journalists under pressure: survey on unwarranted interference
14 April 2017
Council of Europe Strasbourg
4'10"Watch now
Interview with Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger
03 April 2017
Council of Europe Strasbourg
3'38"Watch now
Local government responds better to local needs
4 August 2014
Council of Europe Strasbourg
Guest videos on democracy
1'00"Watch now
Don't be lazy - drop your ballot paper in the box!
5 June 2018
Universidade Lusófona Lisbon, Portugal
1'00Watch now
Don't trust politicians with simple solutions that divide societies
11 June 2018
Universidade Lusófona Lisbon, Portugal
1'00"Watch now
Every ballot counts - may sure you vote!
20 June 2018
Universidade Lusófona Lisbon, Portugal
1'00Watch now
Be a democratic actor, not a puppet!
30 June 2018
Universidade Lusófona Lisbon, Portugal
1'00"Watch now
Not even a knight in shining armour can save you!
4 June 2018
Universidade Lusófona Lisbon, Strasbourg
3'35"Watch now
Transparency in multinational corporations
22 March 2015
Transparency International Berlin
0'39"Watch now
Threats faced by journalists worldwide
26 February 2017
Reporters Sans Frontières Paris
2'09"Watch now
What is corruption and what are its consequences?
1 September 2010
Explainity Hamburg
2'54"Watch now
What is freedom of expcession and why does it matter?
3 September 2014
Explainity Hamburg
