To mark the International Day of Democracy on 15 September, the Council of Europe held an event in Strasbourg, engaging the European civil society actors, including the Conference of European Churches (CEC). The event featured an exchange with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric, addressing issues related to peace and democracy.
The event was held in the context of the Reykjavik Declaration adopted by the Summit Head of State and Government of the Council of Europe in May this year to strengthen the Council of Europe and its work in the field of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Dr Elizabeta Kitanovic, CEC Programme Officer for Advocacy and Dialogue, spoke about the CEC initiative Pathways to Peace, elaborating on the need for legal, political and financial protection of worship places in Europe, especially in conflict zones.
The event highlighted the important role of civil society in strengthening the implementation of Council of Europe standards for democracy and good governance, as well as freedom of association in Europe, protecting and strengthening civil space and enlarging civil society.