Stockholm Symposium on Democracy and the Rule of Law

Democracy and the rule of law are integral parts of the European identity and cornerstones for cooperation in the Union. The EU is not only a political union, but also a community of values that rests on the rule of law and respect for the rights and freedoms of the individual. Upholding these values is essential in making Europe stronger and more prosperous.

The Swedish Minister for EU Affairs, Ms. Jessika Roswall is hosting the Stockholm Symposium on Democracy and the Rule of Law. It will convene experts from Member States, EU institutions, and other stakeholders. It will provide an opportunity for stocktaking and constructive dialogue on how we use the instruments to navigate towards a stronger rule of law and to counter democratic backsliding.

Adresses will be made by Vice-President Jourová and Commissioner Reynders from the European Commission and President Lenaerts from the Court of Justice of the European Union. There will be a Presidency panel discussion, with Minister Roswall and the incoming Presidency trio, represented by Spain’s State Secretary for EU Affairs, Mr. Pascual Navarro, Belgium’s Minister for foreign affairs, EU and trade, Ms. Hadja Lahbib and Hungary’s Minister for Justice and EU Affairs, Ms. Judit Varga.

There will be three other panels with prominent representatives from EU Institutions, international organisations and civil society. For more information on all the panels, please see the discussion papers in the programme.