Registration now open for the first OpenEU Democracy Festival!
Democracy is firmly in the spotlight. But who says debating governance, society, and our collective future has to be dry? The OpenEU Student Council invites you to the inaugural OpenEU Democracy Festival, a free online event taking place from 23–25 October 2026.
Back in ’64, Bob Dylan crooned that “the times, they are a‑changing,” and the way we gather to discuss the world is changing too. This event is built on a clear promise: this is not a conference, but a festival.
Over three days of inspiration, interaction, and exchange, we will stretch back 2,500 years to ancient Athens where the idea of demos + kratos (rule by the people) first took hold, and fast-forward to the lived experiences and challenges of autumn 2026.
What to Expect
We have lined up a riveting programme of academics, analysts, and public servants to connect the dots between policy and real life. Audience engagement is fully guaranteed through short, sharp, dynamic formats:
40+ leading voices: Over 40 speakers from across Europe and beyond will dive into democracy from every angle—from space satellites to democratic citizenship, and from restorative justice to science fiction.
Six themed tracks: Explore democracy across six distinct areas: The Democratic Self, Deep Democracy & DEI, Governance & Society, Digital Democracy, Education & Knowledge, and Culture & Expression.
Completely interactive: Have your say using live polls, shared digital canvases, and collaborative break-out sessions.
Festival vibes: To keep the energy celebratory, the festival features a resident poet, a comedian, raffles, and a live DJ to wrap up our collective creations at the end of the event.
You absolutely do not need to have read your Plato to take part. These issues impact us all, meaning there will be something to listen to, to learn from, and maybe even get a bit livid over.
👉 Check the programme here! Don't miss your chance to explore, question, and connect in brilliant company.
A festival built for everyone: our accessibility commitment
We want everyone to feel comfortable, included, and empowered to participate. To ensure an entirely barrier-free experience, the OpenEU Festival is proudly offering:
Multilingual Support: Live captions available in six different languages, alongside live interpretation.
Sign Language: International Sign Language (ISL) interpretation throughout the event.
Advance Materials: Event materials can be shared with you ahead of time upon request.
The ChatDJ: A dedicated support figure present in the chat during live sessions to handle and elevate your written questions.
Voice Message Participation: If you prefer speaking over typing, you can send your questions or comments as voice notes via WhatsApp, Telegram, or Viber to our dedicated festival number.
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