Who Gets to Write Democracy’s Next Chapter? New narratives for trust, participation and collective agency

​Amid growing polarisation, declining trust in institutions, and a widespread feeling among citizens that they have little influence over the decisions affecting their lives, how can renewed democratic narratives strengthen participation and our collective capacity to act?

​On 19 November 2026, at the European Parliament, MEPs Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová (Renew) and Danuše Nerudová (EPP), in collaboration with Ashoka’s Participation Hub, will host a conversation on the future of democracy in Europe. Zuzana Čaputová, former President of Slovakia and Ashoka’s Advisor for the Future of Democracy, will share her reflections on democratic leadership, resilience, and the role of narratives in an increasingly uncertain world.

​Bringing together political leaders, social entrepreneurs, civil society representatives, and researchers, the event will connect institutional perspectives with on-the-ground experience. A conversation moderated by Laura Batalla Adam, Participation Hub Lead, will explore practical approaches to strengthening trust, fostering a sense of belonging, and enabling citizens to shape their shared future.

​The discussion will draw on insights from Ashoka’s Democracy Journey, a collaborative initiative informing a forthcoming publication on new democratic narratives, citizen participation, and collective action.

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• ​Date: Thursday, 19 November 2026 from 12:30 to 14:00

• ​Venue: European Parliament

• ​Hosted by: MEPs Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová and Danuše Nerudová, in collaboration with Ashoka’s Participation Hub

​Speakers

• ​Zuzana Čaputová — keynote speaker

• ​Elena Calistru — Ashoka Fellow

• ​Mark Swift — Ashoka Fellow

• ​Jeremy Druker — Ashoka Fellow