On 16–17 September 2025, the Team Europe Democracy (TED) Network convened its Annual Meeting, bringing together members from across Europe to reflect on the achievements of the past year and to chart the course for the year ahead.
The gathering, organised under the framework of the Team Europe Democracy Initiative, served as a key platform to strengthen coordination among EU institutions, Member States, civil society organisations, think tanks, and academic partners engaged in advancing democracy and human rights worldwide.
The European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) was represented by Fabio Bargiacchi, Founder and Executive Director, and Jacopo Ardito, Senior Project & Communication Adviser. Their participation highlighted ECES’ continued commitment to fostering democratic governance, political participation, accountability, and the rule of law through innovative and inclusive approaches. They also moderated a debate on Political and Civic Participation, aimed at improving policies, programming and coordination in this field, with the objective of increasing the impact of democracy support both globally and in partner countries.
Launched in 2021 by EU Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen, the TED Initiative unites 14 EU Member States to create a coordinated European response in support of democracy worldwide. With its three priority themes (Accountability and Rule of Law, Political and Civic Participation, and Media and Digital), the initiative is shaping a more strategic and visible European contribution to global democracy support.
The Annual Meeting reaffirmed the importance of cross-regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives, underscoring the collective vision of Europe as a steadfast promoter of democracy and human rights.
18 September 2025
