Democracy and the Role of European Citizens

Exploring trust, participation, and accountability in modern Europe

The Cyprus Forum was proud to support a thought-provoking session on “Democracy and the Role of European Citizens”, held as part of the Cypriot Pre-Presidency Conference “Reshaping Europe in an Age of Uncertainty.”

Moderated by Bilun Gunes, Editor-in-Chief of Policypress, the discussion brought together Antrea Kosta, Yiannos Katsourides, and Alexandros-Christos Gkotinakos, three experts whose work examines how trust, participation, and accountability are evolving within Europe’s democratic systems.

At the core of the conversation was a defining question:

When citizens lose trust, when rights become conditional, and when democratic norms are tested from within — what role can European citizens play in renewing democracy?

The dialogue offered timely reminders that:

• Democratic erosion often begins quietly.
• Trust must be earned through genuine participation.
• Rights can never be conditional.

The Cyprus Forum extends its gratitude to the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA), the University of Nicosia, and the ActEU Horizon Europe Project for hosting and supporting this important discussion, and for their continued collaboration in strengthening civic trust and participation across Europe.