The Foundation BFPE for a Responsible Society, in partnership with the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, the Hanns Seidel Foundation, and with the support of the Council of Europe, successfully held the third seminar of the 2025 Annual Seminar, which took place from 12 to 14 September in Vrnjačka Banja, under the theme “Can We Trust Democracy Again?”
Over the course of the three-day program, participants explored contemporary challenges to democracy through lectures, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, with a particular focus on trust in institutions, the impact of digital technologies, the role of local communities, transitional justice, and a gender perspective in crisis situations.
The seminar opened with a strategic planning workshop dedicated to developing a growth plan for the Alumni Network, further strengthening a long-term approach to the development and networking of Annual Seminar participants. The program continued with discussions on protecting democracy in an era of surveillance and artificial intelligence, addressing the relationship between technology, security, and human rights.
On the second day, discussions focused on democratic belonging and resilience, the role of transitional justice in the development of democracy, and the state of democracy in the European Union. Special emphasis was placed on measuring trust and public opinion trends, which served as a basis for a broader discussion on the democratic potential of contemporary societies and the role of citizens in decision-making processes.
The final day of the seminar was dedicated to participant presentations and a panel discussion on women, security, and activism in crisis situations, opening space for reflection on gender perspectives in the context of crises, security challenges, and social engagement.
The third seminar of the Annual Seminar once again confirmed the importance of this program as a platform for critical reflection, knowledge exchange, and the strengthening of a network of young professionals committed to advancing democratic processes in Serbia and the wider region.
