Youth-driven evidence can reframe Europe’s response to AI
In a politically polarized Brazil in 2018, where hate speech about minority groups was a staple in presidential campaign livestreams –
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13th World Forum for Democracy – Democracy at risk: how can we revive it?
The 2025 World Forum for Democracy focused on revitalizing democracy by rebuilding citizen trust, strengthening democratic culture, and fostering meaningful participation in governance.
How a Greek civic tech start-up is using AI to reinvent local democracy
August 2025Mirka Karra, Thessaloniki Democracy is often thought of in terms of national elections or EU institutions. Yet, when it comes to civic participation, the biggest gaps are often found at the municipal level. Recent data underscores the issue: in France, more than 60% of voters abstained from participating in the most recent local elections…
A Greek citizen’s basic needs are no longer met, and the growing distrust in democracy reflects that
August 2025Konstantinos Kougkas, Veria To claim that the last decade has been a challenge for western democracies would be a wildly simplistic understatement. Financial turmoil, migrant crises, the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine have all played their part in diminishing trust in democratic institutions across most European nations. Naturally,…
Democracy at Risk: Is the European Union a Modern Revolution or a Constraint for the Future?
August 2025Konstantinos Kostoulas, Athens The European Union is often described as one of the most ambitious political projects in modern history. Conceived in the ashes of two devastating World Wars, it was designed to secure peace, foster prosperity, and gradually build a common European identity. For decades, the EU seemed to embody precisely what many…
Reviving Democracy | Empathy – Storytelling & Civic Innovation
August 2025Fridoon Joinda, Athens Introduction Democracy stands at a critical turning point, challenged globally by declining trust, misinformation, polarization, and social divisions. Rapid technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence, have created abundant yet unreliable information, leaving citizens overwhelmed, disconnected, and skeptical about the value of their voices. Reviving democratic culture today requires empathy, authentic storytelling, and…
The regression of Democracy in its “birthplace”
August 2025Myrto Lyka, Volos The question “How and why are democratic nations gradually losing their fundamental values?” is at the heart of public debate regarding the growing inability of democratic societies to provide the prosperity and security they promise to their citizens. Greece, as the birthplace of democracy, can serve as a distinctive example in…
From Curitiba to the Council of Europe — What Brazil’s Voting Revolution Can Teach Us About Strengthening Democracy in Greece
In a politically polarized Brazil in 2018, where hate speech about minority groups was a staple in presidential campaign livestreams –
12th World Forum for Democracy – Democracy and Diversity – Can we transcend the divides?
The 2024 World Forum for Democracy focused on overcoming polarization and disinformation by embracing diversity to strengthen democratic values.
Seminar on Discrimination – Combating Racist Violence & Hate Speech
Discrimination, racist violence, and hate speech took center stage in a dynamic three-day training organised by Symbiosis – Council of Europe School of Political Studies in Greece.
Information-Democracy-European Elections
The 2024 European elections, the role of information, and their importance for democracy were the subjects of a two-day intensive dialogue held on 20 and 21 May in Thessaloniki organised by Symbiosis-Council of Europe School of Political Studies in Greece….
Training for Young European Journalists
Symbiosis – Council of Europe School of Political Studies in Greece organised a training for Young European Journalists, with the support of European Parliament Liaison Office in Greece and Inside Story.
Living Together: A Handbook on Migration and Social Inclusion
“Living Together: A Handbook on Migration and Social Inclusion” is designed to provide essential guidance for individuals navigating migration challenges. Tailored to the unique needs of migrants and refugees, this handbook focuses on fostering social inclusion in Greece.
11th World Forum for Democracy – Democracy= Peace?
The 11th World Forum for Democracy looked for innovative solutions and collaborative strategies to fortify the symbiotic bond between democracy and peace, recognizing that their interdependence is pivotal in navigating the complex challenges of our time.
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Webinar on Countering Hate Speech
The Webinar on ‘Countering Hate Speech’, organised by Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece, affiliated to the Council of Europe Network of Schools, took place online via the Symbiosis’ Education Platform during the months of June and July 2023.
Seminar on Social Inclusion, Migration and Intercultural Cities
Symbiosis – Council of Europe School of Political Studies in Greece organised a training for Young European Journalists, with the support of European Parliament Liaison Office in Greece and Inside Story.
BORDERLINE OFFENSIVE: Laughing in the face of fear
This research paper is the outcome of the Borderline Offensive project and aims to address a series of questions:
Webinars on Democratic Competences
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece, affiliated to the Council of Europe Network, has implemented the 3rd 2022 Seminar on “Democratic Competences” online from November to December 2022.
10th World Forum for Democracy – Democracy: A New Hope?
The 10th World Forum for Democracy looked for the key contributing factors to democratic decline, considered how these might be addressed, and explored what kind of democratic future is desirable, and possible, in the interests of people across the world.
Athens Forum: “Information disorder during a war infodemic”
The Forum discuss on how, fueled by politics, economics and history, the global take on the war in Ukraine has varied from region to region, particularly given the role that (dis)information has played in influencing these views.
Democratic Governance
On this page you can take a look at available audiovisual material regarding Democratic Governance.
Environment
On this page you can take a look at available audiovisual material regarding Environment.
Democratic Citizenship
On this page you can take a look at available audiovisual material regarding Democratic Citizenship.
Anti-Discrimination
On this page you can take a look at available audiovisual material regarding Anti-Discrimination.
Freedom of Expression
On this page you can take a look at available audiovisual material regarding Freedom of Expression.
Social Inclusion
On this page you can take a look at available audiovisual material regarding Social Inclusion.
Human Rights
On this page you can take a look at available audiovisual material regarding Human Rights.
Gender Equality
On this page you can take a look at available audiovisual material regarding Gender Equality.
Democracy(ies) in flux – Online Seminar
The Seminar on ‘Democracy(ies) in flux’ organised by Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece, affiliated to the Council of Europe Network of Schools, took place online during the months of April-May 2022 via the Symbiosis’ Education Platform.
Guide to Job Oriented Linguistic Support for Migrants and Refugees
The Guide to Job Oriented Linguistic Support for Migrants and Refugees aims to support migrants and refugees in Greece in familiarising themselves with the primary objectives of the employment/labour legislation, as well as the working life conditions of the country they reside in, and to provide tailor-made solutions for their job-oriented linguistic support.
Rethinking Humanitarianism – Online Seminar
The Seminar on “Rethinking Humanitarianism” organised by Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece took place online during the months of November-December 2021.
LIAM Labour Linguistic Integration (LILaLI)
Following the successful dissemination of the Council of Europe LIAM toolkit in 2018-19-20, Symbiosis implemented the project ‘LIAM Labour Linguistic Integration 2021 (LiLaLI 2021)’.
Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Awareness Raising on Gender Issues – Three Days of Education and Engagement Activities for the Refugee Community
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece organised three days of education and engagement activities on Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Awareness Raising on Gender Issues from 21 to 23 July 2021 at the ‘Agia Eleni’ Open Refugee Camp in Ioannina.
Seminar on the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights Case Law: Focus on Roma Issues
The Online Seminar took place every Tuesday, June 22 & 29 and July 6 & 13 2021, organised by Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece in collaboration with the joint program of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, JUSTROM 3.
Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence Prevention at the Local Level – Webinars
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece, affiliated to the Council of Europe Network of School organised in June 2021 an eight-day Online Seminar on Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence Prevention at the Local Level, with the support of the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Foundation-Thessaloniki Office.
Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Gender Issues – Online Educational Programme for Cultural Mediators
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece organised an Online Educational Programme on Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Gender Issues for cultural mediators and interpreters working with refugee and migrant men.
Webinars on Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence Prevention
The Webinars on Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence Prevention took place from 23 to 25 February and from 1 to 3 March 2021 via the Zoom platform.
Manual: Focus on Men – Gender Based Violence Prevention Work with Male Refugees and Migrants
With this manual we present a practice-oriented guide for facilitators on the implementation of intervention and education programs to provide gender-sensitive prevention services. It was developed within the framework of the European project FOMEN: Focus on Men. Gender Based Violence Prevention Work with Male Refugees and Migrants (2019 – 2021).
Anti-Gypsyism and Racist Violence. Guidelines on countering anti-Gypsyism and racist violence based on the European Court of Human Rights case law
International organisations estimate that a large number of the approximately 680,000 stateless persons currently residing in Europe are Roma, without identification documents such as birth certificates, ID cards, or passports to prove their identity, legal status and citizenship.
Guide on Legal Gender Recognition in Greece
With the vote on the legal gender recognition, the leading state body, the Greek Parliament, overturned in 2017 the long-established notion of gender in Greece and opened the debate on gender issues in the public sphere, a debate pending for a long time.
Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants (LIAM)
Since 2018, Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece, affiliated to the Council of Europe Network of Schools, has been engaged in promoting in Greece the Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants (LIAM) Toolkit to educators.
Gender Equality and Violence Prevention in Greece – Focus on Men, Webinars
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece implemented an online Seminar/Webinars on Gender Equality and Violence Prevention, with a focus on men, targeting School alumni and the 2020 cohort, particularly those close to the topic.
Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants (LIAM) – Visibility & Dissemination
During 2020, Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece carried out visibility and dissemination activities of the Council of Europe Linguistic Integration for Migrants and Refugees programme.
9th World Forum for Democracy – “Can Democracy Save the Environment?”
The 9th World Forum for Democracy responded to world events. From November 2020 to November 2021 discussions took place online, giving us a chance to share throughout the year via webinars, online discussions and – when conditions permitted it – face to face.
Webinars on “Re-wiring Democracy: connecting institutions and citizens in the digital age”
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece has implemented the 3rd online Seminar: Webinars on “Re-wiring Democracy: connecting institutions and citizens in the digital age”, blended with a physical kick off workshop in the period during September to November 2020.
Webinars on “Rights and Inclusion in the Times of COVID-19”
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece implemented the Webinars on Rights and Inclusion in the Times of COVID-19 during the period of June-July 2020.
Webinars on Human Rights, Equality, Anti-Discrimination and Social Inclusion
Due to the COVID-19 related restrictions, Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece held online first seminar of 2020 entitled “Human Rights, Equality, Anti-Discrimination and Social Inclusion” during the period from May to early June.
Can Democracy Save the Environment? – Policy Notes
This publication is based on the Webinars on “Can Democracy Save the Environment?” organised by Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece, affiliated to the Council of Europe Network of Schoolsduring December 2020 within the framework of the 9th version of the World Forum for Democracy.
Symbiosis, Social Inclusion, Integration and Solidarity in Europe: Current Challenges and Future Prospects
An interdisciplinary collection of essays designed to map out a wide-ranging present and future of migration, integration, inclusion and symbiosis, in Greece and in Europe, this volume addresses selected topics of the current state of the field and points to significant challenges.
European Union, Social Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Policies – Self-Training Notebook
This publication is a Self-trainingNotebook on EU, Social Inclusion and Anti-DiscriminationPolicies, produced by Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece in the framework of the Jean Monnet project Discourses on Symbiosis.
European Union and Integration Policies for Third-Country Nationals – Self-Training Notebook
This publication is a Self-trainingNotebook on EU and Integration Policies for Third-CountryNationals, produced by Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece in the framework of the Jean Monnet project Discourses on Symbiosis.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies affiliated to the Council of Europe Network of Schools organised in Athens a two-day seminar, from 11 to 12 December 2019, on ‘Addressing Gender-Based Violence.
Setting up a Council of Europe Academy for Democratic Leadership for Persons with a Refugee Background, Experts’ Workshop
Symbiosis – School of Political Studies in Greece, Network of Council of Europe, held on the 11th of December 2019 in Serafeio Athletic & Community Complex, Athens an Experts’ Workshop on Setting up a Council of Europe Academy for Democratic Leadership for Persons with a Refugee Background.
Democratic governance of migration: Aligning the national and the local, Seminar
This project’s overall objective is to contribute pro-actively to the successful integration of newcomers into European societies.
Information and Democracy Seminar
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies affiliated to the Council of Europe Network of Schools organised in Thessaloniki a three-day seminar, from 5 to 7 December 2019, on ‘Information and Democracy’.
World Forum for Democracy 2019 – “Is democracy in danger in the information age?”
Information is changing. The volume, the content, the platforms: each of these has evolved beyond recognition in a short period of time. This evolution continues. Twenty-five years ago, most of our information came from print publications, television and radio.
Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants (LIAM) – Dissemination and Implementation Project in Greece
From June to December 2019, Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece, affiliated to the Network of the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the German organisation Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) carried out the LIAM – Dissemination and Implementation’ project in Greece.
Migration and Integration Forum – “Je t’aime, … moi non plus” : Reframing migration & integration challenges in Greece and Europe
The Thessaloniki Integration Forum “Je t’ aime, … moi non plus: Reframing migration and integration challenges in Greece and Europe” took place on 9-11 May 2019 at the Thessaloniki Municipal Hall, organized by Symbiosis-School of political studies in Greece.
Gender, Reproductive and Primary Health – Training Workshops for Migrant Communities
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece organized nine training workshops on Gender, Reproductive and Primary Health for Migrant Communities from March to June 2019 in Athens.
Towards inclusive communities in Greece – Handbook on Participatory Assessment
The document provides basic tips to help teams to better structure the identification of data sources, conducting focus groups, reporting of outcomes and disseminating outcomes.
Setting up a Laboratory for Documentation and Communication on Social Inclusion
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece organised on Friday 21 December an event to discuss, plan and organise the Setting up of a Laboratory for Documentation and Communication.
Multilateralism in Crisis – Civic Roundtable
The Civic Roundtable is an annual event offering 30 fellows from different European countries and beyond a platform to study trends and challenges and to experiment with various ways to forge better civics across Europe. There have now been four successful editions of the Civic Roundtable.
A Forum on New Engagement for Integration – Evidence based and accountably communicated integration policy & practice
The forum was organized by Symβiosis, Piraeus Municipality and the Royal Embassy of Norway. It aimed to bring together key actors from across Greece – including government and municipality representatives, civil society organizations, migrant and refugee associations.
World Forum for Democracy 2018 – “Gender Equality: Whose Battle?”
The seventh edition of the World Forum for Democracy, entitled “Gender equality – Whose battle?”was dedicated to gender equality and women’s rightsin the wake of #MeToo. The Forum gathered more than 2000 participants from over 80 countries.
Intercultural Integration Academy in Greece
On 7-9 November 2018, in Thessaloniki, the first Intercultural Integration Academy was held at the initiative of the Intercultural Cities programme of the Council of Europe and the Symbiosis-School of Political Studied in Greece.
Reference Framework on Competencies for Democratic Culture and Intercultural Dialogue – Seminars
The Reference Framework is based on the Council of Europe’s long-standing values of equality, dignity and respect. It highlights the necessary skills needed to equip young people with the values, attitudes, skills, knowledge and critical understanding required for actively participating in today’s societies.
Sapere Aude: Responsible Citizenship
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece, organised the ‘Sapere Aude: Responsible Citizenship’ seminar, concluding event of the curriculum 2018 under the implementation of the SCE core programme.
Is a Common Europe Possible?
The Seminar “Is a common Europe possible?” took place at the School of Aristotle in the city of Naoussa from 6 to 8 July 2018.
“Planning for inclusive cities” – Cities on the Edge: How to design open, just, adaptable, flourishing cities of tomorrow in Greece?
Cities are not only the sites where contemporary ‘wicked policy issues’, such as migration, inequality and sustainability crystallise in a bundled way. They are also considered an engine of social and political change – and governance innovation.
Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants (LIAM) in Greece – Seminars
The ‘Language support for Adult Migrants and refugees (LIAM): a Council of Europe Toolkit’ seminars, was organised during 2018 in Athens and Thessaloniki by Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece, affiliated to the Council of Europe Network.
Unpacking Integration – Athens Policy Lab
The Athens Lab on “Unpacking Integration” was organized by Symbiosis -School of Political Studies on 15 to 17 December 2017, in cooperation with the Municipalities of Athens and Thessaloniki.
World Forum for Democracy 2017 – “Is Populism a Problem?”
The sixth edition of the World Forum for Democracy gathered more than 2000 participants from over 80 countries. Politicians and international leaders provided their views on the question of populism and its impact on traditional party and media structures as well as on multilateralism.
Europe Quo vadis? What Future for Europe?
The Seminar Europe Quo vadis? What Future for Europe aimed to analyse the root causes of increasing Euro-scepticism and expand on the various options for re-launching the European project.
Conference on Gender, Migration and Trafficking in Europe
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in collaboration with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, and PRIO Cyprus Centre organised a conference on Gender, Migration and Trafficking in Europe on 29 September 2017 in Nicosia, Cyprus, to explore these three interlinked topics as they manifest across Europe today.
Gender, Human Rights and Media
The Seminar on Gender, Human Rights and Media took place in Thessaloniki, 27-30 June 2017, under the aegis of the Secretariat for Human Rights, Ministry of Justice.
Sexual Gender Based Violence Prevention – Capacity Building Training Workshops for Humanitarian Front-line Professionals
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece organized four capacity building trainings on Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) from April to June 2017 in Thessaloniki with the support of the UNFPA mission in Greece. The four trainings, 8 hour duration each which is in total of 32 hours of training delivered.
Towards inclusive and data driven cities – Athens Urban Policy Lab
From smart data to infrastructure, participatory design to migration, the Lab shared a multidisciplinary focus and a forward-looking vision of how our urban future can be shaped to achieve better outcomes for communities, businesses and local authorities.
World Forum for Democracy 2016 – “Democracy and equality – does education matter?”
The 2016 World Forum for Democracy gathered 2200 participants from more than 100 countries.Political institutions representatives, young activists,academia, media, business circles, civil society organisations, social innovators and educators.
Islamophobia – Tackling Prejudice and Engaging with Religious Groups and Marginalisation
The event responded to current concerns about rising levels of Islamophobia, as well as stigmatisation of other religions, whilst acknowledging the rights of all individuals and groups -whether religious or not- under the European Convention on Human Rights.
From reception to integration: Evidence and innovation – Athens Refugee Policy Lab
Following on from the Syros Migration Policy Lab in September 2015, the aim of the Athens Refugee Policy Lab – From reception to integration: Evidence and innovation has been to engage multiple stakeholders in a dialogue, assessing refugee reception efforts in Greece since 2015.
Freedom of Media and Human Rights – Forum
The Forum on Freedom of Media and Human Rights fostered knowledge and discussion that protect press freedoms, increase public access to knowledge and information, the inclusion of minority voices in media, and use of communication and information to address pressing social issues.
World Forum for Democracy 2015 – “Freedom vs control: For a democratic response”
The 2015 edition of the World Forum for Democracy took place after the 13 November Paris attacks, highlighting the pertinence of the theme chosen and the urge to provide answers to the three sets of questions raised.
Safeguarding fundamental rights in the midst of increasing migratory flows and social crisis – Migration Policy Lab
Symbiosis, the Civil School of Political Studies in Greece, Network of Council of Europe, organised the Migration Policy Lab on “Safeguarding fundamental rights in the midst of increasing migratory flows and social crisis” in Syros from 3 to 7 September 2015.
Greece after the January 2015 elections, governance and Europe, popular national isolation or democracy of rights: Prospects, assessment, rights and development in Europe
Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece, affiliated to the Council of Europe Network of Schools, organised the seminar in Xanthi from 24 to 26 March, 2015, in line with Symbiosis commitment to decentralization.
Exploring Politics of Friendship
A joint seminar by the affiliated to the Council of Europe Istanbul and Symbiosis-Schools of Political Studies in Greece, investigating the possibilities for Politics of Friendship today, took place on 27-30 December 2014.
World Forum for Democracy 2014 – “From participation to influence: can youth revitalise democracy?”
The 2014 edition of the World Forum for Democracy gathered representatives of civil society, media and business circles, academics, young activists, and political leaders from more than 100 countries to discuss the issues and challenges of youth participation and the opportunities they offer for democratic renewal.
Challenges of democracy in Europe today: Democratic participation, representation, legitimisation, mobilisation, public and social inclusion
The five-day seminar on “Challenges of democracy in Europe today: Democratic representation, legitimisation, mobilization, public and social inclusion”, was organized in Xanthi, 20-25 August 2014
Racist Discourse, Far Right Rhetoric and Media
The Seminar organised by the Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece in collaboration with the School of Journalism and Mass Communications of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) and the Journalists’ Association of Northern Greece (ESIEM-Th), took place on 28-30 May 2014 in Thessaloniki.
The 2014 European Elections, Democracy and Discrimination
A Seminar on “The 2014 European Elections, Democracy and Discrimination” was organized by Symbiosis on 5-7 April 2014, under the auspices of the Council of Europe network of Schools for Political Studies, at the Journalists Association (ESIEMTH) premises in Thessaloniki.
European elections, democracy and discrimination: Facing the rise of racism and xenophobia in Greece
This publication (available only in Greek) was based on the Seminar ‘The 2014 European Elections, Democracy and Discrimination’ organised by Symbiosis-School of Political Studies in Greece on 5-7 April 2014 in Thessaloniki.