The rationale behind FACTS: Why we should promote deliberative democracy in the EU

Democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights are the foundations on which the European Union is based. Democracy allows citizens to shape laws and public policies at European, national and subnational level. Democracy, however, relies on safeguards, checks and balances, and institutions that fulfil their roles and maintain the rules of pluralistic democratic debate. For participation to be meaningful, citizens must also be able to form their own opinions and make electoral choices in a public space where a plurality of views can be expressed freely and where free media, academia and civil society can play their role in fostering open debate free from harmful interference, either domestic or foreign. In sum, democracy flourishes in a climate where freedom of information and freedom of expression are both supported, allowing everyone to express their views, regardless of how critical they are of governments and those in power.